Imperial Palace

Beautiful gardens and well kept grounds. The area is huge and there are nicely preserved cabins and homes. Entry was free to go inside the gardens. There is a gift shop inside and they have ice cream and cold water. They also accept credit cards.

Beautiful & huge !! The time for the imperial castle is till 18:30PM so do note this. It’s great for a evening walk & the area around Tokyo station has amazing vibes :)

I highly recommend that you reserve your tickets in advance so you don’t have to wait. It’s free and easy – Google is available.

It was a refreshing tour; appreciated seeing the old and new infrastructure. I recommend buying refreshments prior to the start of the tour. There are two vending machines available inside, so don’t worry. You can also buy omiyage/souvenir (I wasn’t able to because there were lots of people lol)

Impressive palace with beautiful gardens and an informative tour (english). Definitely worth the effort to go, we did not reserve in advance although we came a little before open and were fortunate enough to get a spot. Bring your passport, entry was free.

A very peaceful area of Tokyo, you can walk around and learn about the history, and you can sit on the grass and enjoy the quiet surroundings.

Information on cards explaining the type of plant/tree, and signs with maps of the area so you know where you are going.

Awesome free walking tour with an English speaking guide.

The gardens are brilliant and the layout inspired by the elements of Japanese culture.

Great for getting a few elevated pictures of ‘old and new’ buildings of Tokyo.

Built on the site of the old Edo castle.
Acquired by the Emperor after resolving the shogunate in 1868.
The official residence of the imperial family.
There are no multiple photo opportunities like Tokagakudo (Music Hall) with its beautiful mosaic, former main donjon of Edo Castle (never fully rebuilt after a major fire by one of the Tokugawa shoguns.)

Nice tour. They have guides in a number of languages But the English speaking tour had too many attendees, which made it difficult to hear the guide sometimes. Maybe they could break a large group into smaller groups. Walking pace was easy. We booked in advance, which meant we skipped the queue/line.

This park impressed me with its meticulous labeling of every plant and tree species, enhancing the educational experience. The cleanliness and organization throughout were remarkable, including the well-maintained bathrooms. Plus, the fact that entry is free is a fantastic bonus. Highly recommend for a refreshing and informative outdoor visit.

Imperial palace is totally hidden and open for the public but Imperial Palace gardens are real treat to see. Saw some rare koi fish, the orchids so beautiful and everything was so orderly run and kept.

We visited imperial palace gardens and it was just amazing experience. I liked the relaxing atmosphere although we were not alone there. It must be even better in warmer months when flowers and trees bloom!

The Imperial Palace has served as the residential place of the successive Emperors since 1868. It contains the Imperial Residence and the Imperial Palace Complex, where His Majesty the Emperor undertakes official duties. Various ceremonies and public activities are held there too. Other major buildings in the Palace include the building of the Imperial Household Agency and the Palace Sericulture Centre, where the successive Empresses have raised silkworms following the precedent set in 1871 by Empress Dowager Shoken, Empress and consort of Emperor Meiji.
The East Gardens of the Imperial Palace are located on the eastern part of the palace grounds and opened to the public.

The Imperial Palace occupies the main part of former Edo Castle.

Need to smell some fresh air, well done you have picked the right choice coming to this marvelous yet unique palace and garden in Japan. Just don’t forget your umbrella during sunny days and of course coming in cloudy days are the best no doubt.

Visiting the Imperial Palace is a must do!
The entire grounds are beautiful. Sakura trees everywhere.

The current Imperial Palace (皇居, Kōkyo) is located on the former site of Edo Castle, a large park area surrounded by moats and massive stone walls in the center of Tokyo, a short walk from Tokyo Station. It is the residence of Japan's Imperial Family.

Edo Castle used to be the seat of the Tokugawa shogun who ruled Japan from 1603 until 1867. In 1868, the shogunate was overthrown, and the country's capital and imperial residence were moved from Kyoto to Tokyo. In 1888 construction of a new Imperial Palace was completed. The palace was once destroyed during World War Two, and rebuilt in the same style, afterwards.

Furthermore, guided tours of the palace grounds are offered during the rest of the year, although no buildings are entered. The tours take about 75 minutes and are held in English and Japanese daily at 10:00 and 13:30 except on Mondays, Sundays and national holidays. Advance reservations can be made through the Imperial Household Agency (see links below), but same-day registrations before the start of the tours are also possible at the Kikyomon Gate.

Adjacent to the inner grounds of the palace are the Imperial Palace East Gardens which are open to the public throughout the year. See the East Gardens page for more details.

During our Japan trip, we had the pleasure of exploring the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace, and it was an experience to remember. The gardens left us in awe with their rich history and the serene beauty of nature, all within the heart of the bustling city.

One of the highlights was simply sitting near the tranquil waterfall. It provided a peaceful escape and became one of our favorite moments of the visit. Surrounded by the lush greenery, it was easy to forget that towering skyscrapers loomed just across the street.

The attention to detail in the gardens is commendable. Informative signage is strategically placed, offering tidbits about the area and its fascinating history. This added an educational dimension to our visit, allowing us to appreciate the significance of this green oasis in a modern urban landscape.

We dedicated at least an hour to exploring the gardens, and it was time well spent. Every corner revealed new wonders, from meticulously landscaped pathways to picturesque views. The visual appeal of the gardens is truly captivating.

In summary, the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace are a must-visit when in Japan. They seamlessly blend history, nature, and urban surroundings, creating an experience that's both educational and visually stunning. Whether you're a history buff, a nature lover, or simply looking for a tranquil escape in the heart of the city, these gardens are a cool and captivating destination to explore.

Amazing scenery, fresh air and clean. You need to do a lot of walking 😅 However don't expect to see the entire castle 😁

Amazing place with cherry blossoms and rock dirt paths. It felt as if I was in a fairy tale! I definitely recommend anyone visiting Japan to come here. You'll never forget this place.

Worth the visit.

I went on the 10:00 official tour. Arrived at 08:30 to line up for tickets.

A beautiful park with lots of history. Take at least an hour or two to wander around the gardens. Take another couple hours and visit the palace tour. I did not get to do that. Do yourself a favor and get there at 8:50 and you will not have a long wait through security.