Since I didn’t go see cherry blossom at the Imperial Palace yesterday (because it was too crowded and I was overwhelmed) I woke up early to go to the Imperial Palace this morning.
You can see the map of the Imperial Palace here
Chidorigafuchi
I arrived around 7 o’clock at Chidorigafuchi （千鳥ヶ淵）This is one the most famous area to see cherry blossom in Tokyo. I walked from Kudanshita Station. (Tokyo Metro Tozai line) There were people but was not yet crowded.
When I went early, you could still walk around, but if you go busy time, you can only walk one way.
Walking through Imperial Palace
I came back around 9 o’clock to the Imperial Palace to walk through the Imperial Palace. This time, I walked from Nijubashi Station (Tokyo Metro Chiyoda line). Walking through the Imperial Palace is limited time in spring (during cherry blossom season until April 6) and in fall. If you are planning to come to Japan this time of the year, please check Imperial Household Agency website.
When I got to Nijubashi Station, I followed the crowd to Sakashita Mon Gate（坂下門）.Before going in, the guards will check your bags (you cannot bring in scissors, cutters, nor nail clipper!) and also also metal detector (I think)
You can take photos but selfie stick is not allowed.
After you walk through the Inui Mon Gate, you will be able to see part of the Palace on your left side. Once you go inside, it is one way only and you cannot return to Sakashita Mon Gate but go to Inui Mon（乾門） Gate .
You will be able to see Imperial Household Agency building （Kunai cho 宮内庁）and Dokan bori（道灌濠）moat which you will not be able to see other times.
When I entered, it was not too crowded, but soon, it was quite crowded so I recommend you visit there early. (this fall or next spring!)
East Garden
After I walked through the Imperial Palace, I walked to Higashi Gyoen or East Garden of the Imperial Palace. East Garden is opened to public and you can enter from Ote Mon Gate (大手門 Main Entrance), Hirakawa Mon Gate （平川門）or Kitahanebashi Mon Gate （北桔橋門）I went in from the Kitahanebashi Mon Gate because it was closest from the Inui Mon Gate.
First, I walked to Tenshudai, or base of the former Edo Castle. Then, I went to the shop. They have some sourvenirs. I bought 2 clear files and a map of Imperial Palace.
After that, I went down Shiomizaka slope and went to see the garden. There are some Cherry trees there, too as well as pond, small fall and various trees and flowers. It was quiet and peaceful.
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