Tokyo Imperial Palace Guide

Tokyo Imperial Palace (皇居), also known as just Imperial Palace, is the current residence of the imperial family. It is one of the most popular tourist sites in Tokyo for its beautiful gardens and moats around them. The site of Tokyo Imperial Palace includes rich nature despite being surrounded by high-rise buildings in the sophisticated Marunouchi business district. 

Running and cycling around the Tokyo Imperial Palace are popular activities among Japanese people and international travelers. Tokyo Imperial Palace is also famous for its accessibility since it is located near Tokyo Station.

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What is the Imperial Palace?

The Imperial Palace is the same site of the former Edo Castle, which was founded originally in 1457 and then controlled by Ieyasu Tokugawa, who had established the Shogunate that marked the beginning of the Edo period (1603-1868).

If you’re wondering “Where did the Imperial family live in the Edo Period?” and “Who lives in Tokyo Imperial Palace?”, the answer is that the Japanese imperial family lived in Kyoto from 794 (Heian period) to 1868 (Meiji period) in the Kyoto Imperial Palace, which is currently open to the public and is visited by many tourists today. At the beginning of the Meiji period, the emperor moved the capital to Edo, and Edo was renamed as Tokyo. Since then, the imperial family has lived in the former Edo Castle, which from that point on, became the Tokto Imperial Castle. 

This is the resident of the current Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako. In 2019, the former Emperor Akihito abdicated and the present Emperor Naruhito has been enthroned as the 126th emperor of Japan since then.

Things to See at Tokyo Imperial Palace

Imperial Palace

The Imperial Palace itself, home to Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako, is closed to the public, but tours around the palace are held twice a day. You can see historical buildings such as the Council building, Fujumi Yagura (Mt.Fuji-view Keep), and the palace itself. The number of visitors for the tours is limited and tours get sold out quickly so it’s recommended to reserve in advance via its official website.

Outer Garden

Apart from the tour around the palace, the gardens around the site are very popular for sightseeing. The Outer Garden (皇居外苑) is the boundary between the rich-nature site and the skyscrapers in Marunouchi. Don’t miss a stone bridge to a main gate which is the most famous spot in the site, while the view of Fujimi Yagura over the bridge is really beautiful.

East Garden

The East Garden (皇居東御苑) of the palace is also free to access and is a good chance to view the remains of the Edo Castle stone wall. There are three gates to enter but the east gate Otemon Gate is the nearest one to Tokyo Station. It’s the principal entrance to Edo Castle. Beyond the gate, you can stop to enjoy the Museum of Imperial Collections. It offers over 9,500 artworks in possession of the imperial family.

Moat

A moat and stone walls surrounding the Tokyo Imperial Palace form a beautiful view surrounded by history and greenery, great for memorable photos. That is why many people choose this place for running and cycling. You can see beautiful cherry blossoms along the most in spring. The ginkgo trees standing along the streets between Tokyo Imperial Palace and Tokyo Station change their leaves into gold in autumn.

How to Get to Tokyo Imperial Palace

Map

Access

The Imperial Palace is located within about 10–15 mins walking distance from Tokyo Station. Get out of Tokyo Station Marunouchi Central Exit.

Address

1-1 Chiyoda, Chiyoda City, Tokyo 100-8111

Business hours

Guided tours to the Imperial Palace are conducted twice a day, at 10:00 and 13:30.

As for the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace, opening hours vary with the season:

• March 1 to April 14: 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. (last entry until 4:30 p.m.)
• April 15 to August 31: 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. (last entry until 5:30 p.m.)
• September: 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. (last entry until 4:30 p.m.)
• October: 9:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. (entry up to 4:00 p.m.)
• November 1 to February 28/29: 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. (entry up to 3:30 p.m.)

Closing days:

• Every Monday and Friday (open on National Holiday except the Emperor’s Birthday, February 23)
• If a National Holiday falls on a Monday, the Garden will be closed on the Tuesday immediately following the National Holiday.
• From December 28 to January 3
• In circumstances where it is deemed necessary to close the Garden due to Imperial Court functions or other occasions.

Price

Free

Official Website

https://sankan.kunaicho.go.jp/english/index.html

For touring the Imperial Palace, please apply here: https://sankan.kunaicho.go.jp/english/order/order_simple_flow.html

Tourist Reviews of Tokyo Imperial Palace

The Tokyo Imperial Palace, an iconic symbol of Japan’s history and culture, has captivated visitors with its striking balance of historical significance and natural beauty. Boasting a Google rating of 4.4 from 26,501 reviews, a TripAdvisor score of 4.0 from 2,846 reviews, and a Yelp rating of 3.9 from 24 reviews, the palace continues to draw admiration from around the globe.

A visitor on TripAdvisor reflected on their experience with a sense of awe:

We visited Imperial Palace last month and the scenery here is very beautiful and very rich in history. I learned the story of Tokugawa Shogun moved ancient capital from Kyoto to Tokyo in 1600s and the remnant of Edo castle was outstanding. Highly recommend you visit here.

–from TripAdvisor

Meanwhile, a Yelp reviewer highlighted the convenience and charm of the walking tour, even in winter:

Beautiful tour. I was worried going in January, but it wasn’t too cold and walking keeps you warm. Yes, it’s a walking tour of the grounds. We were able to get tickets for 5 right before the tour started, I’m not sure if that’s normal or lucky. They offer tour guides in a LOT of languages and I was super impressed. An absolutely beautiful palace and I recommend taking the time to visit.

–from Yelp

From its picturesque gardens to the echoes of Edo-period grandeur, the Tokyo Imperial Palace offers  a journey through time that leaves visitors both enlightened and enchanted.

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For exploring the history and nature of Tokyo Imperial Palace, don’t forget to add this important spot to your itinerary in Tokyo. If you are interested in more info about Tokyo, check out these articles below!

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