Tayasu-mon Gate, Former Edo Castle (Currently Kitanomaru Park, the northern park in the outer garden of the Imperial Palace)

Walking distance from Kudan-shita Station etc., Tokyo, JAPAN
Important Cultural Property / Nationally Designated / Buildings

(Photo by the Ministry of Environment, 

http://www.env.go.jp/garden/kokyogaien/english/point08.html)

Tayasu-mon Gate is the oldest remaining gate of Former Edo Castle. It is situated in the north side of the castle.

The structure of Tayasu-mon Gate is in the "Masugata-mon" style, which consists of two gates, an inner gate and an outer gate, with a squared space held in-between. The structure was considered having strategic advantages when the castle was attacked by enemies. The inner gate of the two, named "Yagura-mon" gate, is actually a turret in the shape of a gate where they could snipe their enemies passing through the outer gate.

The completion date of Tayasu-mon Gate is unknown, and some historic literature supports its existence in 1607. The current structure was re-built in 1636.

Links to the official websites

Official Website of Tayasu-mon Gate - Ministry of Environment, Government of JAPAN (in English) 

http://www.env.go.jp/garden/kokyogaien/english/point08.html

Visitor's Information - Ministry of Environment, Government of JAPAN (in Japanese only)

http://www.env.go.jp/garden/kokyogaien/2_guide/kitanomarukoen.html

Just to extract some...

 Open excluding some temporary restrictions imposed due to some national events etc. For the latest information, contact the park office.

Contact Information of the Park Office

MAIL:KITANOMARU*env.go.jp. (Convert * to @)
Phone (voice): +81-3-3211-7878