This place is beautiful and peaceful, especially during fall as it leads into winter. It's rare for the road to be open, making this visit very memorable. As you walk through the grounds, you can't help but admire how well-maintained the property is. There are many types of trees to explore and photograph. When I visited, the trees showcased their stunning fall colors. The tour is self-guided and follows a one-way walking path. It takes about 40 minutes to walk the circuit, but with so many photo opportunities, expect to stay longer. Gates open at 9 am, and it can get crowded, so it's best to arrive early, around 8:30, to enjoy the best morning light and experience.
A must-visit in Tokyo, Japan for a better understanding of Modern Japanese History and Culture, particularly from the Meiji Era to the Second World War! It's best to visit the East Garden and Ruined Castle with a guided tour filled with historical insights. I visited twice with different guides, one a local and the other a foreigner, and each experience offered a unique perspective of Japan.
It is wonderful that the government allows access to this beautiful garden. It is very well maintained, and there is no entrance fee. A simple security check is all that's required. One can easily spend 2 to 3 hours exploring this historic garden.
The garden is quite spacious, with various points of interest spread out over a decent distance. This makes for a long, relaxing stroll. The moat's water is somewhat murky, which affected capturing a good reflection. Even though it was October, many scenes looked quite similar, with a few resilient flowers still standing. There doesn't seem to be an open entrance to the Imperial Palace, as many roadways were monitored by police. Be sure to collect a stamp at the shop before leaving.
The palace gardens are beautiful and easily accessible by metro. Different points of interest within the gardens are well explained with signs in both English and Japanese. The variety of evergreen and deciduous trees made the gardens stunning in the fall. When I visited on a Saturday morning, there was not much of a crowd, making it a tranquil and pleasant experience. I highly recommend it for a morning excursion when visiting Tokyo.
