- Tokyo
- Otemachi
- Tourist Attractions
Imperial Palace
The Imperial Palace is one of Japan's most… Listed as Tourist Attractions in Tokyo. View opening hours, location and map details before your visit.
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Basic Information
The Imperial Palace is one of Japan's most important historical landmarks, located in the heart of Tokyo near Tokyo Station. As the official residence and ceremonial complex of the Emperor of Japan, it stands on the former site of Edo Castle, which served as the center of the Tokugawa shogunate during the Edo period.
After the Meiji Restoration in 1868, the Imperial residence was moved from Kyoto to Tokyo. The Imperial Palace became an important symbol of Japan's modern history while preserving the stone walls, moats, gates, and other features associated with the former Edo Castle.
One of the most recognizable landmarks is Nijubashi, the famous bridge area at the main entrance to the palace. Together with the picturesque moat, historic stone walls, and traditional guard towers, it creates one of Tokyo's most iconic historical landscapes.
Visitors can appreciate the exterior scenery around the palace throughout the year. The surrounding area features spacious walking paths, carefully maintained greenery, and beautiful seasonal scenery, providing a peaceful contrast to the nearby modern skyscrapers of Marunouchi.
The Imperial Household Agency also offers free guided tours of designated sections of the Imperial Palace grounds. The approximately 75-minute walking route includes views of significant historical structures, such as the Fujimi-yagura watchtower, the Imperial Household Agency Building, the Kyuden ceremonial palace, and the Nijubashi bridge area. The tours allow visitors to view the buildings from outside rather than enter the palace interiors.
For travelers interested in Japanese history, imperial culture, and traditional architecture, the Imperial Palace offers a fascinating opportunity to explore one of Tokyo's most significant landmarks while enjoying the green surroundings of the city center.
After the Meiji Restoration in 1868, the Imperial residence was moved from Kyoto to Tokyo. The Imperial Palace became an important symbol of Japan's modern history while preserving the stone walls, moats, gates, and other features associated with the former Edo Castle.
One of the most recognizable landmarks is Nijubashi, the famous bridge area at the main entrance to the palace. Together with the picturesque moat, historic stone walls, and traditional guard towers, it creates one of Tokyo's most iconic historical landscapes.
Visitors can appreciate the exterior scenery around the palace throughout the year. The surrounding area features spacious walking paths, carefully maintained greenery, and beautiful seasonal scenery, providing a peaceful contrast to the nearby modern skyscrapers of Marunouchi.
The Imperial Household Agency also offers free guided tours of designated sections of the Imperial Palace grounds. The approximately 75-minute walking route includes views of significant historical structures, such as the Fujimi-yagura watchtower, the Imperial Household Agency Building, the Kyuden ceremonial palace, and the Nijubashi bridge area. The tours allow visitors to view the buildings from outside rather than enter the palace interiors.
For travelers interested in Japanese history, imperial culture, and traditional architecture, the Imperial Palace offers a fascinating opportunity to explore one of Tokyo's most significant landmarks while enjoying the green surroundings of the city center.
Monkey Tips
For a classic photograph of the Imperial Palace, visit the Nijubashi bridge area near the main entrance. The bridge, surrounding moat, and historic guard tower create one of the most recognizable views of the palace. Clear mornings are especially suitable for sightseeing and outdoor photography.
Travelers who only wish to enjoy the exterior scenery can explore the publicly accessible walking areas around the palace without joining a guided tour. However, the main Imperial Palace grounds and buildings are not freely accessible to visitors.
For a closer look at the palace grounds, the Imperial Household Agency offers free guided tours. Tours normally begin at 10:00 and 13:30, with registration at Kikyo-mon Gate. Advance reservations can be made through the official website, while a limited number of same-day tickets are distributed on a first-come, first-served basis.
Visitors joining a guided tour must bring an original valid identification document, such as a passport. Copies are not accepted. Participants under the age of 18 generally need to be accompanied by an adult. Security and baggage inspections are conducted before entry.
The guided walking route covers approximately 2.2 kilometers and takes about 75 minutes. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended, especially during hot weather, as parts of the route have limited shade. Carrying minimal luggage can help make the security process more convenient.
Tours are not normally available on Sundays, Mondays, and certain holidays. Afternoon tours are also suspended from July through September. Visitors should check the official calendar before planning their trip.
The Imperial Palace East Gardens are a separate publicly accessible garden area with different opening hours and closing days. Visitors interested in gardens and the former Edo Castle ruins may choose to visit the East Gardens in addition to the palace's outer viewpoints.
The Imperial Palace is easily accessible from Tokyo Station, Otemachi Station, and Nijubashi-mae Station. Allow around 30–60 minutes for exterior sightseeing, or at least 90 minutes when joining the official guided tour, excluding travel and registration time.
Travelers who only wish to enjoy the exterior scenery can explore the publicly accessible walking areas around the palace without joining a guided tour. However, the main Imperial Palace grounds and buildings are not freely accessible to visitors.
For a closer look at the palace grounds, the Imperial Household Agency offers free guided tours. Tours normally begin at 10:00 and 13:30, with registration at Kikyo-mon Gate. Advance reservations can be made through the official website, while a limited number of same-day tickets are distributed on a first-come, first-served basis.
Visitors joining a guided tour must bring an original valid identification document, such as a passport. Copies are not accepted. Participants under the age of 18 generally need to be accompanied by an adult. Security and baggage inspections are conducted before entry.
The guided walking route covers approximately 2.2 kilometers and takes about 75 minutes. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended, especially during hot weather, as parts of the route have limited shade. Carrying minimal luggage can help make the security process more convenient.
Tours are not normally available on Sundays, Mondays, and certain holidays. Afternoon tours are also suspended from July through September. Visitors should check the official calendar before planning their trip.
The Imperial Palace East Gardens are a separate publicly accessible garden area with different opening hours and closing days. Visitors interested in gardens and the former Edo Castle ruins may choose to visit the East Gardens in addition to the palace's outer viewpoints.
The Imperial Palace is easily accessible from Tokyo Station, Otemachi Station, and Nijubashi-mae Station. Allow around 30–60 minutes for exterior sightseeing, or at least 90 minutes when joining the official guided tour, excluding travel and registration time.
Location
Getting there
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🚆 From Tokyo Station → Take the Marunouchi Central Exit → Walk approximately 15 minutes to Kikyo-mon Gate, the meeting point for Imperial Palace guided tours.
🚆 From Shinjuku Station → Take the JR Chuo Line (Rapid) → Get off at Tokyo Station → Take the Marunouchi Central Exit → Walk approximately 15 minutes to Kikyo-mon Gate.
🚆 From Shibuya Station → Take the Tokyo Metro Hanzomon Line → Get off at Otemachi Station → Follow signs for Exit D2 → Walk approximately 10 minutes to Kikyo-mon Gate.
🚆 From Ueno Station → Take the JR Yamanote Line → Get off at Tokyo Station → Take the Marunouchi Central Exit → Walk approximately 15 minutes.
🚆 From Asakusa Station → Take the Tokyo Metro Ginza Line → Transfer to the Tozai Line at Nihombashi Station → Get off at Otemachi Station → Follow signs for Exit D2 → Walk approximately 10 minutes.
🚆 From Nijubashi-mae Station → Take Exit 6 → Walk approximately 10 minutes to Kikyo-mon Gate.
🚆 From Otemachi Station → Take Exit D2 → Walk approximately 10 minutes to Kikyo-mon Gate.
Map area
The map loads when you scroll here- 1-1 Chiyoda, Chiyoda City, Tokyo 100-8111, Japan
- +81332132050
- 09:00 ~ 16:00The displayed hours are for official guided tours of the Imperial Palace, not unrestricted public entry. Morning tour: 10:00–11:15 (same-day tickets distributed from 09:00). Afternoon tour: 13:30–14:45 (tickets distributed from 12:30). No tours are normally held on Sundays, Mondays, national holidays except Saturdays, or from December 28 to January 4. Afternoon tours are suspended from July 1 to September 30. Tours may also be canceled for Imperial Court events or other circumstances. Advance registration and limited same-day admission are available.
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