Imperial Palace (皇居)

The residence of Japan’s imperial family is located inside a lovely park in the heart of Tokyo. The palace was originally built in 1888, after the capital moved from Kyoto to Tokyo, and then restored following damage incurred during World War II. Its grounds are not open to the public, but standing in Kokyo Gaien, the Imperial Palace plaza, you can see the 16th-century watchtower Fushimi-Yagura, which originally stood in Kyoto, and the Nijubashi bridges, which lead to the palace’s inner grounds.

New Year’s week is one of only times that the usually private emperor & royal family make an appearance. Thousands come together to the Imperial Palace to wish the royal family a happy new year and create an amazing spectacle of white and red. New Year’s Day is one of the most important holidays in Japan -- expats return home, families reunite, and wishes are made at the major temples.

Up early on this cold but quite beautiful January morning, I am challenged after the last few days of partying in celebration of the New Year. It’s January 2, and we have spent the last few hours shuffling across the grounds of central Tokyo‘s Imperial Palace. We are joined by innumerable waves of eager visitors like ourselves, getting closer and closer to the inner grounds which only open to the public twice a year (January 2 and December 23). We have joined this procession to experience an important tradition: the Emperor’s New Year Greeting. On this rare occasion the Emperor, along with some of the royal family, appears before the public to offer greetings and well wishes. It’s an exhilarating moment where the anticipation is joined by thousands of waving paper Japanese flags. The crinkling of the flags against the crisp morning air is deafening and only quieted by the sound of the Emperor’s amplified voice. He and his special guests almost magically appear on the balcony overhead. With welcoming smiles and waving hands, we are greeted. It’s only moments before his speech is over, the flags again are waving, and the royal family disappears just as quickly as they appeared.

A large park area surrounding the residence of Japan’s Imperial Family is the perfect place to explore at the end of a long day. Built on the site of the old Edo castle, it is truly a magical place with a deep history. Tranquil and quiet as the day winds down, you will feel transported to another era and can briefly escape the hustle and bustle of the metropolitan city that surrounds it.

When it comes to choosing between Kyoto and Tokyo it often becomes a contest between the old versus the new. And, as two of Japan’s most captivating cities, visitors often find themselves torn between the two. But why pick one city when you could see both? The high-speed Shinkansen ‘bullet train’ means you can find yourself 280 miles across the country in only two and a half hours. So you can easily enjoy the best of both of these two Japanese worlds. Japan’s capital in renowned for its contemporary skyscrapers and modern edge. Look carefully and you will find the shrines and temples, hidden between the high-rise buildings and bright lights, but these are few and far between. This city is the bright future of Japan. A treasure trove of gadgets, concept shops, and forward-thinking design—where transport runs like clockwork and neighbourhoods change in the blink of an eye—Tokyo is technologically and culturally light years ahead of everyone else and never fails to disappoint the foodies and culture seekers. Kyoto stood as Japan’s capital city for over 1,000 years, so naturally it has an authentic air about it. While the rest of Japan became swept up in modernisation, Kyoto managed to remain in places quietly traditional, observing and respecting the old way of life. Celebrated for its spring cherry blossoms and as a sanctuary to the few surviving genuine geisha, Kyoto allows you literally to step back in time and immerse yourself in true Japanese culture. Spared from World War II bombings, and much smaller than Tokyo, this evocative city boasts thousands of tranquil temples and Zen gardens– so the perfect antidote to the urban jungle of the modern day capital. Two cities, two very different experiences—combined they really showcase the very best of Japanese culture today.