Historical landmark • 1-1 Chiyoda, Chiyoda City, Tokyo 100-8111, Japan
When you visit the Edo Castle Ruins, the first thing you’ll notice is the imposing stone walls. Mainly composed of andesite, yet cleverly incorporating granite and diorite, these walls convey the exceptional architectural prowess of the Edo period. The differentiated use of Uchikomi-Hagi and Kirikomi-Hagi stacking techniques makes them not mere defensive structures but artistic creations with aesthetic value.
The remaining towers, gates, and moats quietly narrate over 400 years of history. Especially noteworthy are Sakurada Gate, Tayasu Gate, and Shimizu Gate, designated as Important Cultural Properties of Japan. Additionally, reconstructed structures like Fujimi Yagura and Fushimi Yagura evoke memories of bygone majesty.
The vastness of the Edo Castle Ruins requires more than a day to fully appreciate. Inner and outer citadels and the Honmaru, Ninomaru, and Sannomaru areas make for a walk reminiscent of a time slip to the Edo period. Touring the existing stone walls and bridges alone allows you to feel the grand scale of Edo Castle.
Many people regard this location merely as the "Imperial Palace" and are unaware it once was Edo Castle. Its designation as one of Japan's Top 100 Castles is reigniting recognition of its historical significance. Excavations continue to unveil hidden structures, promising to reveal more charm in the future.
The Edo Castle Ruins are a treasury of Japanese history and culture. A visit here allows you to directly feel the technological prowess and aesthetic sensibility of the Edo period, and the power of the Shogunate. While standing in modern Tokyo, the Edo Castle Ruins speak to us across 400 years. Touch the stone walls, gaze quietly at the standing towers, and reflect on Japanese history.
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