No Expectations

A Walk Around the Imperial Palace, Tokyo

by Kip Cole on Sunday, March 28, 2010 at 20:06 UTC (1 comment)

Guard Tower of the Imperial Palace Tokyo

A walk around the Imperial Palace in Tokyo is about 6.3km long with largely flat terrain. Located in the commercial district of Marunouchi, it’s not a highly touristed area and you won’t get to see much of the Palace grounds themselves since they’re hidden behind medieval walls and a moat. However in a city of 30m people, finding time and space to stretch the legs is precious is part of what makes this walk enjoyable.

Getting started (show map in Google Maps)

The walk is a true circuit following the moat around the Palace. Since most area hotels are eastern side of the palace you’ll probably start where I did, from Otemachi. Give yourself just over an hour if you’re walking at a brisk pace, longer if you’re taking a leisurely approach. I recommend you take the time to visit the adjacent Hibya Park which is very pretty (no time for me this visit so you just get the direct course).

Sakura Over the Moat of the Imperial Palace Tokyo

If you visit in springtime then Tokyo wll be covered in Sakura (Cherry Blossoms). On this visit they were just starting to bloom - probably the first week of April will be full bloom. Ueno Park is probably the most spectacular display but Hibya Park is also excellent. There are also many Sakura around the moat of the Palace, especially on the west and north sides.

The day I did this walk the weather was overcast and the light poor for photography. Nonetheless there are some additional images taken along this walk at here.

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