Kokyo
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JapanTokyoNijubashi.jpg
JapanTokyoNijubashi.jpg
Nijubashi Bridge at the Imperial Palace.
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Japanemperorbirthday.jpg
Japanemperorbirthday.jpg
Emperor Akihito prepares to greet the flag-waving crowd at the Imperial Palace on his birthday. Photo taken on Dec. 23, 2004.
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EdoCastleWallBuilding.jpg
EdoCastleWallBuilding.jpg
Defensive wall and building above moat surrounding Kōkyo
Kokyo (皇居, Kōkyo) is the Japanese Imperial palace in the Chiyoda ward of Tokyo. After the Meiji Restoration and the removal of the Shogun rulers, the Imperial court moved from Kyoto to Tokyo and the former Tokugawa stronghold of Edo castle became the residence of the Emperor of Japan.
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 only open to the public on two days during each year, the Emperor's birthday and New Years (January 2).
The Kokyo is close to Tokyo Station.