Kikyo-Mon Gate

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Kikyō-Mon Gate: Reflections on an Edo Moat at Tokyo Imperial Palace
皇居桔梗門：江戸の歴史を映す濠の水鏡

This photo captures a side view of Kikyō-Mon Gate, a historic entrance to Tokyo Imperial Palace that is typically closed to the general public. It serves as a side entrance for Imperial Palace volunteers and authorized visitors.

Officially named Uchi-Sakuradamon, the gate is more commonly known as Kikyō-Mon (桔梗門), a name derived from the bellflower (kikyō) family crest that is inscribed on the round eave-end tiles of its roof.

Built in 1614, the gate stands atop stone walls constructed in 1620 along Kikyo Moat. However, Edo Castle itself predates these structures, with its foundations laid in 1457 under the direction of Ōta Dōkan (1432–1486), a samurai lord, poet, and Buddhist monk. He is credited as the architect and builder of Edo Castle—what is now the Imperial Palace in modern Tokyo.

At its peak, Edo Castle had 36 gates guarding its bridges and moats. However, after the last shogun resigned in 1867, much of the land within the outermost moat was transformed into Marunouchi, which became the heart of Tokyo’s central business district. Today, Marunouchi is home to major financial institutions and Tokyo Station. Of the original 36 gates, only 11 remain, now primarily serving as security checkpoints to the Imperial Palace.

I typically avoid taking photos on bright, cloudless afternoons, but on this particular photo walk, the crisp blue winter sky and still air provided a rare opportunity. The moat’s calm surface perfectly reflected the historic gate, stone walls, and sky, creating a striking composition that I couldn't resist capturing.

• Location: Imperial Palace, Chiyoda Ward, Tokyo
• Timestamp: 2025/01/02・11:21
• Fujifilm X100V with 5% diffusion filter
• ISO 320 for 1/500 sec. at ƒ/9.0
• Provia/Standard film simulation

References:

1. Google Maps: Kikyō-Mon Gate・桔梗門
2. Imperial Household Agency: Illustrated Maps of Imperial Palace (English)
3. The National Gardens Association: Kikyō-Mon Gate (Japanese)
4. Wikipedia: Ōta Dōkan (English)
5. Edo Tokyo History & Culture Renaissance Foundation: Edo Castle Fujimi Tower (Japanese)
6. Wikipedia: Edo Castle (English)
7. Wikipedia: Edo Castle Gates (English)

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