Located in the Chiyoda district of Tokyo in the centre of the city, Tokyo Imperial Palace is the main sight of the Japanese capital and something that every tourist should see. It is home to the Japanese emperor and is right in the centre of the city near Tokyo Station, so is straightforward to get to.
Known as Kokyo, the palace is located in a huge park on the grounds of Edo Castle and is surrounded by large moats and gargantuan stone walls. The royal family had the palace built here in 1888 following their move from Kyoto. It was flattened during WWII, yet rebuilt in the original style in 1968.
Visitors can take tours of the Imperial Palace although much of it is not open to the general public, apart from on 2nd January and 23rd December when visitors can gain entry to the inner grounds. Tours of the rest of the grounds are conducted daily in Japanese only.
The Imperial Palace Gardens are a major attraction of the Imperial Palace and can be viewed throughout the year (apart from Mondays and Fridays), as opposed to the interior of the palace. The gardens are situated within the innermost defence circle and come with stunning hard landscaping and lots of trees. The castle tower is a major feature of the garden.
Nijubashi Bridge is another fine landmark and monument of the Imperial Palace, which affords nice views of the moats and ponds. In addition there is also a museum onsite. The Tokyo Imperial Palace is accessible by train to Tokyo Station, from where the palace is an easy walk and is free to enter. The Imperial Palace Gardens are open from 09:00 to 16:00.