The Koukyo, also called the ‘Gosho’, is the Emperor’s place of residence.
Until the Meiji period the Imperial Palace had long been located in Kyoto, but now it is on the site of Edo Castle site in Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo.
The grounds of the Imperial Palace are encircled by a moat. The area total is about 1,150,000 square meters. It’s much bigger than the former Kyoto Palace.
Inside, there is the New Palace where the Emperor performs state and ceremonial functions, his residence called ‘Fukiage-gosho’, and the Imperial Household Agency building (Kunai-cho-sha).
Besides that there are some buildings left from the old Edo Castle. It’s closed to the general public, but on New Year’s Day and the Emperor’s Birthday (23rd of December – Heisei Emperor’s Birthday) Congratulatory Visits are
permitted. Thousands of people file through the grounds. The Emperor comes to the balcony of the New Palace to greet people.
You can walk around the area, you see many people walking or jogging around Koukyo everyday.
http://blog.realestate-tokyo.com/archives/50758754.html
