Imperial Palace, Tokyo

Even though you are in the middle of Tokyo the moat and the old guardhouse buildings give the palace grounds a peaceful and idylic feel.

This is the famous samurai Kusunoki Masashige, 1294-1336, a patriotic hero called Nanko or Dai-Nanko. You can read more about him in the Wikipedia. The link is provided below.

This is probably the most photographed area of the Imperial Palace grounds strictly on the fact that it is the only place where you have any access most of the time.

The famous Otemon bridge (which means Big hand Gate) was rebuilt in 1967. It was the main gatre to the palace before the Nijubashi bridge was built.

This double arched bridge is the most famous in the park. It was completed in 1888 and is beautifully detailed. The picture says it all !

The Imperial Palace Moat which surrounds the castle. The Sakurada Moat is the longest moat in Edo castle. The road surrounding the moat is a popular jogging route.

There are some great parks in the palace park area. The actual palace is closed to visitors except for twice a year but the East Garden is open and is a nice place to stroll around on a nice day.

Tokyo Palace. Unfortunately I was too late, the grounds close around 5.00. Still it was nice to walk along the moat.