For most of the time, the Japanese emperor, the Tenno, was a rather mystically romanticized figure that ordinary people never got to see in their lives. Sometimes endowed with more, sometimes with less power, the function of the Tenno has, however, survived the turmoil of centuries and millennia, and the Japanese head of state is an indispensable person for many Japanese.
The Tenno's palaces have also moved over time, Kyoto was probably the most important and best-known imperial capital and is now one of the most popular destinations for both domestic and foreign travelers. Since end of the Edo period about 150 years ago, the imperial palace is now in Tokyo and built directly on the ruins of the former Edo Castle in the center of the city.
For ordinary people, this is a distant place that they will never, ever be able to enter in their lifetime. The only thing left for the curious eye is to dare a look from the outside, but there isn't much more to see than walls, gates and towers. Despite this, the palace of the Tenno attracts many people, although this place is fortunately not as commercially exploited as so many other tourist hotspots around the country. Maybe respect for the institution of the tenno outweighs the financial greed of the people.
And even if you can' t get inside, the atmosphere around the palace is exactly what I find captivating here in Japan. The outer grounds make quite an impression, inviting the well-armed visitor to countless photo opportunities. I couldn't resist it either, especially on my first visit when I was still a clueless and easy-to-impress freshman.
Here in Japan the times have changed, today even the ordinary Japanese may get a chance to see the divine. For eample at the beginning of each year, when the Tenno shows himself in front of his palace to the patiently and devotedly waiting people and lets them pay homage to him. A now traditional ceromonial, which probably does not necessarily belong to the 21st century, but the Japanese are a some very special people.
In any case, there is a huge open space in front of the palace, which in a way also separates the new modern Tokyo from the old traditional Japan. Here, the masses are allowed to gather, as long as they keep a respectful distance and don't get too close to the emperor. The palace is within walking distance of Tokyo Station, right next to the Marunochi financial district. The skyscrapers offer a huge contrast to the rather sedate palace grounds, which look as if they have fallen out of time.
But then, everything has some style, even the bollards that are supposed to keep out uninvited guests on four or more wheels make up for something.
I can't help but feel overwhelmed when seeing the outer walls of Japanese castle complexes. The stonemasons and builders of past times have done a great job, a work for eternity with a very special charm, which workd even better when the scenery is now thrown into the modern world.
Tokyo has a lot to offer, every visitor should b eaable to find something he was looking for. And even if you can't enter into the Palace of Emperor, a visit here is not a bad idea at all. The complex looks great from the outside as well, and you can comfortably drop in here for a rather calming stroll, and then quickly slip away to other stylish and exciting areas of the city.
I am also drawn back to Tokyo, even travelling won't be easy right now. For time being, I am left with the photos I brought back from my visits, which I'm happy to share with you. So stay tuned for new impressions from the land of the rising sun soon.