Unlike the Imperial Place, which is only open to the public January 1 and on the Emperor’s birthday, December 23, the Imperial Palace East Gardens (Kokyo Higashi Gyoen) are part of the inner palace area and are open to the public. Many idyllic spots can be found in the gardens including a small waterfall and pond. These well-kept gardens stand amid the ruins of Edo Castle with some of the original gates, walls and moats intact.