Japan’s Imperial Palace
When you think about Tokyo, Japan, what do you most associate with it? Tokyo Tower? Mount Fuji? Or the various different shrines? I think for most, it is the Imperial Palace, also known fondly as Kyokyo.
The Imperial Palace exudes one of the grandest airs about its surroundings. It is also the permanent residence of the royal family. The palace is being watched over by the Imperial Household Agency and their mission is to keep any scandals covered up. The whole architecture of the palace was completed in 1968, modeled and reconstructed after the Meiji Imperial Palace which was targeted by bombers in WWII.
On the same grounds, is where the Edo Castle, once the largest castle in the world had stood. The feudal lord who owned the castle was assassinated in 1486.
In a whole year, the palace is only opened to public twice – once on 2 January which is New Year’s Holiday and 23 December, the Emperor’s birthday. However, tourists may still wander around the outskirts of the palace’s premises as it is opened to the public daily. You will glimpse people exercising, the peaceful greenery and also, the famous double-barrelled bridge, Niju-bashi – the landmark of the Imperial Palace.
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