Nestled in the heart of Tokyo, the Imperial Palace is the prime residence of the Emperor of Japan. It is a world-famous cultural and historical landmark which displays a mesmerising blend of traditional Japanese architecture with breathtaking gardens. Surrounding the palace are various large stone walls and moats that offer a majestic appearance. The East Gardens of the Imperial Palace are open to the public and offer a tranquil retreat from the bustling city. Visitors can explore the manicured gardens, historical ruins, and seasonal flora.
Key features include the Ninomaru Garden, a traditional Japanese landscape garden, and remnants of Edo Castle, such as the Fujimi-yagura watchtower. The inner ground and the main building are not accessible to the general public on common days. It remains open on special occasions like the Emperor's birthday on February 23 and New Year's greetings on January 2. If you are craving to witness a blend of old-age Japanese architecture and natural beauty, head to the Imperial Palace on your trip to Tokyo, Japan!
Highlights
• Admire the old-age Japanese architecture on your tour of the Imperial Palace in Japan.
• Get a glimpse of the natural beauty while travelling to the East Gardens in the Imperial Palace.
• Soak in the beauty of the seasoned flowers and pine trees at the Kokyo Gaien National Garden
• Collect souvenirs for your friends and family from stores located near the Imperial Palace.
• Check out restaurants and cafes to taste authentic Japanese food like Yakitori and Takoyaki.
How To Reach
1 By Car: The Imperial Palace is located only 3.3 km from the Tokyo Tower in Tokyo, Japan. You can visit the location within 11 minutes by car via route 301. If you are looking for cheaper options, you can also visit the location by auto.
2 By Foot: The Imperial Palace is 2.7 km from the Tokyo Tower in Japan. You can visit it within 44 minutes by foot via route 301.
Best Time To Visit
The Imperial Palace remains open throughout the year.
1 Best season: The best time to explore the Imperial Palace in Japan is between late March and April when the cherry blossoms are in full bloom.
2 Best day in the week: The Imperial Palace remains closed on Sundays, Mondays, and public holidays. For a wholesome experience, plan your tour on Saturday or Thursday.
3 The best time of the day: Head to the Imperial Palace at around 11:00 AM or 4:00 PM for an exciting experience.
Other Essential Information
- Wear comfortable shoes while exploring the Imperial Palace.
- Wear breathable and light-coloured clothes
- Do not touch or destroy the palace's property
- Do not litter garbage in or around the Imperial Palace
- Carry enough water to keep yourself hydrated.
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East gardens
East Gardens is a popular destination in the Imperial Palace known for its historical significance and scenic beauty. These gardens occupy the former site of Edo Castle's innermost circles of defence, the honmaru or the main circle and ninomaru or the secondary circle. Travellers can explore the garden's beauty, featuring all traditional elements like stone bridges, ponds, and seasonal flowers. It consists of the Ninomaru Garden, a traditional Japanese landscape garden with a koi pond, and the ruins of Edo Castle, including the base of the former castle tower.
Nijubashi Bridge
Nijubashi Bridge, often referred to as the Double Bridge, is a historical site of the Imperial Palace. It mainly features two bridges, including the stone bridge called Seimon Ishibashi and the steel bridge known as Seimon Tetsubashi. It is named Nijubashi, and there used to be a wooden bridge on top of the stone bridge. It created a double-layered structure. The bridge to the palace's main gate is a popular photo spot, with beautiful views of the palace and its surrounding moat. While the bridge itself is not accessible to the public, it can be admired from the outer grounds.
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Kokyo Gaien National Garden
Kokyo Gaien National Garden, in front of the Imperial Palace, is a spacious public park offering panoramic views of the palace and its surrounding moats. The garden is decorated with well-maintained lawns, pine trees, and seasonal flowers, creating a tranquil atmosphere. This area is also home to the iconic bronze statues of samurai warriors, which add a historical touch to the serene setting. Kokyo Gaien is a popular spot for locals and tourists alike to relax, jog, or have a picnic
Imperial Household Agency Building and Kitanomaru Park
The Imperial Household Agency Building is where the administrative functions of the Imperial Family are managed. While the building itself is not open to the public, its location within the palace grounds highlights the blend of modern governance with historical tradition. Adjacent to the palace is Kitanomaru Park, a public park that houses the Nippon Budokan, and the Science Museum. The park is also known for its cherry blossoms in spring and its lush greenery, making it a pleasant area for walking and exploring.
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