Kitanomaru Garden 北の丸公園

Where remains of the Edo period (1603-1867) are blanketed in cherry blossoms

Once the site of Edo Castle’s northernmost section; Kitanomaru Garden was previously used as the residence for members of the extended Tokugawa family, who ruled Japan as Shoguns. Today it’s a lush woodland park, home to relics of the Edo period and other more modern sites you can visit including the The National Museum of Modern Art, Tokyo and Science Museum.

Though Edo Castle burnt down during a fire in 1873, there are two original Edo style gates that still stand tall welcoming guests at the park’s entrance. Stroll along the winding walking paths and keep a lookout for the impressive collection of cherry trees around Chidorigafuchi Moat, which fill the area in soft pink flowers throughout spring.