Kokyo
|
Panorama of the Imperial Palace in Tokyo |
|
Map of the Imperial Palace and surrounding Gardens |
 |
Nijubashi Bridge at the Imperial Palace. |
 |
Emperor Akihito prepares to greet the flag-waving crowd at the Imperial Palace on his birthday. Photo taken on Dec. 23, 2004. |
 |
Imperial Palace Garden |
 |
Defensive wall and building above moat surrounding Kōkyo |
The
Kōkyo () is the Imperial Palace of
Japan and the residence of the
Emperor of Japan. It is located in
Chiyoda, Tokyo.
After the
Meiji Restoration and the resignation of
Tokugawa Yoshinobu, the last
Tokugawa shogun, the Imperial court moved from
Kyoto to
Tokyo and the former Tokugawa stronghold of
Edo castle became the residence of the emperor. From 1888 to 1948, it was called
kyūjō (, "palace castle").
It was destroyed during the
Second World War by bombing, but was rebuilt in the same style in 1968.
Most of the palace is generally off-limits to the public, but the East Gardens are usually accessible to
tourists. The inner palace is open to the public on only two days during each year, the Emperor's birthday and at the New Year (January 2).
The Kōkyo is close to
Tokyo Station.
The buildings of the Imperial Palace were constructed by
Takenaka Corporation.
*
Heijo Palace in
Nara, the Imperial Palace during the
Nara Period (710-784)
*
Kyoto Gosho - Imperial palace at various locations in Kyoto, residence until the move to Tokyo in 1868.
*
Kunaicho | The Imperial Palace and other Imperial Household Establishments*
Kunaicho | The Imperial Palace (photos)*
Information on visiting the Imperial Palace on the Emperor's birthday
