The Imperial Palace was built and expanded in the 17th Centruy 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. Visitors can enjoy a pleasant stroll admiring the architecture, stone bridges and seasonal flowers in the gardens and surrounding areas.

After today’s enthronement ceremony, the Imperial Palace is now the home of Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako. Take a tour of the grounds at the link below.