<p>The castle walls were fortified with a number of watchtowers</p>

The castle walls were fortified with a number of watchtowers (Photo: Peter Sidell)

Tokyo's Imperial Palace East Garden

A soothing green space in the heart of the city

Peter Sidell Dec 06, 2012 - 1분 읽은 시간

<p>The castle walls were fortified with a number of watchtowers</p>

<p>A reflection in the pond</p>

<p>The garden is inside the moat and walls of the former Edo Castle</p>

<p>Before you get into the garden itself there's the spacious Imperial Plaza</p>

<p>You wouldn't know you're just ten minutes from Tokyo's bustling station and neighbouring business district</p>

<p>Now that's what I call peaceful</p>

<p>This lantern has probably been here for hundreds of years</p>

<p>A handful of staff patrol the garden unobtrusively on their bicycles</p>

<p>As well as the castle remains there are a few other traditional buildings</p>

<p>On the straight and narrow</p>

<p>A view over the trees to Marunouchi's skyscrapers</p>

<p>Autumn colors on the lawn in the upper part of the garden</p>

Enclosed by the moat surrounding the Imperial Palace, the east garden is an oasis of greenery right next to Tokyo's Marunouchi business district. There are impressive stone walls and watchtowers, remains of the former Edo Castle, a beautifully landscaped garden designed around a calm pond, a small museum displaying art from the Imperial collection, and a rise giving an impressive view of the Marunouchi skyline.

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Peter Sidell

Peter Sidell @peter.sidell

I came to Japan from Manchester, England in 2003, and have travelled a lot since then, around Japan and in Asia. When I'm not working, I write satire and perform stand-up comedy in and around Tokyo. Check YouTube for a taste.