What Is the Imperial Palace? History and Nature in the Heart of Tokyo
The Imperial Palace, located in central Tokyo, is both the Emperor’s residence and one of the city’s top attractions, where Japanese history and rich nature blend beautifully.
During the Edo period, this site was home to Edo Castle, the fortress of the Tokugawa shoguns, and after the Meiji Restoration it became the Emperor’s residence in 1869 (Meiji 2).
Today, areas such as the Imperial Palace East Gardens and the Imperial Palace Outer Gardens are open to the public free of charge, offering a peaceful walk away from the city’s bustle.
How to Get to the Imperial Palace and Basic Info
The Imperial Palace is easily accessible by public transportation: about a 15-minute walk from JR Tokyo Station (Marunouchi North Exit) to Ōtemon Gate, and about a 5-minute walk from Ōtemachi Station (Exit C13a).
The most recommended area to visit is the “Imperial Palace East Gardens,” where you can enjoy seasonal flowers and greenery in a garden developed on the former Edo Castle Honmaru site.
Admission to the East Gardens is free, and opening hours vary by season (9:00–16:30 in March to mid-April and September to October; 9:00–17:00 from mid-April to August; 9:00–16:00 from November to February).
Closed days are every Monday and Friday, as well as the year-end/New Year period (December 28 to January 3).
However, if Monday or Friday falls on a public holiday, the gardens are open, and if Monday is a holiday and the gardens are open, the following Tuesday becomes the closed day.
Top Things to See at the Imperial Palace
Imperial Palace East Gardens
The Imperial Palace East Gardens are a vast garden of about 21 hectares, created by maintaining parts of Edo Castle’s Honmaru, Ninomaru, and Sannomaru areas.
Open to the public since 1968 (Shōwa 43), it features a landscape where historic remains such as the Edo Castle tenshudai (keep foundation) and Hyakunin-bansho guardhouse harmonize with seasonal plants and flowers.
The Ninomaru Garden pond and wooded area are especially popular, with cherry blossoms in spring (late March to early April) and vibrant autumn colors in fall (late November to early December).
You can enter from three gates—Ōtemon, Hirakawa-mon, and Kitahanebashi-mon—by receiving an entry ticket at the gate.
Nijūbashi Bridge
Nijūbashi, located at the Imperial Palace’s main gate, is one of the palace’s most iconic photo spots.
Strictly speaking, the name often refers to the pair of bridges—the “Seimon Ishibashi” stone bridge in front and the “Seimon Tetsubashi” iron bridge behind—and the reflection of the bridges on the moat’s water surface is said to be especially beautiful.
It becomes particularly atmospheric at dusk and is popular with international visitors and photography lovers alike.
Kikyō-mon Gate
Kikyō-mon, located within the Imperial Palace grounds, is also used as the meeting point for guided tours of the Imperial Palace.
With its solemn presence, it’s a rewarding spot for history enthusiasts.
Imperial Palace Outer Gardens
The Imperial Palace Outer Gardens are an open, spacious area surrounded by lawns and about 2,000 Japanese black pines—ideal for strolling and relaxing.
There are no closed days and the area is open at all times, so you can drop by whenever you like.
From the plaza in front of the palace, you can enjoy a distinctive view of modern Marunouchi office buildings as a backdrop—perfect for Tokyo-style landscape photos.
The Imperial Palace Running Course
The roughly 5 km loop around the palace moat is one of Tokyo’s most popular running routes.
With no traffic lights and a flat, easy-to-run course, it draws many runners in the early morning and evening.
There are also multiple running stations nearby (changing and shower facilities), making it easy to enjoy a jog alongside sightseeing.
Imperial Palace History and Culture
The history of the Imperial Palace traces back to 1457 (Chōroku 1), when Ōta Dōkan built Edo Castle.
In the Edo period, it flourished for about 260 years as the Tokugawa shoguns’ castle and the political center of Japan.
After the Meiji Restoration, it became the Emperor’s residence and continues to serve as a historical and cultural symbol of Japan.
At the annual New Year’s Greeting (Shinnen Ippan Sanga) on January 2, the Emperor appears on the palace balcony and large crowds of people visit.
In addition, the Imperial Palace “Inui-dōri” is opened to the public for a limited time in spring and autumn, allowing visitors to enjoy cherry blossoms and autumn leaves.
Useful Info for Travelers
- Imperial Palace East Gardens closed days: Every Monday and Friday (open on public holidays; if Monday is a holiday and open, the following Tuesday is closed), and December 28 to January 3
- Admission: Free
- Access: About a 5-minute walk from Ōtemachi Station; about a 15-minute walk from JR Tokyo Station Marunouchi North Exit
- Best time to visit: Spring cherry blossoms (late March to early April) and autumn foliage (late November to early December) are especially rewarding.
- Imperial Palace guided tours: There are reservation-based guided tours that visit some interior areas (apply via the Imperial Household Agency official website).
Summary
The Imperial Palace is a special place where nature and history coexist in the center of Tokyo.
As you stroll among Edo Castle remains, you can learn about Japan’s history and enjoy soothing seasonal greenery and flowers.
With free admission and easy access, it’s well worth adding to your Tokyo sightseeing itinerary.
