Tour of the Imperial Palace Outer Grounds

In the midst of Tokyo's bustling life, I decided to spend a day visiting the Imperial Palace, a symbol of the Japanese royal family. Although I didn't have a reservation for a guided tour, I still hoped to admire the magnificent architecture and the natural beauty surrounding it. In the morning, I departed from downtown Tokyo and took the subway to Otemachi Station. Upon exiting the station, I followed the signs to the Kikyo-mon Gate of the Imperial Palace. The tree-lined streets along the way gave me a refreshing feeling amidst the city. Upon arriving at Kikyo-mon Gate, I discovered that it is one of the main entrances to the Imperial Palace. Although I couldn't enter the interior, the outer scenery still amazed me. The surrounding moat and the impressive stone walls gave me a sense of history, and the beauty of the Nijubashi Bridge left me lingering. I strolled around the Imperial Palace Outer Garden, where the environment is very pleasant with about 2,000 pine trees, making it a great place for local residents to relax daily. I sat on a bench, enjoying the gentle breeze, and felt a sense of peace. In this greenery, I experienced a beautiful harmony with nature. Next, I continued along the path around the Imperial Palace and arrived at the entrance of the East Gardens. Although no reservation is needed here, it's important to note the opening hours when entering. I wandered through this historic courtyard, admiring the beautiful gardens and ancient architectural ruins. Especially in autumn, the colorful leaves add a poetic touch to the place. During my exploration, I also met some other visitors who were there to see the sights. We shared photos and experiences, making the trip even more enjoyable. Although I couldn't enter the interior of the Imperial Palace, the outer scenery and long history left me very satisfied. When I reached Chidorigafuchi, I was pleasantly surprised to find that it is a famous cherry blossom viewing spot. Even though it wasn't cherry blossom season at the time, the scenery was still enchanting. The lake reflected the blue sky, and the surrounding greenery and historic buildings complemented each other, giving me a rare sense of tranquility. After a day of exploration, I took the subway back to the city. Although I couldn't enter the interior of the Imperial Palace, this visit to the outer grounds gave me a deeper understanding of the history and culture of the Imperial Palace and showed me another charm of Tokyo. This tour of the Imperial Palace outer grounds gave me a deeper appreciation of Japan's history and culture, and I look forward to coming back again to experience more of this city's charm.