Complete Visitor Guide · Updated May 2026

Tokyo Imperial Palace

The residence of the Emperor of Japan, built on the largest feudal castle in history. Free to visit — if you know which gate to use, which days to avoid, and what you'll actually see when you get there.

24 curated tours · East Gardens · Chidorigafuchi · Inui Street · IHA Official Tour

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Free
Official IHA tour
75 min
IHA inner-grounds walk
5 km
Full moat perimeter
18 days
Inui Street opens/year
Jan 2
Emperor's public greeting

01 — TL;DR

Three things to know before you arrive

  • You will not enter any buildings. The palace is a working royal residence. All access — free or paid — is exterior-only. The top TripAdvisor complaint is "walked 90 minutes and only saw buildings from outside." Plan accordingly.
  • Free access has three tiers. The outer plaza (Kokyo Gaien, 24h) and East Gardens (free, closed Mon/Fri) are walk-up. The inner grounds require a free IHA reservation and original photo ID — book at sankan.kunaicho.go.jp a full month ahead for peak dates.
  • A guided tour adds context, not access. The palace sits on the ruins of Edo Castle — the largest feudal castle ever built. A licensed walking guide decodes 400 years of shogunate and imperial history that the stone walls don't narrate on their own.

02 — Ways In

The five access tiers — ranked from easiest to rarest

Not all Imperial Palace access is equal. Here's what's possible, in order of availability.

Tier 1 · Always open

Kokyo Gaien (Outer Plaza)

The iconic foreground view of Nijubashi and the palace towers. Open 24 hours, free, no reservation. The most-photographed spot in Tokyo.

Station: Nijubashimae, exit 3 · Cost: Free
Tier 2 · Most days (not Mon/Fri)

East Gardens (Higashi-gyoen)

Ninomaru Garden, Edo Castle stone ruins, Sannomaru Shozokan Museum (reopening autumn 2026 — 9,800-item imperial art collection). Seasonal hours. Free, walk-up.

Gate: Otemon (main) · Cost: Free · Closed: Mon, Fri
Tier 3 · Weekdays (reservation required)

IHA Inner Grounds Tour

The only regular way to enter the inner palace grounds: Fujimi watchtower, the inner side of Nijubashi, Chowaden Hall plaza. 75 minutes, guided, in Japanese or English. Free. Requires advance online reservation + original photo ID at Kikyo-mon Gate.

Book: sankan.kunaicho.go.jp · Cost: Free · Closed: Sun, Mon, holidays
About the IHA tour →
Tier 4 · ~18 days per year

Inui Street (Inui-dori)

A 750m private palace road with ~100 cherry trees, open ~9 days in spring (sakura, ~Mar 21–29 in 2026) and ~9 days in autumn (momiji, ~late November). Enter at Sakashita Gate, exit at Inui Gate. Free, walk-up, no reservation.

Spring 2026: March 21–29 · Cost: Free
Inui Street timing →
Tier 5 · 2 days per year

New Year & Birthday Public Access

January 2 (New Year greeting — 5 Emperor balcony appearances, 9:30–14:10) and February 23 (Emperor's Birthday) are the only two days the inner courtyard in front of Chowaden Hall opens to the general public. No reservation — security check applies.

Jan 2: 9:30–14:10 · Feb 23: Times TBA · Cost: Free

03 — Map & Book

The palace grounds — and the walks worth booking

The Imperial Palace sits at the centre of Tokyo, ringed by moats. Most guided walks meet near Tokyo Station or the Kokyo Gaien plaza and link the Nijubashi bridge, the Edo-Castle ruins and the free East Gardens. Tap the palace marker to book; the dark markers are the spots a tour ties together.

Blue marker = the palace, where guided walks centre (bookable). Dark markers = the East Gardens, Tokyo Station meeting area and Nijubashi. Prices via Viator; verified June 2026.

  1. Imperial Palace & Shogun Historical Walking Tour 5.0★ (2,688)from $23East GardensBest value Check availability →
  2. Tokyo Castle & Imperial Palace — Shogun Walking Tour 4.9★ (1,146)from $23Edo Castle ruins Check availability →
  3. Imperial Palace East Garden & Edo Castle Walking Tour 4.9★ (630)from $25East Gardens Check availability →
  4. Tokyo Castle, Imperial Palace, Shogun & Garden Walk 4.9★ (345)from $39Castle + garden Check availability →
  5. Private Tour: Imperial Palace East Gardens & Edo Castle 4.9★ (150)from $64Private Check availability →

Live availability and booking via Viator. We earn a commission on bookings made through these links, at no extra cost to you — it never affects our rankings.

04 — Need to Know

Ten things every visitor should understand

01

The palace was built on Edo Castle

The current Imperial Palace occupies the grounds of Edo Castle, the largest feudal castle in Japanese history (built 1457, expanded by Tokugawa Ieyasu from 1603). The stone walls, moats, and watchtowers you see are Edo Castle — not the modern palace. A guided walking tour helps decode the archaeology.

02

The East Gardens and the IHA tour are separate experiences

Different gates, different rules, different days. The East Gardens (Otemon Gate) are open most days, free, walk-up. The IHA guided tour (Kikyo-mon Gate) runs weekdays only and requires advance reservation. Many visitors attempt both on the same day — check the closure pattern carefully.

03

Bring original ID to the IHA tour — photocopies refused

The IHA tour requires original photo identification matching the booking name (passport, driver's licence, student ID). Photocopies are refused at the gate. This is the most common reason visitors are turned away.

04

Inui Street opens only ~18 days per year total

This 750m private palace road is the most scenic and rarest access at the palace. Spring opening (~Mar 21–29) coincides with the East Gardens cherry blossom peak. Autumn opening (~late November) is less crowded. Dates are announced by the IHA — follow their official announcements.

05

The Sannomaru Shozokan reopens autumn 2026

The Museum of the Imperial Collections inside the East Gardens is undergoing expansion — from a small gallery to a facility 8 times the original exhibit space, housing 9,800 artworks. Reopening is scheduled for autumn 2026. If your visit is post-October 2026, this is a significant new reason to include the East Gardens in your itinerary.

06

The 5km perimeter walk is manageable but takes time

Circling the entire palace moat — past Kokyo Gaien, Chidorigafuchi, Kitanomaru Park, and back — is approximately 5km. Allow 75–90 minutes at a tourist pace, more with photography. The palace running circuit is used by Tokyo commuters as a morning jog route.

07

Chidorigafuchi boat reservation changed in 2025

During the peak cherry blossom festival (late March – early April), Chidorigafuchi now operates a Smart Ticket advance reservation system for rowboats — bypassing the previous 2–3 hour walk-up queue. Boats are approximately ¥12,000 per boat during the illuminated festival period. Outside the festival, walk-up rental remains available March through November.

08

Kitanomaru Park has two surviving Edo Castle gates

Tayasu-mon (1685) and Shimizumon are two of the few surviving original Edo Castle gates — most were destroyed in the 1868 Meiji Restoration or subsequent fires. Both are Important Cultural Properties. Kitanomaru also contains the Nippon Budokan and the National Museum of Modern Art. Free entry.

09

Marunouchi Illumination runs Nov 13 – Feb 15

The neighbouring Marunouchi business district lights 820,000 LEDs across 286 zelkova trees along Gyoko-dori — the avenue running from Tokyo Station toward the palace. Gyoko-dori itself (closer to the palace) illuminates Nov 28 – Dec 25 from 16:00 to midnight. Pairs well with the palace's own winter atmosphere.

10

The palace is 8–15 minutes from Tokyo Station on foot

From Marunouchi Central Exit of Tokyo Station, Kokyo Gaien is about 10 minutes. Nijubashimae Station (Metro Chiyoda Line, Exit 3) is directly in front of the outer plaza. Otemachi Station (multiple Metro lines, Exit C13b) is best for the East Gardens. There are no taxis into the palace grounds — access is on foot from these stations.

05 — Who It's For

Which visit style fits your trip?

🌐

First-timers to Tokyo

  • Start with the most-reviewed group tour
  • Add the East Gardens for free depth
  • Pair with Tokyo Station neighbourhood (8 min walk)
Group tours →
🏭

History & samurai buffs

  • Focus on the Edo Castle ruins and stonework
  • Look for tours with samurai and shogunate framing
  • Add Kitanomaru Park's surviving gates (free)
History walks →
📷

Photographers

  • Sunrise at Nijubashi (golden-hour light, crowd-free)
  • Inui Street opening (~Mar 21–29, ~late Nov) for rare access
  • Chidorigafuchi at dusk during sakura season
Cherry blossom →
🌸

Cherry blossom visitors

  • Chidorigafuchi for the 700m moat bloom
  • Inui Street for the rare private-road sakura
  • Book Chidorigafuchi boat early (new Smart Ticket system)
Sakura tours →
👥

Families with children

  • East Gardens' stone ruins are genuinely dramatic
  • Kitanomaru Park for open space to run around
  • Choose a private tour for flexible pacing
Private tours →
🏙

Independent travellers

  • Use the free official IHA audio app (6 languages)
  • Self-guided East Gardens + Kokyo Gaien loop: ~2.5h free
  • Supplement with an audio guide from our pool
Audio guides →

06 — Seasons

When to visit the Imperial Palace

Each season offers a distinct character. Spring is the crown jewel; winter has underrated illumination.

Spring
Late March – Early May

Peak for cherry blossom tours at Chidorigafuchi (illuminated boats, 700m of sakura) and Inui Street (~Mar 21–29). IHA tour slots sell out fast — book in February for March dates. Chidorigafuchi boat reservation: new advance system, ~¥12,000/boat.

Sakura tours →
Summer
June – August

The IHA afternoon tour is suspended July–August (heat). East Gardens lush green, less crowded than spring. Chidorigafuchi lantern festival (~2,000 lanterns on the water, ~July). Humidity is real — morning visits strongly recommended.

Self-guided options →
Autumn
October – November

Autumn foliage (momiji) in Kitanomaru Park and Inui Street (~late November, ~9 days). Less crowded than spring. The Sannomaru Shozokan Museum reopens autumn 2026 — the East Gardens gain a major new draw. A guided walking tour pairs well with the cooler weather. Marunouchi Illumination begins Nov 13.

Autumn walks →
Winter
December – February

Marunouchi Illumination (Nov 13–Feb 15) runs nearby — 820,000 LEDs along Gyoko-dori. January 2 New Year public greeting (Emperor's balcony appearance). February 23 Emperor's Birthday public access. Clear winter air for Fuji-view days from Fujimi tower (on the IHA tour).

Winter walking tours →

07 — Logistics

Practical planning — stations, hours, and gates

The palace has five public gates, each for a different purpose. Otemon for East Gardens · Kikyo-mon for the IHA guided tour · Sakashita-mon for Inui Street (spring/autumn openings) · Hanzomon-mon and Inui-mon as exit-only gates. Arriving at the wrong gate is the most common logistical mistake.
ZoneEntry GateNearest StationHoursCostClosed
Kokyo Gaien (outer plaza)Open plazaNijubashimae Exit 324hFreeNever
East GardensOtemon (main)Otemachi Exit C13b, ~7 min9:00–16:00 to 18:00 (seasonal)FreeMon, Fri; Dec 28–Jan 3
IHA Inner Grounds TourKikyo-monOtemachi Exit C13b, ~7 min10:00 & 13:30 (75 min each)Free (reservation)Sun, Mon, holidays; Dec 28–Jan 4; afternoons Jul–Aug
Inui Street (spring)Sakashita-monHanzo-mon Exit 3, ~5 min9:00–15:30 last entryFreeApprox Mar 21–29 only
Kitanomaru ParkTayasumon or ShimizumonKudanshita Exit 224h (park); museums varyFreeNever (park)
Chidorigafuchi (moat walk)Boat pier: ChidorigafuchiKudanshita Exit 2, ~5 min7:00–22:00 (walk); boats Mar–NovFree (walk); boats ~¥800/30 minBoats: seasonal

08 — Red Flags

Eight things visitors consistently get wrong

⚠

Arriving at the wrong gate for the IHA tour

The IHA guided tour starts at Kikyo-mon Gate only — not Otemon (East Gardens entrance). The two gates are on opposite sides of the complex. Arriving at Otemon for the IHA tour means missing your slot.

⚠

Not bringing original ID to the IHA tour

A photocopy of your passport is refused at the gate. The original document matching the reservation name is required. Foreign visitors need their actual passport — not the hotel key-card copy.

⚠

Booking the IHA tour for Monday or Sunday

The IHA tour does not run on Sundays, Mondays, or national holidays. The East Gardens also close on Mondays and Fridays. Planning both on a Monday means both are unavailable.

⚠

Expecting to see the palace interior

No tour — free or paid — enters any palace building. The palace is the Emperor's working residence. All access is exterior. "We walked for 90 minutes and only saw buildings from outside" is consistently the top TripAdvisor complaint.

⚠

Missing Inui Street because you didn't plan for it

Inui Street opens ~9 days in spring and ~9 days in autumn — around 18 days per year total. It is one of the most beautiful experiences at the palace. Missing it because you arrived outside the window is a common regret.

⚠

Chidorigafuchi boats without advance reservation (sakura season)

In 2025, Chidorigafuchi introduced a Smart Ticket advance reservation system for the peak sakura festival period. Walk-up queues during cherry blossom bloom can exceed 2–3 hours. Book early via the official channel when visiting March–April.

⚠

Underestimating the walking distance

A full perimeter walk around the palace moat is approximately 5km. Adding the East Gardens, Chidorigafuchi, and Kitanomaru Park makes a comfortable 8–10km half-day. Wear walking shoes. The IHA tour alone is a 2.2km gravel-path loop.

⚠

Relying on paid audio tours when the official IHA app is free

The Imperial Household Agency publishes a free official audio guide app in 6 languages (Japanese, English, Chinese, Korean, French, Spanish) covering the inner grounds and East Gardens. Download it before your visit. Several commercial audio tours in our pool supplement but don't exceed it.

09 — Guided Tours

Why a guided tour adds value at the Imperial Palace

The palace grounds are free to visit — but free doesn't mean self-explanatory. The Edo Castle ruins look like stone piles without context. The watchtower positions only make sense when you understand the original defensive geometry. Three reasons to book a licensed guide:

See 24 curated tours →

10 — FAQ

Frequently asked questions

You cannot enter any palace buildings. The palace is a working royal residence — no interior is open to the public on any tour. What visitors access: the outer Kokyo Gaien plaza (24h, free), the East Gardens (free, closed Mon/Fri), and the inner grounds on the free IHA 75-minute guided walk (weekdays, reservation required). Even on the IHA tour you walk exterior paths and see buildings from outside. This is the most important expectation to set before your visit.

Apply online at sankan.kunaicho.go.jp. Reservations open on the 1st of each month at 5:00 JST for tours the following month (about 4 weeks ahead) and close 4 days before the tour date. Bring the original ID matching the booking name — photocopies are refused. Same-day numbered tickets are distributed at Kikyo-mon Gate from 09:00 (for 10:00 tour) and 12:30 (for 13:30 tour) on a first-come basis.

Chidorigafuchi is the palace's north moat — a 700m tree-lined path with around 200 Yoshino cherry trees, making it one of Tokyo's most iconic cherry blossom spots. The Chiyoda Sakura Festival 2026 ran March 5 to April 22. During peak bloom (approx. March 26 – April 6) boats were available with extended hours to 19:30 and the new Smart Ticket advance reservation system. Outside sakura season, the walking path and boat rental (walk-up) are available March through November. There's also a summer lantern festival with ~2,000 lanterns on the water.

Inui Street (Inui-dori) is a 750m private palace road with ~100 cherry trees — one of the most scenic spots at the palace, but only open about 18 days per year. Spring: ~March 21–29 (cherry blossom). Autumn: ~late November (~9 days, momiji). Free, no reservation. Enter at Sakashita Gate, exit at Inui Gate, 9:00–15:30 last entry. Exact dates are announced by the Imperial Household Agency.

Hours vary by season: 9:00–16:00 (Nov–Feb), 9:00–16:30 (Oct), 9:00–17:00 (Mar 1–Apr 14 and Sep), 9:00–18:00 (Apr 15–Aug). Last entry 30 minutes before closing. Closed Monday, Friday (and Tuesday when Monday is a national holiday), December 28 – January 3, and on days with Imperial events. Free entry at all times via Otemon, Hirakawamon, or Kitahanebashimon gates.

You can do a rich free visit independently: East Gardens + IHA official tour + Kokyo Gaien. The free official IHA audio app (6 languages) covers the inner grounds and East Gardens well. A paid guided walking tour adds historical depth — particularly for the Edo Castle ruins, whose significance isn't visible without knowing what you're looking at. Many visitors do both: the free IHA tour for inner grounds access, a paid guide for historical context.

The Emperor and Empress appear publicly at the palace on two occasions each year: January 2 (New Year General Greeting, 9:30–14:10, 5 balcony appearances) and February 23 (Emperor's Birthday). On both days the inner courtyard in front of Chowaden Hall opens to the general public — no reservation required, but security screening and bag checks apply. These are the only two days the inner courtyard is publicly accessible outside the IHA guided tour route.

Nijubashi is actually two bridges: the iron Seimon Tetsubashi (outer gate bridge) and the stone Meganebashi (its reflection creates a "double bridge" image). From Kokyo Gaien you see both in the classic palace photograph. The outer Seimon Tetsubashi can only be crossed on the IHA guided tour, on January 2 (New Year), and on February 23 (Emperor's Birthday). Visitors cannot cross it otherwise.

The Museum of the Imperial Collections (Sannomaru Shozokan) inside the East Gardens is currently closed for expansion. The reopening is scheduled for autumn 2026. The expanded museum will be approximately 8 times the original exhibit space, housing around 9,800 artworks from the Imperial collection. Entry will remain free as part of the East Gardens visit.

From Tokyo Station's Marunouchi Central Exit, Kokyo Gaien (the outer plaza and Nijubashi viewpoint) is about 10 minutes on foot. For the East Gardens' Otemon Gate, allow 12–15 minutes. For the IHA tour's Kikyo-mon Gate, allow 15 minutes. If taking the Metro, Nijubashimae Station (Chiyoda Line, Exit 3) is directly in front of the outer plaza, and Otemachi Station (multiple lines, Exit C13b) is best for the East Gardens and IHA tour entrance.

Private e-bike tours of the palace circuit are available via Viator — see our tour catalogue. The historic free Sunday car-free cycling programme on Uchibori-dori was discontinued in March 2018. Current independent cycling options use the Docomo Bike Share network around Marunouchi. The full palace perimeter is approximately 5km — a 30–40 minute loop by bike.

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