South of Honmaru in the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace before Palaceside Building, the heritage fruit orchard finished barrier-free work in late July — lawn restored, looking fine.
Old varieties fade from view; at the Emperor's suggestion, Edo-era trees were planted from fiscal 2007–2008.
Twenty-two varieties: five pears including "Awayuki" and "Imamuraaki"; four peaches/plums including "Yakan" and "Manzaemon"; five citrus including kabosu and kunenbo; five persimmons including "Zenjirumaru" and "Gionbo"; three apples including "Takasaki Ringo"...
Some bear fruit after five years; small fruit appears this year too — but ripe fruit is rare. Crows eat them before they grow large. The Imperial Household Agency wants visitors to see fruit but cannot bag trees like commercial orchards...