Imperial Palace
Fabrice Requin
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Probably one of the standard stops for tourists in Tokyo. The extent of the historical imperial complex with the various fortifications is quite large. You can’t really see much of the current imperial residence because the palace is still in use by the Emperor of Japan. There are apparently tours available to the public (the tours must been approved in advance and an approval number obtained.) where arrangements can be made through telephone or website of the Imperial Household Agency but nevertheless it is still very much restricted.
So the only possible “View” for normal passerby visitors is the famous landmark “Nijubashi”, a double-arch stone bridge east of the palace. Completed in 1888, it was the palace’s main entrance which so famous from war time photos of people gathering to see the emperor pass by. There are several moats leading to the main entrance with large trees manicured to look like bonsai trees. Everyone was just admiring it and taking it all in. You’ve got to put on your most comfy shoes if not sneakers because you’ve got to walk and walk and walk. 
The statue of Kusunoki Masashige can be seen in the gardens surrounding Tokyo’s Imperial Palace. He was a great samurai warrior who fought for Japan’s Emperor in the early 14 century. He is depicted riding horseback on a rearing horse, likely in tribute to his leadership of one of many great samurai battles he fought for Japan’s Emperor.
The Palace complex is located in the Chiyoda area of Tokyo close to Tokyo Station. It is built on the site of the old Edo castle. The total area including the gardens is 3.41 square kilometres (1.32 sq mi).
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Fabrice is a blogger, full time university student, web enthusiast and founder of Fateful Encounters.. This blog is his final haven when everything seems nuisances; urging him to assess and to share his thoughts and his own findings to the world, or at least to his fellow neighbors in the blog sphere.
I can not believe that I missed going here or the east gardens. :( I have to stop by here on my next trip for sure!!!
We have a similar statue on our market square. Obviously that one’s not Japanese, but it makes it a bit easier to imagine what it’s like to stand in front of it where you took the picture.
I love that first image, too. If you ever find yourself looking for a job, taking pictures of sights such as the Imperial Palace would definitely work, haha.
I got to take one of the tours. It wasn’t too exciting because as you said you can’t go into the actual palace, but walking around the gardens was nice.