Another great place to get away from the hubbub of Tokyo. The inner grounds are only open twice a year (23 Dec, 2 Jan) but you can take a tour or gaze upon the greatness from a distance (including visiting the palace East Gardens).
If you do happen to be in Tokyo during the bi yearly opening it is well worth a visit. The grounds are beautiful and it is so nice to see how reverential the Japanese people are towards the Imperial Family.
With the abdication of Emperor Akihito on the 30th of April 2019 (31年4月30日 平成) there is a lot of talk in Japan about the Imperial Family. This is the first time in 200 years that an emperor has abdicated and the Japanese Diet (Parliament) passed special legislation to enable Emperor Akihito to pass on the succession to his son Crown Prince Naruhito.
The new era will be called Reiwa. The English translation is Beautiful Harmony.
Look forward to seeing the new currency stamped and printed. The mint will start with 100 and 500 ¥ coins.
For more information head to Imperial Palace
