The Main Gate and the Nijubashi Double Bridge

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The Main Gate and the Nijubashi Double Bridge

This gate is the main, formal entrance to the Imperial Palace grounds. It is used only when the Emperor leaves the Palace for important State occasions, for the official visits to the Palace by State guests, or when ambassadors present their credentials to the Emperor. Ambassadors are given the choice of arriving at the Palace in a horse-drawn carriage. The Main Gate to the Palace is open to the public on January 2nd and for the Emperor's Birthday.

Visitors to the Palace entering through the Main Gate cross two bridges, the Main Gate Stone Bridge and the Main Gate Iron Bridge. The Nijubashi Double Bridge refers to the Iron Bridge, not the two bridges. During the Edo period (1603 - 1867), because of its height above the moat, the Nijubashi was a wooden bridge reinforced underneath with a further wooden bridge, hence the name. The Palace buildings are hidden behind trees to the right of the Nijubashi.

The most popular portrayal of the Imperial Palace is this view of the Stone Bridge with the Main Gate on the left, the Iron Double Bridge behind it, and the Fushimi watchtower in the distance.