Nijubashi bridge
Nijubashi bridge (© Imperial Household Agency)







The Imperial Palace
The Imperial Palace (© Imperial Household Agency)
The Imperial Palace, the official residence of the Emperor, is one of the most popular sightseeing spots in Tokyo. For junior high and high school students visiting Tokyo on their school trips, one of the essential "photo ops" is a commemorative snapshot in front of the Nijubashi bridge, which is considered a symbol of the Imperial Palace.

For native Tokyoites, the Imperial Palace is an everyday sight and a part of the landscape. For joggers, it is one of the best courses in the city: a lap of about 5 kilometers free of traffic signals and other obstructions. While running the course is fine, you may prefer to walk at a leisurely pace and take in the area's historic landmarks. Cycling is also a good option: On Sundays, bicycles are lent out for free and are readily available. Whether on foot or by bike, we suggest that you start at the Imperial Palace Plaza, the spacious outer garden of the palace. This is the ideal spot from which to view Nijubashi bridge and glimpse the beautiful silhouette of Fushiimi Yagura watchtower through the pines. After jostling with the students on their school outings to take a commemorative photo, head northward along the moat. The first major landmark in this direction is the Otemon gate.