Tokyo – Imperial Palace

The Imperial Palace marks the centre of Tokyo and the symbolic heart of Japan. You can walk outside the imperial palace and enjoy the view of the lovely ditches, bridges and walls of the palace (it is also the most popular jogging route in Tokyo). You can also enter the Imperial Palace East Garden, which is a beautiful escape from the crowd and concrete of the city. And, if you are interested in the history of the Second World War, don’t miss the controversial Yasukuni-jinja shrine, where several war criminals are consecrated, and the adjacent Yushukan Museum, which presents the nationalist vision of Japan’s war history.

Imperial Palace/Kokyo

The Imperial Palace, or Kokyo in Japanese, is the center of Tokyo and, in some respects, the heart of Japan. The general public can enter the park on 23 December (the Emperor’s birthday) and on 2 January, when the imperial family pronounces its annual New Year’s wishes. Otherwise, you can enter only as part of a private visit (ask the Imperial House Agency). For most people, the best you can do is to take views from a distance, usually through the moat surrounding it or from various points of view in the high buildings nearby (my favorite view is that of the art museum Idemitsu in the Tokyo station district).

East Garden of the Imperial Palace

This spacious park on the east side of the Imperial Palace is an oasis in the middle of Tokyo concrete. The simple fact of walking gives you an idea of the scale of the imperial palace and the surrounding area. Many tokyoites come here to play sports and relax.

Yasukuni-jinja Shrine/Yushukan Museum

If you are interested in Japan’s history, it is one of the most fascinating sites in Japan. Yasukuni-jinja devotes Japanese war criminals from the Second World War. The sanctuary itself is magnificent and gives rise to a mysterious feeling of power. But the most interesting part is the adjacent Yushukan Museum, which presents the Japanese nationalist version of 19th and 20th century history, focusing on the history of the Second World War. Whatever your opinion about the war, it’s worth visiting the exhibitions. The information in English is sufficient to understand the exhibition. If you want a more complete view of this period, visit Showa-kan Museum.

Kitanomaru-koen

This park north of the Imperial Palace is a pleasant place to walk. It is recommended to associate it with a visit to the eastern garden of the imperial palace nearby. On the way, you will pass the Nippon Budokan, mythical for judo, its primary function, as well as for having gathered the largest rock bands in concert.

Koishikawa Garden Koraku-en

This beautiful garden next to Tokyo Dome City is one of the most beautiful in the neighborhood. It is an oasis in which it is very pleasant to walk to take a break from the city.

Showa-kan Museum

Located on the north side of Kitanomaru-koen Park and a few steps from Yasukuni-jinja Sanctuary, this museum houses exhibitions of everyday life in Japan during and after the Second World War. It is a good counterpoint to the Yushukan Museum in Yasukuni-jinja because it shows the effect of Japan’s nationalist policies on Japanese life.

Zenkoku-ji Temple

Built in 1595 by Tokugawa Ieyasu, the Zenkoku-ji temple was originally located in the Chiyoda district before being moved to its current location in Kagurazaka in 1792. Since then, it has become a symbol of the neighborhood. The temple is dedicated to Bishamon, one of the four heavenly kings of Buddhist tradition. He is a military deity and is also one of the seven lucky gods. The statue of Bishamon inside the temple hall was designated as official cultural property. During festivals, the temple atmosphere becomes very lively with many food stands on the ground. At other times, it is serene, with beautiful gardens to visit.

Hibiya-koen Park

It is an ideal place for a break or picnic while exploring central Tokyo. Take some takeaways in one of Ginza’s department stores and enjoy them in this beautiful park. There are many benches and places to sit throughout the park, and you will often see office workers during their lunch breaks, reading or practicing music. Hibiya Park is also a good place for nature lovers in the middle of the city. You could see martin-fishers if you’re lucky, and the park houses the 500-year-old ‘Risky Gingko’ tree.

JCII Camera Museum

This small but interesting camera museum in the Hanzomon region (just west of the Imperial Palace) is a good destination for those passionate about photographic material.

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