The East Garden of Imperial Palace of Tokyo

#tokyotrip After the success of the Meiji Restoration in 1868, the Emperor of Japan has announced the temporary shift of capital from Kyoto (Capital City) to Tokyo (Eastern Capital) which still takes effect till today. This event also marks the end of the ruling of Tokogawa Shogunate in Tokyo (previously known as Edo) and the consolidation of power to the Empror of Japan. As such, the seat of the monarch and the residence is located at the Imperial Palace of Tokyo located at the Chiyoda area of the Capital. Surrounded by the moat and the river protecting the Imperial Palace, the east palace is open to the public until 4.30pm whereby visitors are able to visit the eastern garden through the Otemachi Gate. The Garden is very wide and full of pine trees and visitors are also able to have picnic especially during the cherry blossom season.