This was the site of the main entrance gate to the original Edo Castle in the early 1600's. The gate was rebuilt after World War II.
The current Imperial Palace is located on the former site of Edo Castle which during its time (early 1600's to mid 1800's) was the largest castle in the world. Some of the moats, walls and non-castle buildings from the Eido Period still exist. The Eido Castle was destroyed by fire and rebuilt in the late 1800's. The castle was rebuilt again after it was bombed and destroyed during World War II.
The emperor and his family live in the Palace located in the western part of the complex. The only part of the complex regularly open to the public is the East Garden which we visited. It is a beautiful park-like area.
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