訪日外国人古都（コト）体験

Edo castle 江戸城

The imperial palace situates in the center of Tokyo with approximately five kilometers around. It is located in the former site of Edo Castle. From 17th century to the middle of 19th century, Edo Castle had been the seat of Tokugawa Shogun and Japan`s military and political center. It was surrounded by water moats and massive stone walls. The residences of feudal lords were located around the Castle.

Since the Meiji restoration, it has been the residence of Japan`s Imperial family. The current Emperor is the descendant of world`s oldest imperial lineage. Welcoming parties for heads of other nations are held at the Imperial Palace.

周囲５キロの堀と石の壁に囲まれた皇居は東京の中心に位置しています。ここは以前江戸城があった場所です。17世紀から19世紀にかけて江戸城は徳川幕府の本拠地で、日本の軍事と政治の中心でした。武士は江戸城近くに住んでいました。

明治維新以降は皇室のお住まいとなりました。現在の天皇は世界で最も古い皇室の子孫にあたります。国賓をお迎えする時に皇居を利用する機会が多いです。

二重橋 Nijubashi Bridge

The Imperial Palace is also popular among tourists. You can view the Nijubashi, meaning double bridges, from Kokyo Gaien, a large plaza in front of the Imperial Palace. People enjoy jogging on the pavements of the plaza where lots of beautiful pine trees are planted. The East Gardens of Imperial Palace is recommendable if you would like to see the former site of the main building and the remaining foundation of the castle tower.

皇居は観光客にも人気のスポットです。皇居正面に位置する皇居外苑から二重橋を見ることができます。松の木が植えられた歩道でジョギングを楽しむ人が多く見られます。江戸城の天守閣跡や現存する富士見櫓に興味がある方には東御苑がお勧めです。

二の丸庭園 Ninomaru Garden

You can enjoy various types of flowers throughout the year here. it is said that Ninomaru Garden was designed for the shogun. Now, in winter, the camellias are welcoming you, and in spring the weeping cherry trees; in summer the hydrangeas, irises, and wisterias, and you can enjoy the maple leaves in fall.

二の丸庭園では一年を通して様々なお花をお楽しみいただけます。二の丸庭園は将軍のために設計されたと言われています。冬には椿が迎えてくれます。春にはしだれ桜が、夏にはアジサイとアヤメと藤が、秋には紅葉を楽しむことができます。