Edo Castle, the present Imperial Palace, is equipped with some 50 gates and 11 of them are found along the inner moat. Hirakawa-mon Gate in the pictures is one of the 11 gates. As this gate is located closest to the shogun's harem so-called 'Ohoku', the maid servant usually used this gate. This is something that should be mentioned specially, this gate was also used for the criminals caught in the castle ground, when they were kicked out of the castle. The combination of the traditional bridge and stately gate gives old atmosphere in those years.
Licensed tour guide, travel consultant,
Masahisa Takaki.
