Sakuradamon Gate: A Portal Through Time
Completed around 1620, Sakuradamon Gate stands as one of the grandest surviving gateways into the former Edo Castle, still offering prime access to the Imperial Palace Grounds. This site serves as both a historical entry point and as a silent witness to the pivotal "Sakuradamon Incident" of 1860, where Ii Naosuke, the Tairo (Chief Minister) of the Tokugawa Shogunate, was assassinated by ronin samurai. As we explore, marvel at the high stone walls that are a notable feature throughout the castle grounds. These stones were transported over 100 kilometers from the Izu Peninsula and meticulously fitted together without mortar, forming an almost impenetrable barrier.

Nijubashi Bridge: The Iconic Double Bridge
Located just a few hundred meters from Sakuradamon, the iconic Nijubashi Bridge, known as the "Double Bridge," is one of Japan's most photographed spots. Viewed from the front, it appears as a two-storied structure, although it consists of two separate bridges: the "Stone Bridge of the Main Gate" in the foreground and the "Steel Bridge of the Main Gate" in the background, often referred to as "Nijubashi." Historically, the Steel Bridge was made of wood and reinforced with additional beams, creating the impression of a double bridge, which gave it its name. Reconstructed in 1964, today the bridge is opened only for special occasions, such as official state visits and ceremonies at the Imperial Palace.