Tokyo Imperial Palace

Given that it is a royal residence, the palace interior and some of the grounds are closed to the public. You can stroll the meticulously manicured Imperial Palace East Garden, set at the foot of the hill where Edo Castle's foundation remains, and the Imperial Palace Outer Garden. From here you can view two famous bridges, the iron Nijubashi and the stone Meganebashi.

Free tours in English, organized by the Imperial Household Agency, allow you to see a small part of the inner compound. Or combine a visit to the Imperial Palace with other Tokyo attractions, such as the Asakusa and Ginza districts, on a sightseeing tour by bus or chartered taxi or a walking tour. Some tours allow travelers to stop for photos at the palace and also experience a Sumida River cruise, participate in a traditional tea ceremony, or take in the view from the top of Tokyo Tower.

• The Imperial Palace is a must-visit for those with an interest in Japanese history.

• This has been the Imperial residence since 1868 when Emperor Meiji moved here from the former capital of Kyoto.

• To avoid disappointment, it is best to book tour tickets in advance, but walk-in tickets are also available on a first-come, first-served basis.

• It is free to stop at the palace for photos, but various museums on the grounds may require admission fees.

• The grounds may be closed when Imperial Court functions are scheduled.

The Tokyo Imperial Palace is located in a large park area in the Chiyoda ward of central Tokyo. It is a 15-minute walk to Otemon Gate, the main entrance point, from Otemachi metro station, which is served by the Chiyoda, Tozai, Hanzomon, Mita, and Marunouchi lines. Free tours depart from the Kikyomon Gate, a 10-minute walk from the Otemachi and Nijubashi metro stations.

The gardens are open Tuesday through Thursday and on Saturday and Sunday. Tours are offered morning and afternoon, every day except Sundays and Mondays, national holidays, and December 28 through January 4. Only morning tours are available between July 21 and August 31.

During sakura, the spring cherry blossom season, more of the palace grounds with old cherry trees are open to the public. It's definitely worth a visit during this time for great opportunities to photograph blooming cherry trees framing the palace, but be prepared for bigger crowds and a more thorough security process.

Yes, there are tours of the Tokyo Imperial Palace. Visitors can see the complex’s sprawling grounds throughout the year, with tours offered multiple times a day on select days. Because it is still an imperial residence, the inner grounds of the palace are usually off-limits, and most buildings are not entered.

If you plan to join a tour hosted by the Imperial Palace Agency, you can visit the landmark for free—just make your reservation well in advance to avoid disappointment, as tour slots can book out. Tours that visit the palace in addition to other Tokyo landmarks cost more.

Yes, the Tokyo Imperial Palace is worth visiting. Built on the site of the Edo-jō (formerly one of the world’s largest fortresses), it’s steeped in history—and today home to the Emperor of Japan. With its pretty gardens and location in the heart of Tokyo, it’s one of the city’s top attractions.

Tours of the Tokyo Imperial Palace typically last for a little over an hour—because the place is home to the Emperor of Japan, the public can only visit select areas of its grounds. Tours are offered several times daily on visiting days and can be combined with other Tokyo sightseeing stops.

The vast Tokyo Imperial Palace complex includes parks and gardens, several buildings (including the Emperor of Japan’s official residence and other areas that the imperial family uses), museums, moats, and the iconic Nijubashi Bridge. Much of the palace complex is off-limits, but the East Gardens are well worth discovering.

The Tokyo Imperial Palace is one of Tokyo’s—and Japan’s—most famous landmarks. Home to Japan’s Emperors since 1868, the palace complex stands on the site of the former Edo-jō palace, and its foundations can still be seen. It’s also worth exploring the complex’s lush gardens and several museums.