Zuishin-mon Gate
A visit to Enoshima Island, off the coast of Shonan Bay in Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan, led me to a grand gate marking the entrance to a complex of Shinto shrines atop the island. Stone stairways, winding their way up through the lush hillside, were adorned with rows of chochin paper lanterns, set out in celebration of the New Year’s holidays.
Yaesu Central Tower
Opened in 2022, Yaesu Central Tower rises above Tokyo Station, which first welcomed travelers 108 years earlier in 1914. Its sleek steel and glass facade beautifully reflects the clear blue winter sky, serving as the centerpiece of the Tokyo Midtown Yaesu development project.
An N700A series of the Shinkansen bullet train departing from Tokyo Station, which first welcomed travelers 108 years earlier in 1914. On the western Yaesu side of the station, we can see the lower floors of gleaming steel and glass of the skyscrapers that grace the skyline.
Tokyo Station
Opened in 1914, Tokyo Station has preserved its elegant Neo-Baroque architecture and iconic red-brick facade, standing in striking contrast to the modern steel-and-glass skyscrapers of the Marunouchi district.
Tatsumi-Yagura
The only surviving corner watchtower of the former Edo Castle. Such turrets were built at the corners of the castle walls for surveillance and defense. This two-story keep is also called the Sakurada Tatsumi Double Yagura or simply the Tatsumi Yagura.
Kikyō-Mon Gate
The Kikyo-Mon Gate of Tokyo Imperial Palace, originally built in 1614, stands as one of the last remnants of Edo Castle’s grand fortifications. The stone walls lining the Kikyo Moat were constructed in 1620 as part of the castle’s extensive defenses. Today, this gate is one of only 11 surviving from the original 36 that once guarded Edo Castle, now the site of the Imperial Palace in modern Tokyo.
Fujimi-Yagura
At Japan’s Imperial Palace in Tokyo, the historic Fujimi-Yagura guard tower stands gracefully atop its stone wall, framed by lush greenery. In contrast, modern high-rise office towers rise in the background against a crisp blue winter sky.
New Year’s Greeting
The Imperial Family greets visitors at the Imperial Palace in central Tokyo, Japan, during the New Year’s celebration—a modern tradition dating back to 1951.
Seimon-Ishibashi Bridge
View of Seimon-Ishibashi Bridge and the moat surrounding the Imperial Palace in Tokyo, with the high-rise office towers of the Marunouchi financial district in the background. Thousands of visitors gather to enter the palace grounds for the New Year's greeting, where the Emperor, Empress, and other imperial family members appear on the palace veranda.
Edo Castle Tower
While visiting Japan’s Imperial Palace in Tokyo, the historic Fujimi-Yagura guard tower stood gracefully atop its stone wall, framed by lush greenery and an ornate lamp post, under a vivid blue winter sky.
Silent Vigilance
During my visit to Japan’s Imperial Palace in Tokyo, I came across an imperial guard standing in silent vigilance before the massive main gate to the palace. Poised and unwavering, he maintained his post beside the ornate sentry box, embodying a tradition of honor and duty of elite guards.