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Kitanomaru Park: A photo guide
Kitanomaru Park has strong ties to Tokyo’s Imperial Palace of which I’m a fan. So it’s a little strange it took me so long to get there. Laugh if you will! Still, it was good to photograph it finally. It wasn’t exactly what I expected. I was hoping there’d be more. Anyway, let’s explore it.
First, I made a mistake visiting it for the first time in the summer. The park was almost a sea of green. I didn’t find it attractive, except for the hydrangeas. The pond in the middle looked nice, though. Other than that, I couldn’t find many options for photographs.
To experience the park at its best, go in autumn or spring. During those seasons, there are more flowers throughout the grounds. Chidorigafuchi Green Way, over the moat, is famous for its cherry blossoms in spring. Autumn is good too when the tree leaves change color.
This is why it is pleasant for walks or jogging. There are even some winding paths in the park and one of the old Edo-era gates to explore. And then there are the museums. But there isn’t much for photography.
The most interesting subject is a little waterfall. It has a drop of about three meters. It makes for good long exposures.
A brief history of Kitanomaru Park
- The park was originally in the northeastern part of Edo Castle. And its name was Kitanomaru. Simple, isn’t it?
- Tokugawa family members used it as a medicinal garden and a residential compound. When Imperial power returned, it was a base for the Imperial Guard.
- After World War II, most buildings were removed. Only the Meiji period headquarters (erected in 1910) remained. That became home to the Craft Gallery. In 1969, the park opened to the public to commemorate the sixtieth birthday of the Showa Emperor.
What can you photograph at Kitanomaru park?
- Cherry blossoms (in spring)
- Nippon Budokan
- park grounds (woods, waterfalls, pond, etc.)
- Science Museum (unfortunately, not free)
- Shigeru Yoshida (a former Japanese Prime Minister) statue
- It’s a great place to practice outdoor model photography.
Tips for photography at the park
There isn’t much to say, except summer is hard work. The park has some old walls and gates, but no sweeping landscapes or cityscapes. Your options are limited. Creativity is needed. Spring and autumn will offer much more.
Where is Kitanomaru Park?
Address: 1-1 Kitanomarukoen, Chiyoda City, Tokyo
Here it is on a Google map:
Closest train station:
Kudanshita on the Tokyo Metro Hanzomon and Tozai Lines. It is also on the Toei Shinjuku. Kitanomaru is over the road.
Opening hours
The grounds are open 24 hours a day, but the Budokan only opens for special events.
Admissions costs
None, but there are for concerts at the Budokan!
Photo spots near Kitanomaru Park
- Chidorigafuchi Park (famous for cherry blossoms)
- Chidorigafuchi National Cemetery
- East Gardens of the Imperial Palace
- Jinbocho (bookshop area)
- Yasukuni Shrine.
Conclusion
Kitanomaru Park isn’t a must-see Tokyo photo spot. It seems more suited to picnics and resting by the pond during the hotter months. For pictures, spring and autumn are best with their cherry blossoms and ginkgos.
But, it does work for particular purposes, like model photography. I have seen a lot of people there doing that. Kitanomaru doesn’t attract huge amounts of people. That means you’ll have a lot of space. You’ll be able to do what you want.
Most photographers wouldn’t make a special trip to Kitanomaru. It’s not a bad park, but it doesn’t rank with others in Tokyo like Shinjuku Gyoen or Showa Memorial. Those have far more to offer. But, if you were in the area during spring or autumn, drop in and see what you can find.
External related websites:
- Kitanomaru Park (official website)