Tokyo’s Imperial Palace occupies the former grounds of Edo Castle in Chiyoda, a short walk from Tokyo Station. The Imperial Family lives in the palace, and most of the inner grounds are not open to the public. You can explore the public East Gardens, where stone walls, moats, castle remains and carefully kept greenery trace the site’s earlier role as the Tokugawa shogunate’s seat of power. Guided tours provide access to parts of the palace grounds, with advance registration recommended. Allow time for a substantial walk across the grounds.
The former site of Edo Castle
The palace grounds occupy the site of Edo Castle, the Tokugawa shogunate’s seat of power during the Edo period. Edo grew around the castle, with residences for regional lords and their households covering much of the city. In 1868, the shogunate ended and the imperial family moved from Kyoto to Tokyo. The former castle became the Imperial Palace.
Fires and wartime damage destroyed many of the earlier buildings. The stone walls, moats and layout remain, giving a sense of the scale and defensive design of the castle site. The palace is still the Imperial Family’s residence, so most of the inner precinct is closed to the public.
What to see in the public gardens
The East Gardens are open to the public and combine landscaped paths with traces of the former castle. Look for the stone ramparts, moats, castle remains and turrets. The gardens are a good choice if you want to explore the site without joining a tour. Greenery and seasonal flowers change the character of a walk through the grounds, with cherry blossoms in spring and autumn foliage among the seasonal draws.
The grounds are spacious, and visiting involves plenty of walking. Wide paths leave room to move around even when the area is busy. In hot weather, plan your route with the outdoor conditions in mind; air-conditioned places to rest are noted along the way.
Guided tours and access
Guided tours take visitors through parts of the palace grounds and add historical context to the walk. They do not take you inside the palace buildings. Advance registration is recommended, and limited same-day tickets may be available at the entrance. Check the Imperial Household Agency’s official site for current tour and reservation details before setting out.
Once a tour begins, there are no bathroom breaks, so take care of that beforehand. If you are not joining a tour, spend your time in the public gardens and surrounding grounds instead of expecting access to the Imperial Family’s residence.
Seasonal walks around the palace
Spring brings cherry blossoms to the palace area and nearby Chidorigafuchi, where trees line the moat. Autumn colour is another reason to visit. In some autumn seasons, Inui Street opens to the public, but access is limited to specific periods, so check current arrangements before planning around it.
The paths around the grounds also draw joggers and walkers. For a quieter visit in summer, a later-day stroll can be more comfortable than walking in the midday heat. Set aside enough time to cover the distances on foot, especially if you plan to see both the gardens and the wider palace surroundings.
FAQ
Is the Imperial Palace in Tokyo free to visit?
The public East Gardens have free admission. Check the official site for current guided-tour reservation and access details.
Can you go inside the Imperial Palace?
The Imperial Family lives in the palace, and its inner grounds are generally closed to the public. Guided tours enter parts of the grounds but do not go inside palace buildings.
Do you need to book an Imperial Palace tour in advance?
Advance online registration is recommended. Limited same-day tickets may be available at the entrance.
How long should you spend at the Imperial Palace?
Allow about 2 to 3 hours for a walk across the grounds and gardens.
