Imperial Palace

The current Imperial Palace (Kokyo) is located on the former site of Edo Castle, a large park area surrounded by moats and massive stone walls in the center of Tokyo. It is the residence of Japan's Imperial Family.

Edo Castle used to be the seat of the Tokugawa shogun who ruled Japan from 1603 until 1867. In 1868, the shogunate was overthrown, and the country's capital and Imperial Residence were moved from Kyoto to Tokyo. In 1888 construction of a new Imperial Palace was completed. The palace was once destroyed during World War Two, and rebuilt in the same style, afterwards.

Photo a12, 1987

Imperial Palace

Photo a13, 1987

Imperial Palace

Torii (gate),

Photo a15, 1987

Imperial Palace

Entrance

Photo a16, 1987

Imperial Palace

Seimon Ishibashi bridge which leads to the main gate of the Imperial Palace

Photo a17, 1987

Imperial Palace

Seimon Ishibashi bridge which leads to the main gate of the Imperial Palace

Photo a18, 1987

Imperial Palace

Seimon Ishibashi bridge which leads to the main gate of the Imperial Palace

Photo 17, 1987