(S.NAKANO, 123rf)
Autumn is one of Japan’s most beautiful seasons as the landscapes transform into fiery crimson and orange hues.
Among countless autumn foliage attractions throughout the nation, the Imperial Palace in Tokyo is known for its impressive autumn leaves along Inui Avenue. Along the 600-meter-long avenue, eight-varieties of 70 maple trees offer breathtaking autumn colors every fall.
The Imperial Palace was built and expanded in the 17th Century as Edo Castle but has been in use as the Imperial Palace since 1867 during the Meiji Restoration. Four parts make up the palace grounds and three of those are open to the public – The Outer Garden, the East Garden and Kitanomaru Park.
Although the scenic Inui Avenue is usually off limits, it opens for the public twice a year, in spring for sakura blossoms and autumn for colored foliage since 2014 when the Emperor Emeritus’ 80th birthday was celebrated.
This year, the avenue opens for Nov. 30 through Dec. 8. Visitors can enter through the Sakashita Gate for a pleasant stroll to admire the autumn leaves, architecture and stone bridges in the garden before exiting at Inui Gate.
On Nov. 30, the first day of autumn opening, there were 17,440 visitors who enjoyed impressive landscape, according to The Imperial Household Agency.
Don’t miss this rare opportunity and enjoy Japan’s autumn colors with countless crimson maple leaves at the backdrop of traditional buildings and gardens in the imperial palace!
(map)
Imperial Palace (Inui Avenue) Autumn Opening
Period: Through Dec. 8
Hours: 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Shikakami-Sanchi mountain range
