The East Gardens are the former site of Edo Castle's innermost circles of defense, the honmaru ("main circle") and ninomaru ("secondary circle"). None of the main buildings remain today, but the moats, walls, entrance gates and several guardhouses still exist.
Edo Castle was the residence of the Tokugawa shogun who ruled Japan from 1603 to 1867. Emperor Meiji also resided there from 1868 to 1888 before moving to the newly constructed Imperial Palace. The East Gardens are the former site of Edo Castle's innermost circles of defense, the honmaru ("main circle") and ninomaru ("secondary circle"). None of the main buildings remain today, but the moats, walls, entrance gates and several guardhouses still exist.
An imperial palace is located in the same location where once Edo castle stood. Edo castle was occupied by Tokugawa Shogun, who ruled Japan from 1603 until 1867. Original castle building no longer exist, but the moats, surrounding the castle till keeps the grace of the Edo castle, which is worth while visiting. Although imperial palace is one of the interest among tourists to Tokyo, areas in which general public can visit is limited. Kitanomaru Park, and Imperial Palace East Garden are the only two areas in Imperial palace which is opened to the public. Although visitors cannot go inside of the imperial palace, it is a recommedable experience to walk around the palace if you have the time. Around the moat is about 5 km and should take about little over 1 hr with normal speed.
Moving clockwise form Ootemon, you will can see the Tokyo Tower, Sakuradamon, The Diet Building, The Supreme Court, National Theater of Japan, TOKYO FM head office. Best spot to visit during the cherry blossom time is the Chidorigafuchi park where visitors can see the spectacular cherry tree blossom which is one of the best in Tokyo.
Only problem with cherry blossom is that it is only available about 10 days in a year, and with the changing of world climate, the blossom time cannot be exactly predicted but in general, it can be seen during late March to beginning of April.
Compared to the Kitanomaru Park, Imperial Palace East Gardens is more sophisticated and visitor friendly. Admission to Imperial Palace East Garden is free.
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