Nijubashi bridge
Nijubashi is the official entrance bridge to the Imperial Palace grounds, closed except for important state occasions or delegations from abroad. It is a beautiful stone bridge with graceful arches spanning the moat from the wide gravel plaza to a heavy wood gate. There is a second, metal bridge behind the first, and when viewed at the correct angle, they look like one bridge, giving rise to the name Nijubashi, or “Double level bridge.”
Tokyo Imperial Palace Main Gate
Nijubashi is very photogenic with evergreen trees overhanging the huge rock walls of the moat, and stucco white walls and a traditional, sweeping-roofed guard house in the background. If you are lucky one of the swans living in the moat may gracefully complete the scene.
Nijubashi
The bridge is a very popular site, especially among Japanese tourists, so be aware that at peak times it may be hard to stand for long in one place and enjoy the view.
The Tokyo Parks website for Nijubashi in English is: http://www.env.go.jp/garden/kokyogaien/english/point01.html
Getting there: Nijubashi is across the gravel plaza from Nijubashimae Station, serving the Tokyo Metro Chiyoda line. It is also close to the Sakuradamon Station serving the Tokyo Metro Yurakucho line. The closest JR station is Tokyo, walk straight ahead for about 10 minutes after exiting the Marunouchi Gate. You will see a small part of the old outer moat about halfway to the Imperial Palace grounds. Tokyo Station is very large, so be sure you leave the correct exit.
photos by:
Stéfan &
gwaar,
rendomthoughts
