Kokyo
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Defensive wall and building above moat surrounding Kōkyo
The Kōkyo (皇居) 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 (宮城, "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.
Historic imperial palaces
- 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.
External links
- [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]
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