<About the Shop> A shop located inside the Koganei Palace Window Hall, operated by the Imperial Household Agency Cooperative Association. The Window Hall is a large auditorium-like space where visitors receive explanations and instructions before their visit, as well as a place for restroom breaks. At this shop, you can purchase souvenirs related to the Imperial Family. <Products> - Chrysanthemum Crest Sablé (9 pieces)…500 yen ・Diameter: approx. 6.2cm ・Thickness: approx. 0.8cm ・Weight: approx. 13g Sablé cookies with the chrysanthemum crest. However, it features 14 petals instead of the 16-petal "double-layered front chrysanthemum crest" used exclusively by the Imperial Family. Made by Tokyo Fuzukodo, this item is only available here. It has a rich buttery aroma and a crispy texture, making it a simple yet delicious treat. - Nijubashi Gaufrette ・Diameter: approx. 7.5cm ・Thickness: approx. 0.5cm ・Weight: approx. 7g Gaufrette cookies made by Tokyo Fuzukodo, featuring a design of the Nijubashi Bridge on the packaging. The cookies have a crispy texture with a sweet cream filling. While the taste is consistent and enjoyable, opting for the chrysanthemum crest version may add a more significant touch as a souvenir. - Rice Cracker ・Diameter: approx. 9cm ・Thickness: approx. 1cm ・Weight: approx. 17.5g Soy sauce-flavored rice crackers with the chrysanthemum crest imprint. Similar to the sablé, it showcases a 14-petal "single-layered back chrysanthemum crest." The soy sauce flavor has a sharpness, but chewing reveals the taste of rice. A slightly firm texture provides a satisfying crunch.

My son and I came for a walk at the Imperial Palace, which he surely loves. Although the cherry blossoms are not yet in bloom, the quince, plum, and Ryukyu Kanhizakura were in full bloom and beautiful. As a souvenir from the Imperial Palace, we got coin chocolates that look like gold and silver coins. As expected, he was very happy to receive them. The coin chocolates we tried were milk chocolate and deliciously sweet.

I was born and raised in Tokyo, but one place I had never visited before was the Imperial Palace. Although I often passed by, I had never gone there for sightseeing. The East Gardens are usually open to the public, but you can also visit the Imperial Palace itself for free by participating in the guided tours. You can see a limited area, but you can actually explore inside the Imperial Palace. You can even cross the Nijubashi Bridge! By applying online in advance, you can have a smooth experience, but you can also line up on the day of the tour. The tours are held twice a day, in the morning and afternoon, so you need to check the schedule in advance. I booked the morning tour online. Once inside the Imperial Palace, there are thorough checks of basic information. It is essential to bring a copy of the permit issued upon completion of the application or the number written on it, along with identification on the day of the tour. The check-in starts at 9:30 am on the day of the tour, and the first stop is the Kikyomon Hall. This is where visitors receive explanations about the tour and guidelines for behavior, as well as a resting place for volunteers who participate in tours of the Imperial Palace or cleaning activities. You have about an hour before the tour starts at 10:00 am to use the restroom, buy bottled water for hydration, or explore the small shop selling limited edition goods. Among the items, I found the Nijubashi Gaufrette: Mini for 600 yen. It is a tin of gaufrette cookies with an image of the Nijubashi Bridge. It is a collaboration product between the famous Tokyo Fugetsudo gaufrette and the Imperial Palace. The tin contains two pieces each of vanilla, strawberry, and chocolate gaufrette cookies. When I opened it at home, I found the Nijubashi image even on the small bags! The cookies had the familiar light and crispy texture, with a delicate sweetness of the cream that was just right. Being mini-sized, it was just perfect for me. After purchasing, we sat down for a briefing by the Imperial Household Agency staff, who provided route explanations and safety guidelines with a touch of humor, making the experience enjoyable. Some staff members even joked about eating the 550 yen daily meal at the staff cafeteria in front of the Imperial Household Agency building. It was a great day with clear skies, making me realize once again that this is the heart of Tokyo!