The Imperial Palace in Tokyo is located on the former site of Edo Castle which features a large park area surrounded by moats and massive stone walls in the centre of Japan’s Tokyo.  The Palace, which is one of the country’s most important historical sites, is the primary residence and workplace of the Emperor of Japan.

It is also used as a place where the Emperor and Empress play host to visiting heads of state and welcome newly-appointed foreign diplomats to Japan.

Here are some photos of the Imperial Palace taken by our reporter Dang No.

A corner of the palace

Samurai Statue in a garden on the eastern side of the palace

The Nijubashi (Double Bridge) in front of the palace

A massive stone wall and moat surrounding the site

Adjacent to the inner grounds of the palace are the Imperial Palace East Gardens which are open to the public throughout the year, except on Mondays and Fridays