Exploring Toranagas Edo

stands as one of the grandest surviving gateways into the former Edo Castle, still offering prime access to the Imperial Palace Grounds. This site serves as both a historical entry point and as a silent witness to the pivotal "Sakuradamon Incident" of 1860, where Ii Naosuke, the Tairo (Chief Minister) of the Tokugawa Shogunate, was assassinated by ronin samurai. As we explore, marvel at the high stone walls that are a notable feature throughout the castle grounds. These stones were transported over 100 kilometers from the Izu Peninsula and meticulously fitted together without mortar, forming an almost impenetrable barrier.

m Sakuradamon, the iconic Nijubashi Bridge, known as the "Double Bridge," is one of Japan's most photographed spots. Viewed from the front, it appears as a two-storied structure, although it consists of two separate bridges: the "Stone Bridge of the Main Gate" in the foreground and the "Steel Bridge of the Main Gate" in the background, often referred to as "Nijubashi." Historically, the Steel Bridge was made of wood and reinforced with additional beams, creating the impression of a double bridge, which gave it its name. Reconstructed in 1964, today the bridge is opened only for special occasions, such as official state visits and ceremonies at the Imperial Palace.

Kokyo Gaien National Garden: A Historical Oasis
Situated in front of the Imperial Palace, Kokyo Gaien National Garden extends over a square kilometer, offering a blend of history and natural beauty. The garden features a landscaped plaza, 12 ancient moats, and the tranquil Kitanomaru Garden—all remnants of the former Edo Castle, originally built in 1457. Visitors can explore its preserved moats, gates, bridges, watchtowers, and stone walls. Many of these elements are recognized as Special Historic Sites and Important Cultural Properties, making the garden both a scenic retreat and a monument to Japan’s rich heritage.

a-mon) in contrast to Soto-Sakurada-mon (outer Sakurada-mon), Kikyō-mon holds a special place in Tokyo's architectural history. One theory suggests the name comes from the bellflower (kikyō) depicted on its roof tiles, from the crest of Ōta Dōkan, the builder of Edo Castle. Constructed in 1614, the gate includes an earth-paved bridge across the Inner Moat, linking Kokyo Gaien to the East Gardens. Its name reflects the enduring influence of heraldry on Edo’s architecture.

rved as the principal entrance to Edo Castle and was known for being the most heavily fortified. The design of the gate system, as noted by François Caron of the Dutch East India Company, was strategically complex to disorient outsiders. Gates were staggered rather than aligned, requiring visitors to turn 90 degrees to advance, a defensive layout known as masugata, or "square" formation. Historical accounts, including one by the Spanish Governor-General of the Philippines in 1609, Rodrigo de Velasco, highlight the scale of the castle's defenses. He recounted passing between two rows of 1,000 musket-armed soldiers and noted substantial military resources, including stables for 200 horses and an armory equipped for 10,000 men. Ote-mon was not just a gate but a formidable barrier designed to protect the Shōgun's seat of power.

The Imperial Palace site has been central since 1457, when samurai Ōta Dōkan built the first fortification. Tokugawa Ieyasu made it his residence in 1590, and Edo Castle became the Shogunate’s stronghold until 1867. After the fall of the shogunate, the Emperor moved from Kyoto in 1869, transforming the site into the Imperial Palace. Many original structures, including the Tenshudai (Main Castle Keep), were lost to the Great Fire of Meireki in 1657. Today, the foundation stones remain as a powerful symbol of the Tokugawa era.

Kita-hanebashi-mon Gate: Gateway to the Northern Defenses - The Kita-hanebashi-mon, or "Northern Drawbridge Gate," provides entry into the north side of the Tokyo Imperial Palace. Originally featuring a functional drawbridge during the Edo period, this gate now stands as a fixed structure but retains the metal clamps on its roof as a historical remnant of its drawbridge past. Historically, the gate's second level served as a crucial defensive position for the fortress. The bridge, once mobile, is now permanently secured to the ground, adding a layer of history to this architectural feature.

Originally constructed for the 1964 Olympic judo competition, the Budokan remains Japan’s premier martial arts arena and has also gained fame as a legendary concert venue. Located within Kitanomaru Garden, an area that was once part of the Shogun’s Castle estate. Today, the garden provides a tranquil setting of lawns, groves, and waterways. Once reserved for Shogun use, Kitanomaru Garden now serves as a public park and cultural space

Grand Torii Gate: A Monument of National Peace and Remembrance - Yasukuni’s towering Grand Torii Gate, installed in 1921, is the tallest and largest in Japan, with pillars 25 meters high and a 34-meter lintel, collectively weighing 100 tons. Emperor Meiji's visit in 1874 marked a significant moment, during which he composed a poem assuring that those who fought and died for their country would forever be remembered here in Musashino. Named "Yasukuni," meaning "to preserve peace for the nation," the shrine honors the sacrifices of those who dedicated their lives to Japan. It remains deeply connected to the Japanese Imperial family and is visited by over five million people annually, serving as a central institution for commemorating those who fought and lost their lives for Japan.

uter Edo Castle, Tayasu-mon Gate marks what was once the rural district of "Tayasudai" before the castle's construction. This gate, exemplifying the typical Masugata-mon (square gate) style, was initially built around 1607 and later reconstructed in 1636 to its current form. Tayasu-mon was designated as an Important Cultural Asset of Japan in June 1961 and is celebrated as a significant remnant of Edo Castle, holding substantial historical importance and offering a glimpse into the architectural strategies of feudal Japan.

Tokyo Daijingu: The Shrine of Love and Tradition - Tokyo Daijingu, affectionately known as the shrine of marriage blessings, is a cherished destination for those seeking good fortune in love. Historically, during the Edo period (1603-1867), the ultimate spiritual journey for many Japanese was a pilgrimage to the revered Ise Jingu, home to Amaterasu-Sume-Ohkami, the ancestral deity of the Imperial Family. Recognizing the challenges of the lengthy journey to Ise, some 350km away, Emperor Meiji authorized the creation of a new shrine in 1868. This allowed Tokyo residents to venerate the Ise deities locally. Initially named Hibiya Daijingu after its original location, the shrine was relocated to Iidabashi after the Great Kanto Earthquake in 1923 and renamed Tokyo Daijingu. It also holds the distinction of conducting the first Shinto wedding ceremony in Japan, a tradition that has since become a widespread practice across the nation.

Remains of Ushigome-mon Gate: A Gateway to Edo Castle - The remains of the imposing Ushigome-mon Gate, which once granted northern access to Edo Castle from the bustling entertainment district of Kagurazaka, crosses the outermost moat at Iidabashi. The area beyond the gate was historically reserved for high-ranking samurai residences, providing a strategic yet culturally rich buffer to the castle's defenses. Kagurazaka, renowned for its geisha culture and cobbled streets, still retains a few traditional ryotei (private guest houses), though it has also gained fame for its contemporary French cuisine. Explore the echoes of samurai heritage that linger in this intriguing neighborhood, bridging the past with the present.