Imperial Household Agency Kids page

We share fun and interesting
information
about the Emperor
and
traditional Japanese culture.

Let’s learn about the Emperor’s role and work

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Let’s learn about traditional culture related to the Imperial Family

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Let’s learn about the Imperial Palace, where the Emperor lives

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Quiz about the Imperial Household. Where does the Emperor live? What is the name of the famous bridge located in the Imperial Palace? What kind of fish is mainly caught in ukai fishing?

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Watch videos and learn more

Watch one of the Emperor's important jobs:
welcoming foreign ambassadors to Japan

Find out more about the Imperial Household Agency

Let’s learn about what the Imperial Household Agency does

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Doshin-bansho Guardhouse

At the Doshin-bansho, people entering and exiting the castle were monitored to ensure safety. In the past, samurai called "Doshin" worked here. The roof tiles are decorated with crests of chrysanthemum and hollyhock.

Kyuden (Imperial Palace)

Kyuden (Imperial Palace) is a large building. The building is constructed with traditional Japanese roofs and pillars, and it has seven wings. Many ceremonies are held here.

Procession of horse-drawn carriages at the Ceremony of the Presentation of Credentials

The Ceremony of the Presentation of Credentials is an important ceremony. At the ceremony, ambassadors from foreign countries present their credentials (an important letter entrusted to them by their country’s head of state) to the Emperor. Ambassadors are transported by car or horse-drawn carriage from Tokyo Station to the Imperial Palace. This procession can be watched from the Outer Gardens of the Imperial Palace.

Nijubashi (Stone Bridge)

The Nijubashi is a very famous bridge within the Imperial Palace. It is another name for the Seimon Tetsubashi (Main Gate Iron Bridge). The Seimon Tetsubashi was made of wood during the Edo period but it then had an iron layer added to it. This created a double-layered structure with a bridge on top of another bridge. This is why it is still called Nijubashi, which means "double bridge," today.

Dakyu (Ancient Japanese polo)

Dakyu (Ancient Japanese polo) is a variation of a game that started in Central Asia, where players ride horses and hit a ball. It was a game where players rode horses and used stick-like tools to scoop up the ball, carry it, and throw it into the goal.

The Toka-gakudo (Imperial Concert Hall)

The Toka-gakudo（Imperial Concert Hall）was built in celebration of the 60th birthday of Empress Kojun in 1966 (Showa 41). It is located in the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace.

Fujimi Yagura Turret

Fujimi Yagura Turret was built to defend the castle. In the past, there were many yagura (watchtowers), but now there are only three left. It is also known as a place where the shogun viewed Mount Fuji and fireworks.