Impérial Palace
A vast historical park in Tokyo, offering a glimpse into Japan's imperial past with beautiful gardens and remnants of Edo Castle.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more serene
Impérial Palace
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more serene
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A vast historical park in Tokyo, offering a glimpse into Japan's imperial past with beautiful gardens and remnants of Edo Castle.
"A peaceful oasis in the heart of Tokyo, offering historical insights and beautiful garden landscapes."
Check Garden Access Days
The East Garden is closed on Mondays & Fridays. Plan accordingly!
Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking across the vast grounds. :athletic_shoe:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Imperial Palace East Garden
Chiyoda City, Tokyo
Explore the former site of Edo Castle, featuring moats, walls, and guardhouses. A peaceful escape in the heart of Tokyo.
Nijubashi Bridge
Imperial Palace Outer Garden
Iconic double-arched stone bridge offering a classic view of the Imperial Palace entrance. A must-see photo spot.
Kitanomaru Park
Adjacent to Imperial Palace
A beautiful public park surrounding the palace, perfect for a leisurely stroll and offering serene views.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit to the Imperial Palace
Navigating the Imperial Palace Grounds
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Check Garden Access Days
The East Garden is closed on Mondays & Fridays. Plan accordingly!
Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking across the vast grounds. :athletic_shoe:
Book Guided Tours
For deeper insights, join a free guided tour of the palace grounds. Book in advance! :information_desk:
Capture the Nijubashi Bridge
Best views are from the outer plaza. Go early for fewer people. :camerawithflash:
Tips
from all over the internet
Check Garden Access Days
The East Garden is closed on Mondays & Fridays. Plan accordingly!
Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking across the vast grounds. :athletic_shoe:
Book Guided Tours
For deeper insights, join a free guided tour of the palace grounds. Book in advance! :information_desk:
Capture the Nijubashi Bridge
Best views are from the outer plaza. Go early for fewer people. :camerawithflash:
Stay Hydrated
Especially in warmer months, carry water as there are limited vendors. :droplet:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Guests consistently praise the Imperial Palace for its serene beauty and historical significance, offering a peaceful escape within Tokyo. The East Garden is a highlight, providing ample space for exploration. While some find the lack of direct palace access without a tour limiting, the overall experience is highly regarded for its tranquility and historical value.
"My wife booked a long weekend stay B&B for our wedding anniversary.
She mentioned beforehand that it was our anniversary and there was a chilled bottle of Tattinger in the room waiting for us. Room service then brought us a lovely gateaux. All complimentary which was so nice.
The room was large with a big bathroom and separate toilet and spotlessly clean.The bed was really comfy as well.
We really enjoyed the breakfast loads of choice buffet style and you could also order eggs Benedict, pancakes and other options off a menu.
We also tried the pool and spa which was small but very good. You just book an hour's time slot so it wasn't crowded at all.
The hotel is sat in lovely grounds overlooking Lake Annecy and there is a large terrace where you can have a drink or a bite to eat overlooking the lake.
The staff really were lovely and couldn't do enough for us.
The location is about 20-25 minutes walk from the main part of Annecy which we didn't mind so much as the walk is along the side of the lake.
Overall, we really enjoyed our stay and can't recommend the Imperial Palace enough and will definitely be back."
Alex Gallon
"We booked a terrace room for our 20th anniversary. The room was large, the terrace and views beautiful! It rained so we didn’t use it as much, but still gorgeous. The staff were very helpful and courteous. The spa pool was super nice. The location of the hotel is away from the city which we enjoyed. We would walk into town for breakfast and dinner. I wouldn’t pay for food at the hotel though as it’s overpriced. The valet was included which is great since we had a rental car. We would definitely stay again!"
Bailey Runkles
"Great view from our room. Love the live music on the patio. Nearby beach was the best! We did the 26 mile bike ride along the lake and thought our local beach was the best. E-bike rental was nice. Room is clean and housekeeping provided us everything we needed for a comfortable stay. Yann in “room service” was so sweet, thoughtful, & courteous. It’s a bit of a walk to the main town but that’s okay- the walk is lovely and scenic. Loved watching everyone relaxed, happy, active, etc.! We were here for two weeks, and this was the highlight of our trip! Even extended an extra night."
D. Auri.
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Imperial Palace is easily accessible by public transport. Take the Tokyo Metro to Otemachi Station (Chiyoda, Tozai, Hanzomon, Marunouchi, and Toei Mita lines) or Takebashi Station (Tozai Line). From Tokyo Station, it's about a 15-20 minute walk.
While there are parking lots near the Imperial Palace, they can be expensive and fill up quickly. Public transportation is generally recommended for ease of access and cost-effectiveness.
Yes, you can easily reach the Imperial Palace from Shinjuku. Take the JR Chuo Line to Tokyo Station and then walk or transfer to a subway line. Alternatively, the Marunouchi subway line from Shinjuku Station goes directly to Otemachi Station, near the palace.
Otemachi Station is a convenient hub with multiple subway lines serving it, offering direct access to the palace grounds. Takebashi Station is also very close to the East Garden.
Taxis are available, but traffic in Tokyo can be heavy, making travel times unpredictable. For a more reliable and often cheaper option, especially during peak hours, the subway is preferred.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The Imperial Palace East Garden and Kitanomaru Park are generally free to enter. However, access to the inner palace grounds requires booking a guided tour in advance through the Imperial Household Agency.
Entry to the East Garden and Kitanomaru Park is free. Guided tours of the inner palace grounds are also free, but require advance reservation.
The East Garden is typically open from 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM or 5:00 PM, depending on the season. It is closed on Mondays, Fridays, and special holidays. Always check the official website for current hours.
You can visit the public areas like the East Garden and Kitanomaru Park without a reservation. However, to tour the inner palace grounds, a reservation for a guided tour is mandatory.
Tours of the inner palace grounds can be booked through the Imperial Household Agency's website. Reservations are required and can fill up quickly, so it's advisable to book well in advance.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is generally permitted in the public areas like the East Garden and Kitanomaru Park. However, restrictions may apply in certain areas or during special events.
The Nijubashi Bridge offers an iconic view. The East Garden provides beautiful shots of the old castle ruins and moats. Kitanomaru Park offers serene landscapes.
Drones are strictly prohibited within the Imperial Palace grounds and surrounding areas due to security and privacy concerns.
Early morning or late afternoon often provides the best light for photography, with fewer crowds. Golden hour can create beautiful, soft lighting on the palace structures and gardens.
While general photography is allowed, be mindful of any posted signs indicating restricted areas. Avoid intrusive photography of any staff or security personnel.
🎫 🚶 Onsite Experience
You can spend anywhere from 1 to 3 hours exploring the East Garden, depending on your interest in the historical ruins, gardens, and museums.
The East Garden features remnants of Edo Castle, including moats, stone walls, and guardhouses. There's also a museum showcasing imperial treasures. Guided tours offer access to the inner palace grounds.
There are limited dining options directly within the palace grounds. However, the surrounding Marunouchi and Otemachi areas offer a wide variety of restaurants, cafes, and convenience stores.
The East Garden and Kitanomaru Park are spacious and offer plenty of room for children to explore. The historical aspects might be more engaging for older children.
Bring comfortable walking shoes, water, sunscreen, and a hat, especially during warmer months. A camera or smartphone for photos is also recommended.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the palace itself might not have dedicated play areas, the surrounding parks offer a pleasant environment for a family outing. The walk from nearby stations is manageable, and the overall experience can be educational and enjoyable for all ages.
🚶 Budget Travelers
While tours of the inner palace are also free, they require advance booking. This makes the Imperial Palace a highly accessible and budget-friendly destination for experiencing a significant piece of Japanese history and culture.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Consider visiting during different seasons to capture the changing foliage or spring blossoms. Remember to check the weather and time your visit to avoid peak crowds for the best shots.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Imperial Palace East Garden
Within the East Garden, you'll find the Museum of the Imperial Collections, which houses a collection of art and artifacts belonging to the Imperial family. The museum provides further context to the history and culture associated with the palace. Remember that the East Garden is closed on Mondays and Fridays, so plan your visit accordingly to avoid disappointment.
Many visitors appreciate the tranquility and historical significance of the East Garden. It's a place where you can escape the city's energy and immerse yourself in history and nature. The sheer scale of the former castle grounds is impressive, even in its current state.
Understanding Imperial Palace Tours
Reservations can be made online through the Imperial Household Agency's official website. It's crucial to book well in advance, as tours can fill up quickly, especially during peak tourist seasons. The tours are conducted in Japanese, but English audio guides are often available.
Visitors who have taken these tours often describe the experience as informative and insightful, providing a deeper understanding of the Imperial family's history and the palace's significance. It's a chance to see a more private side of this iconic landmark.
Photography Tips for the Imperial Palace
Beyond the Nijubashi Bridge, the Imperial Palace East Garden provides excellent opportunities for capturing the historical remnants of Edo Castle, including the imposing stone walls and moats. The serene landscapes of the garden itself, with its seasonal flora, also make for beautiful shots. Kitanomaru Park, adjacent to the palace, offers a more natural and tranquil setting for photography.
Remember that drones are strictly prohibited within the Imperial Palace grounds for security reasons. Always be mindful of any posted signs regarding photography restrictions in specific areas.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit