Imperial Palace
Imperial Palace
4
Points of Interest & LandmarksHistoric Walking AreasArchitectural BuildingsGovernment Buildings
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The current palace was constructed in the same spot where Edo Castle used to stand. Most of the palace grounds are not open to the public except for the East Gardens, which are accessible on select days.
Duration: < 1 hour
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Neighbourhood: Ginza / Tokyo Nihonbashi
Ginza is famous for being a trendy hotspot, but it's also a downtown area with shops that were founded over a hundred years ago. Department stores and luxury boutiques line the route from Nihonbashi to Ginza. It's a long established tradition to shop and stroll while the road is closed to traffic. Luxury hotels, world class cuisine from talented chefs, and a collection of glitzy clubs will make this area popular with anyone looking for a night out.
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- Sue SKingston, Canada379 contributionsUnderwhelming at bestYes it's iconic but frankly don't expect too much. You will only see the exterior of the palace. The grounds are filled with perfectly manicured grass and pine trees. Close to the bus parking lot there is a bronze statue of the a 14th century samurai. Although the historical significance is immense, there isn't much to do here. Just make sure to bring good walking shoes since you will be walking on gravel paths.Visited October 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 11 October 2023
- Bobbie WWarwick, Rhode Island1,766 contributionsUnimpressiveWhile we felt we needed to check out the imperial palace, we chose not to go in. First of all, you needed to take a guided tour to get in. The wait was a mile long and we heard once inside, it’s unimpressive. Lots of manicured shrubs. The outside is a massive area with an enormous moat around the palace.Visited September 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 17 October 2023
- iexpect128 contributionsLimited entryArrived at palace to do the gardens but they were closed. Walking around the palace perimeter found a sign stating first 140 people can go in and see the palace inner grounds. We queued 2 hrs. While I understand people saying it's a bit of a disappointment not seeing in the palace I still felt privileged to see what I did.Visited October 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 24 October 2023
- E CVictoria, Australia319 contributionsCheck entry dates before you goNice area to walk around, a great contrast of old vs new. No where to sit and enjoy the area and you aren’t allowed on the grass at the parks in Japan. Check opening days before you go as not all gardens have public access.Visited November 2023Travelled soloWritten 14 November 2023
- Pang LHenderson, Nevada5 contributionsThe somewhat boring Imperial PalaceThis place is a little over rated. The tour schedule changed to 1 pm from 3:30. Luckily we got there at 12. The whole place was renovated which did not show much charisma. There was not much to see except to follow the guide and walk around. Maybe March is the wrong time to visit. The eastern garden could be more attractive if more flowers are blooming. I suppose during the celebration time, this place could be more symbolic or meaningful to visitors.Visited March 2024Travelled with familyWritten 9 March 2024
- David HCanberra, Australia26 contributionsImperial Palace - tranquility in the middle of the cityWe visited Japan in early spring hoping to see the cherry blossoms bloom. Unfortunately cold weather in Feb/early March meant that only a few trees were in flower. The Imperial Palace gardens would be amazing with blooming cherry trees. The gardens unfortunately were a bit drab - hues of browns and greens but the history of the Palace area was interesting. Definitely worth going. The visit is free and could be done in less than an hour. Closed Mondays and Fridays - a trap we were caught by!Visited March 2024Travelled with familyWritten 11 March 2024
- John and Deb KKarratha, Australia822 contributionsBeutiful GardensBeautiful grounds, well worth a wander around. Although if you want to get up close to the palace you need to pre-book or line up early as there are only 2 tours a day. Also important that if you book any tour in Japan make sure that you have whats app on your mobile as that's how all the tour guides and companies, even the hotels contact you.Visited March 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 31 March 2024
- Daphne MCardiff, United Kingdom253 contributionsA peaceful oasis in the cityOur first day in Tokyo feeling very jet lagged we decided to take a walk to the Imperial Palace. The park was beautiful with the cherry blossom in full bloom. Couldn’t believe how peaceful it was given its location amidst the skyscrapers of the city. Had a late breakfast in the Starbucks conveniently situated on the park with beautiful views. Lovely place to unwind.Visited April 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 8 April 2024
- Raintree_ThailandBangkok, Thailand4,443 contributionsObligatory foto of Fushimi Watchtower from Nijubashi Bridge viewpoint!Unless you arrange a special tour, you can't really enter the palace grounds, other than the East Gardens. Tourists are all taken to the viewpoint at the Nijubashi Bridge for the obligatory photo of the Fushimi Watchtower. Good to add to your Instagram collection, but you don't need to spend more than a few minutes.Visited March 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 12 April 2024
- Birgitta-KennethSolna, Sweden1,564 contributionsLucky us!We were lucky enough to get hold of a guided tour that really only exists during cherry-blossomimg and you cant book it, just line up and the first three hundred gets in! Lovely walk among the premises but the down fall was that you was not allowed into the palace. Really glad we made it thoughVisited April 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 23 April 2024
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Ricochan
New York388 contributions
July 2022
We booked the 'Guided Tour of the Imperial Palace' tickets about two weeks in advance. With reservation, security check was very smooth. Make sure to purchase reasonably priced and high quality souvenirs in the hall where instructions are given, before the tour begins. When the tour is over, you will be asked to leave immediately. Similar items are sold in the outer garden, but not all that are offered in the hall.
There were more people in Japanese language tour, but our English tour group was small enough that we could all hear the guide very well.
If you have been to Kyoto, this castle may not wow you. It offers a glimpse of some Imperial buildings and ruins that are normally out of reach to commoners. I always liked the Megane Bridge from the parking area, and it was priceless to walk over it.
We also walked around the outer garden which was open to public.
There were more people in Japanese language tour, but our English tour group was small enough that we could all hear the guide very well.
If you have been to Kyoto, this castle may not wow you. It offers a glimpse of some Imperial buildings and ruins that are normally out of reach to commoners. I always liked the Megane Bridge from the parking area, and it was priceless to walk over it.
We also walked around the outer garden which was open to public.
Written 6 January 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
RaoulJean
Tokyo, Japan611 contributions
Oct 2020
If you enjoyed seeing the imperial gardens, you can see more of them by booking the (free) imperial garden tour, on the imperial website. The whole tour last about 90mns, and though not mind-blowing, gives you access to view-point seldom seen.
Also, you can see (from outside only...) some buildings used by the imperial family, and the tour guide gives useful information.
Also, you can see (from outside only...) some buildings used by the imperial family, and the tour guide gives useful information.
Written 30 September 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Anu789
Pune, India136 contributions
Dec 2019
Tucked away in the heart of the city, the Imperial Palace is majestic a sight. Made my way for a morning run and it was quite an experience, although the chilly weather was a slight dampener. Would certainly recommend trying it out as it was quite an experience joining all the enthusiastic morning joggers.
Written 30 April 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
FunDaddy
Delray Beach, FL45 contributions
Oct 2024 • Family
The Imperial Palace in Tokyo, the residence of the Emperor of Japan, stands as a testament to the country's rich history, seamlessly blending traditional architecture with the modern landscape of the city.
Historical and Architectural Splendor:
The palace grounds are built on the site of the former Edo Castle, offering a deep dive into Japan's feudal past. The remaining structures, like the imposing stone walls and moats, give visitors a sense of the castle's original defensive might. The architecture of the palace buildings, though mostly not accessible to the public, can be admired from the outside, showcasing traditional Japanese design with some modern influences due to reconstructions post-World War II.
Gardens and Open Spaces:
The East Gardens: Open to the public, these gardens are a highlight, featuring remnants of the old Edo Castle, like the base of the main tower, alongside beautifully maintained Japanese gardens. It's a serene place to stroll, with seasonal flowers, ponds, and historical artifacts.
Kokyo Gaien National Garden: This large plaza in front of the palace allows for fantastic views of Nijubashi, arguably the most photographed spot where two bridges lead into the inner palace grounds. Although you can't sit on the grass, the area provides a spacious environment to appreciate the palace's exterior.
Visitor Experience:
Limited Access: The inner palace grounds are only accessible to the public on January 2 (New Year's Greeting) and February 23 (Emperor's Birthday), where you can see members of the Imperial Family. Otherwise, guided tours are available but do not enter the main palace buildings, which might leave some visitors wanting more access.
Public Tours: The tours, while free, might feel a bit restrictive or underwhelming if you're expecting to see grand interiors. They focus more on the history and less on the current use of the palace, which might not meet everyone's expectations, especially given the heat and large groups.
Cultural Experience:
Visiting the palace grounds gives you a sense of Japan's reverence for tradition and nature. The meticulously maintained gardens reflect the Japanese aesthetic of harmony with nature. However, some might find the experience slightly formal or less interactive due to the palace's ceremonial nature.
Overall:
The Imperial Palace is worth visiting for those interested in Japanese history, architecture, or simply looking for a peaceful retreat in the heart of Tokyo. While the lack of access to the inner palace might disappoint some, the outer gardens and the historical significance of the site offer a worthwhile experience.
The palace embodies a quiet dignity and historical depth, though it might not satisfy those looking for a more hands-on or interior exploration of royal life.
Historical and Architectural Splendor:
The palace grounds are built on the site of the former Edo Castle, offering a deep dive into Japan's feudal past. The remaining structures, like the imposing stone walls and moats, give visitors a sense of the castle's original defensive might. The architecture of the palace buildings, though mostly not accessible to the public, can be admired from the outside, showcasing traditional Japanese design with some modern influences due to reconstructions post-World War II.
Gardens and Open Spaces:
The East Gardens: Open to the public, these gardens are a highlight, featuring remnants of the old Edo Castle, like the base of the main tower, alongside beautifully maintained Japanese gardens. It's a serene place to stroll, with seasonal flowers, ponds, and historical artifacts.
Kokyo Gaien National Garden: This large plaza in front of the palace allows for fantastic views of Nijubashi, arguably the most photographed spot where two bridges lead into the inner palace grounds. Although you can't sit on the grass, the area provides a spacious environment to appreciate the palace's exterior.
Visitor Experience:
Limited Access: The inner palace grounds are only accessible to the public on January 2 (New Year's Greeting) and February 23 (Emperor's Birthday), where you can see members of the Imperial Family. Otherwise, guided tours are available but do not enter the main palace buildings, which might leave some visitors wanting more access.
Public Tours: The tours, while free, might feel a bit restrictive or underwhelming if you're expecting to see grand interiors. They focus more on the history and less on the current use of the palace, which might not meet everyone's expectations, especially given the heat and large groups.
Cultural Experience:
Visiting the palace grounds gives you a sense of Japan's reverence for tradition and nature. The meticulously maintained gardens reflect the Japanese aesthetic of harmony with nature. However, some might find the experience slightly formal or less interactive due to the palace's ceremonial nature.
Overall:
The Imperial Palace is worth visiting for those interested in Japanese history, architecture, or simply looking for a peaceful retreat in the heart of Tokyo. While the lack of access to the inner palace might disappoint some, the outer gardens and the historical significance of the site offer a worthwhile experience.
The palace embodies a quiet dignity and historical depth, though it might not satisfy those looking for a more hands-on or interior exploration of royal life.
Written 6 October 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
PriscillaF
Perth, Australia2,171 contributions
Apr 2023 • Solo
So to get a guided tour you need to book at least 4 days in advance or there’s availability for walk in (70 people max) on the day if you line up before 1230pm at kilyomon gate (tickets handed out at 12.30pm) to the first 70 people. So therefore start lining up by 11am! If your a walk in! I was too late and found if u walk from there past the water to the gate on the left, item on gate you can still walk through the gardens by yourself and there is a map at the shop on your left side inside the gates that are free. A bonus would be to pack a picnic and eat on the lawns as I saw another group do which looked lively. I got some really nice pictures and it’s a nice day out. I would have liked to have seen some gardeners in there doing some weeding though. My weeding OCD was massively triggered, such beautiful gardens that I kind of felt was becoming a little neglected. There are shops to purchase drinks, ice creams but nothing else good wise and you can buy merchandise. There are to let’s available too.
Written 13 April 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jerome G
Coppell, TX601 contributions
Jan 2020
Although the gardens were pretty, serene and peaceful and the grounds were well kept and designed, they did not evoke the sense I had anticipated. No fault of the garden design but it was the wrong season to visit. Yes, the buildings, the general layout and structure of the stone walls were interesting to see, the lack of fresh greenery and flowers were disappointing. Save your visit for the spring, summer or fall to enjoy this garden. In the winter, your time can be better spent somewhere else in Tokyo
Written 30 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Juliet M
Crouch End, UK43 contributions
May 2024 • Couples
We did the Imperial Palace free tour. This covers the outsides of the building only and you walk around a road being shuttled to the side by a whistle blower. The tour was so huge that often it was difficult to hear the guide.
There’s a lot of hanging about waiting for them to organise the groups. I would give it a miss tbh.
There’s a lot of hanging about waiting for them to organise the groups. I would give it a miss tbh.
Written 29 May 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
roy v
Traralgon, Australia6,021 contributions
Aug 2024 • Couples
We recently did the palace tour on a very hot morning, we had booked a few weeks earlier to make sure we got in .
Really didn’t need to as when we arrived for the tour there were dozens of people lined up to get tickets and it looked like they all got on the tour.
After entering through the designated gate we were directed to a big hall where we all sat for the next 30 minutes as some of the history of the palace was explained and also what we would do and see on the tour.
This was repeated in 6 different languages so it took a bit of time, at least we were in the cool.
When we finally took off with our relevant tour guide we walked through some of the grounds , past a few buildings as our English speaking tour guide explained what we were looking at .
She did a good job doing that standing out in the repressive heat but really it was just a walk in the garden, we never entered one building or got anywhere near the Imperial residence or the Shinto Shrines, quite disappointed, good thing it is a free tour. It was all over in a hour.
Security was very tight which is good. Thankfully they allowed us back in the hall at the end of the walk to cool down for a short time before it was closed to get ready for the afternoon tour.
The tour was shortened a bit because of the heat.
Really didn’t need to as when we arrived for the tour there were dozens of people lined up to get tickets and it looked like they all got on the tour.
After entering through the designated gate we were directed to a big hall where we all sat for the next 30 minutes as some of the history of the palace was explained and also what we would do and see on the tour.
This was repeated in 6 different languages so it took a bit of time, at least we were in the cool.
When we finally took off with our relevant tour guide we walked through some of the grounds , past a few buildings as our English speaking tour guide explained what we were looking at .
She did a good job doing that standing out in the repressive heat but really it was just a walk in the garden, we never entered one building or got anywhere near the Imperial residence or the Shinto Shrines, quite disappointed, good thing it is a free tour. It was all over in a hour.
Security was very tight which is good. Thankfully they allowed us back in the hall at the end of the walk to cool down for a short time before it was closed to get ready for the afternoon tour.
The tour was shortened a bit because of the heat.
Written 3 August 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
OZ-Travelling-Family
Brisbane Australia274 contributions
Dec 2019
We arrived in December 8, on the last day of the free access to the interior gardens of the Imperial Palace that allowed the viewing of the Buildings used for the new emperor’s Daijosai ceremony. There were huge crowds but very orderly conduct allowed us to go through the inner gardens which are not often accessible to the public and see the buildings used for the emperor Naruhito’s Daijosai ceremony.
This however was a very rare occasion and never to be repeated until the enthronement of the next Emperor!
Otherwise the only accessible parts are the external gardens. Easy walk from Tokyo railway station.
This however was a very rare occasion and never to be repeated until the enthronement of the next Emperor!
Otherwise the only accessible parts are the external gardens. Easy walk from Tokyo railway station.
Written 18 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Afiqah
12 contributions
Dec 2019
This place is nice to walk around it. The surroundings are very peaceful and beautiful. It's very nice to sit down and just soak in the atmosphere. There are signs around with information on the place. It's informative. However, the houses in the Imperial Palace are restricted so you can only admire from afar. There are break rooms in the Imperial Palace where you can rest and buy souvenirs. They sold post cards with very pretty drawings on them. There are toilets and vending machines available in the place.
Written 20 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I am planning to go to the Imperial Palace for 9AM, to queue for registration and entry. Is it very hard to get in on the day? Or is it likely I'll be able to get in? Will I need to be a lot earlier than 9AM, or should I be okay? Thank you!
Written 29 July 2024
When we visited the queues were kining up around 8.15 AM and we arrived 835AM and was around number 240 in line out of the 300 that was allowed in that particular day. Mind you we were visiting in the peak cherry blossom season so there was loads of tourists in town!l
Written 15 August 2024
buongiorno,
quando dura all'incirca la visita?
Written 10 April 2020
Are you able to roam about the grounds freely at your own whim, or is it required that you sign up for a tour?
Written 15 November 2019
Sorry, you are strictly required to follow the guided tour and you can’t go anywhere. And all the guided points are outdoor, better wear hat and put on sunblock cream.
Written 29 January 2020
if entrance is free, do I still need to notify online for my visit or I just can enter whenever its open
Written 18 May 2019
It’s better to reserve the seats online, otherwise, you need to line up the queue in early morning for at least an hour.
Written 29 January 2020
no entrance fee does it mean we still have to book online for notification or we can just enter outside for viewing when ever its open.
Written 18 May 2019
You cannot enter the imperial palace. Only one of the gardens.
Written 26 May 2019
Hibiya station and Uchisaiwaicho station are the nearest.
But there are many nearby
Written 8 February 2019
how do you apply online for the palace tour tickets
Written 30 July 2018
You can go to the imperial website and apply from there. Chances are slim. They do have about 300 on-the-day tickets you can try. Tours are at 10:15 and 1:15. Be at the Kikyomon Gate early to avoid disappointment.
Written 12 December 2018
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