Kitanomaru Park

Located just north of the Imperial Palace grounds in Tokyo, Kitanomaru Park was once the site of the northernmost section of Edo Castle, where members of the Tokugawa clan lived. In 1969 in celebration of Emperor Showa’s 60th birthday, the area was opened to the public as a woodland park.
Today, Kitanomaru Park is home to the Science Museum, National Museum of Modern Art and Nippon Budokan indoor arena, as well as two castle gates now designated as national important cultural assets. Tayasu-mon gate at the northern end of the park was erected in 1636, making it the oldest gate remaining in the Edo Castle complex. In springtime, the 330 trees lining the castle moat passing through the park burst with cherry blossoms; it’s one of Tokyo’s most popular sites for hanami, the Japanese custom of enjoying the annual blossom display.

Practical Info

The easiest way to reach Kitanomaru Park is by taking the Hanzomon line to Kudanshita Station.