The Imperial Palace is almost a fortress to protect a forest from the dominating concrete city surrounding it. While it is home to the Japanese imperial family and the imperial household agency that supports it, much of the area is covered in trees. Seimon Ishibashi (Seimon stone bridge) and Fushimi keep mark one of the most iconic views of the palace—an entranced reserved for the imperial family and special guests. Between the emperor’s birthday on December 23rd and January 4th, the bridge is illuminated, becoming a magnet for photographers. LEDs were installed for the first time in 2014. Click on the image for a larger view.