All about Edo Castle turned Tokyo Imperial Palace. Learn how to join a walking tour, visit the east gardens, or when to see the Imperial Family., The Imperial Palace has served as the residential place of the successive Emperors since 1868. It contains the Imperial Residence and the Imperial Palace Complex, where His Majesty the Emperor undertakes official duties. Various ceremonies and public activities are held there too., The Tokyo Imperial Palace is a site of great cultural and historical significance, marking one of the most important points of transition for the Japanese people and their system of government., For around 1000 years Kyoto was the capital of Japan, but in 1868 both the capital and Imperial Palace were moved to Tokyo after the Meiji Restoration. This has been the home of the Emperor and his family ever since., Get the full scoop on Tokyo Imperial Palace: insights into its history, architecture, gardens, and visitor guidelines in this all-in-one guide., The Imperial Palace is one of the must-visit places in Tokyo. The Imperial Palace stands on the site of the former Edo Castle that was the residence of the Tokugawa Shogunate who ruled Tokyo during the Edo era..