Experience Japanese summer in this Kitanomaru Park. One of the summer symbol in Japan is the sound of balm crickets. In this video, you can hear those sound of summer in Japan.

Nippon Budokan (日本武道館）
For many Westerners, the Budokan is synonymous with large-scale rock concerts. It was here that The Beatles made their Japanese debut and the location where many "Live at the Budokan" albums were recorded. The Nippon Budokan, however, was originally built for the judo competition in the 1964 Summer Olympics, hence its name, rendered into English as Martial Arts Hall. (wikipedia)



Science Museum (科学技術館)

is one of the interesting science museum in Tokyo. They have many experiencing science for all aspect of science. It is designed and planed to expand the interest for science. Each floor has different segment of science, so you can enjoy all kinds of science at one visit.


Japanese chinquapin (Castanopsis cuspidata), Machilus (Machilus Thunbergii) abd the Camphor tree (Cinnamomum camphora) , are such examples that can be seen in this park. In he center of this park here is a large pond and well kept lawns, which are surrounded by many beautiful deciduous tees such as japanese Maple (Acer palmatum), Keyaki (Zelkova serrata), and Oak (Quercus serrata). This garden is a wild bird sanctuary and many berrying trees and shrubs have been planed to encourage wild birds to nest. The deciduous trees are always very attractive in autumn. There is also a "Green Adventure Course" in this park.

History
The Kitanomaru Kōen district was named after an area within Edo Castle called Kitanomaru (北の丸). Prior to 1969, when Kitanomaru Park was opened, this district had been called Daikanchō (代官町 literal translation: Town of Local Governors) because many daikan (local governors) lived in the place soon after the construction of Edo Castle. This place was completely destroyed by the great fire in 1657. In 1875, Higashi-Daikanchō (東代官町) and Nishi-Daikanchō (西代官町) were established there. In 1878, these two neighborhoods were incorporated as a district named Daikanchō. Today, the name Daikanchō is known as an interchange of the Inner Circular Route of the Shuto Expressway.(Wikipedia)



Chidori-ga-fuchi Moat

THe shape of moat is said to resemble the Chidori (Plover bird). THis moat used to connected to the Hanzo-bori moat, but in 1901, it was divided when a new road was constructed across the moat. The "Chidori-gafuchi moat" and "Hanzo-bori moat" are very popular during the cherry blossom season in April.



Tayasumon Gate

Tayasumon Gate was situated at the northern part of the old Edo Castle. Before Edo Castle was constructed, this area was a rural district, called "Tayasudai." This is a typical Masugata-mon style of gate. The exact date of construction is unknown although according to some historic literature, this gate was already existed in 1607. The present gate was re-constructed in 1636, and is the oldest remaining gate in Kokyogaien National Garden.

Shimizumon Gate is the East gate of the Kitanomaru park, and it was rebuilt in 1658. Tayasumon Gate and Shimizumon Gate were designated as the Important Cultural Assets to Japan in June 1961, and because they are remnants of Edo Castle they are of great historical importance. Both gates are managed by the Agency for Cultural Affairs.



American natives: Large Mouth Bass, Bluegil, Habiat of wild birds; The following is an example of birds which in-habtat the moats throughout the year, Spot-Billed Duck, Great Comorant, Little Egret, Chinese Little Grebe, etc...

In the winter migatory birds such as the following may be seen; Tufted Duck, Mandarin Duck, Eurasian Wigeon, Northern Shoveler, Kamchatkan Black-Headed Gull, etc..

Those moats are the most important fresh water habitat for wild life in central Tokyo. However rainwater accounts for over 90% of the moat water and because there is no natural flow in the moat the quality has steadily deteriorated, and this especially evident in the summer.

In 1995, the Environment Agency completed the construction of a large water purification system close to the moat to help improve he water quality, and already significant improvements have been made in the water quality since the purification system went into operation.