The Imperial Palace is formerly known as the Edo castle, the stronghold of the Tokugawa Shogunate. This palace has been the residence of so the emperor of Japan since after the Meiji Restoration in 1868. The palace with a compound of 1.15 million square meters consists of the main palace where ceremonies and functions are held, the residence of the Emperor and Empress, and the East Garden containing the ruins of Tenshukaku Donjon. The Chowaden Hall, located in the main Imperial Palace, is noted for the New Year’s visit by the general public to the Imperial Palace.
(皇居は、徳川幕府の居城であるかつての江戸城として知られている。1868年の明治維新 以降、皇居は天皇陸下のお住まいである。115万平方メートルの皇居内には、宮廷行事を行う宮殿、天皇皇后両陸下のお住居である御所、天守閣跡を含む西の丸庭園がある。宮殿 内の長和殿は、新年の一般参賀で有名である)
the stronghold of the Tokugawa Shogunate 徳川幕府の居城
the Meiji Restoration 明治維新
the main palace 宮殿
the Emperor and Empress 天皇皇后両陛下
the East Garden 西の丸庭園
the New Year’s visit by the general public to the Imperial Palace 一般参賀