Imperial Palace is located in Chiyoda Japanese capital and is located in the same place where once stood the ancient castle of Edo. As the residence of the emperor and the imperial court used the second half of the XIX century. The total area of ​​the palace complex - almost 7, 5 square. kilometers.

The first castle at this place built in the XV century local ruler of Ota Dokan. Since the beginning of the XVII century the castle acquired the status of the estate of the Tokugawa shoguns who ruled Japan for two and a half centuries. After the end of the reign of the Tokugawa shogunate of Edo Castle became the main residence of the Emperor of Japan.

Throughout its history, the castle many times changed its appearance - it more than once burned during the Second World War was bombed, it was reduced and finishing work. In 1873, the castle has the former imperial residence, burned again - this time to the ground, and in 1888, in its place was built a new imperial palace with gardens and situated around the buildings. If, before the XIX century buildings in the complex were built mostly of wood in a traditional Japanese style, in the XX century in the palace complex of concrete buildings appeared in the traditions of European architecture.

In May 1945, the wooden buildings were burned after the bombing - was destroyed throne room and apartments of the emperor. Emperor Hirohito to apply for the surrender of the concrete basement of the library.

Restored palace consists of two ground and one underground floor. Chief, the second and the third courtyard of the complex turned to East Palace Park, which on certain days and hours open to the public all comers. The complex also are peach music room, three palace shrine, The Imperial Laboratory. Palace as well as in the Shogun, is surrounded by deep moats.

In addition to the Eastern Park, the palace is still a closed area, you can get here only twice a year - January 2, when the emperor and his family receive New Year greetings, and 23 December - the birthday of the symbol of the state - the emperor. Above the palace forbidden to fly in helicopters, and under it will never be done subway line.

Next to the palace is the central station of Tokyo, Ginza shopping district and the district Katsumagaseki, where are the offices of many departments and agencies.