Things You Must Know Before Go To Imperial Palace Tokyo, JapanGuidance.com – Took only 15 minutes of walk west from Tokyo Station, you can find this Japanese Pride Building; Tokyo Imperial palace. This palace looks more like a park-residence. Including the huge garden, it covers about 7.41 square kilometers.
This is very important place in Tokyo and especially in Japan. The place where The Emperor of Japan and his families served.
The Tokyo Imperial Palace is actually an Edo Castle, which is one of greatest engineering in history. The construction includes adding artificial lands to Tokyo and also diverting the rivers. The island seems build to protect the castle, preventing attack from enemies. But, in 1873 The Edo Castle we burned to the ground.
And nowadays you can see that what remain in the castle is just the walls, guard houses, the castle’s moats, and the base of castle tower. By the way, the castle tower was once became the tallest building in Japan. Here we provide something you must know before go to Imperial Palace in Tokyo.
Best Things You Must Know Before Go To Imperial Palace Tokyo
Great Nature Inside
Japanese Times once release an article which said that there are more than 3.600 animal and insect also more about 1.366 plant species inside Imperial Palace. What that mean? It is mean that more than 20% of Tokyo’s tree species are found here in Imperial Palace.
This is so reasonable because the late emperor described as somebody who loves nature. He even prohibited the use chemical dosing such as pesticides and encourages all the staff to create insect habitats inside the Imperial Palace!
Did You Know The Palace Ownership?
With the famous stories about the Imperial Palace, maybe you will think that Imperial palace ownership belongs to Imperial Family. But in fact, that is a little incorrect. The Imperial household Agency reveal that ownership of The Imperial palace is belongs to Japan. And the Imperial Family is currently “only” preserve the ownership of the Shrines.
Tourism Spot
As a tourist in Imperial Palace, you can get a 75 minute walk around the Imperial palace with free of charge. This free tour includes a tour of the Imperial Household Building, the Lotus Moat, Niju-Bashi Bridge and also a brief introduction video about the Imperial Palace. But you should know that just only some parts of the tours are conducted in English. But not to worry, they include English language leaflets. Make sure you make a reservation before.
The Imperial Palace Complex
The Imperial Palace complex is divides into 3 blocks. In The Central Block you will find The place where the all of the royal business is conducted; the main Imperial Palace and the Imperial household agency. Just near the central block, you can find Shinto Shrine, where almost all private religious ceremonies are usually held.
And also there are Fukiage Gyoen there, containing The Imperial Residence, the residence of former Emperor and Empress. And the last block; The Imperial Gardens, you can find the museum of the Imperial Collections and also The Imperial Concert Hall.
Some Little Tips About Things You Must Know Before Go To Imperial Palace Tokyo
Imperial Palace is the real home of emperor and his family, generally you will not allowed to enter actual place building or into the inner gardens. But you should also know this; there are exception you can go inside, it is on The Emperor Birthday on December 23rd and also on 2nd January as the start of the new years. On these 2 special events, the imperial family will makes a public appearance on the balcony.
More Pics for Imperial Palace Tokyo:
But if you really want to go and see inside the inner garden, you must book a guided tour before. The inner garden tour is conducted in Japanese, but you can still request an English note and audio guide. You can easily reserve your ticket by contacting The Imperial Household Agency, if you don’t mean to do that, you should reserve your ticket ahead of time to avoid some unwanted events.
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So, after you read all articles above, at least you can go to Imperial Palace in Tokyo with some knowledge about the Imperial Palace itself, about what you should do and don’t. The Imperial Palace will be always be your memorable times and really worth to visit.