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Tokyo Imperial Palace

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Tokyo Imperial Palace (Japan)

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The Tokyo Imperial Palace (Kokyo) is located on the former site of Edo Castle in Chiyoda Ward, heart of Tokyo. Serving as the primary residence of the Emperor of Japan, the palace occupies the grounds where the Tokugawa shoguns once ruled for over 250 years. After the Meiji Restoration in 1868, the imperial capital was moved from Kyoto to Tokyo, and the former shogunal fortress was transformed into the imperial residence. The current complex, mostly rebuilt after World War II, includes the Main Palace (Kyuden), the imperial family's private residences, and various administrative buildings. The palace is surrounded by massive stone walls and deep moats, which are some of the few remaining structures from the original Edo Castle. While the inner grounds are generally closed to the public except for guided tours and special holidays, the East Gardens (Kokyo Higashi Gyoen) are open year-round. Iconic landmarks such as the Nijubashi Bridge symbolize the palace's role as a bridge between Japan's historical past and its modern sovereign identity.

📋 Practical info

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Visiting
The Tokyo Imperial Palace is the primary residence of the Emperor of Japan and is partially open to the public. The inner courtyards and gardens can be visited, but the palace buildings are closed to the public.
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Typical hours
The gardens are open daily except Mondays and New Year, typically from 9 AM to 4 PM. Guided tours of the inner grounds are held only on specific days.
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Photography
Photography is allowed in the gardens and on public grounds. Inside the palace compound, cameras and cell phones are often prohibited.
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Time needed
A visit to the gardens and the East Garden takes about one hour. A guided tour of the inner area can add another 45 minutes.
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Combine with
Combine the palace visit with the adjacent Imperial Palace Park and the East Garden. The nearby Marunouchi district features dining and shopping.
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Getting there
The Imperial Palace is located in central Tokyo, near Tokyo Station. The Otemachi and Nijubashimae stations are within walking distance.
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Insider tip
Visit the East Garden in the morning when cherry blossoms are in bloom. Free English guided tours are limited; arrive early to register.

Geography

Coordinates
35.68520, 139.75250

Facts

  • The palace is built on the site where Edo Castle once stood.
  • The current main palace building, the Kyuden, was completed in 1968.
  • The total area of the palace grounds is approximately 1.15 square kilometers.
  • The Nijubashi Bridge is actually two bridges that appear as one from certain angles.
  • The stone foundations of the Edo Castle keep are among the largest in Japan.
  • Public access to the inner grounds is limited to January 2 and the Emperor's birthday.

Explore nearby

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Rainbow BridgeRainbow Bridge4 km · EExplore →
Shinjuku Gyoen National GardenShinjuku Gyoen National Garden5 km · SExplore →
teamLab BorderlessteamLab Borderless6 km · NEExplore →
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Sights in the town Tokyo Imperial Palace (16)

Daiichi Sankyo Kusuri Museum🏛 museum

The Daiichi Sankyo Kusuri Museum in Tokyo is dedicated to the history of medicine.

Tokyo Station Gallery🏛 museum

The Tokyo Station Gallery is an art museum located within Tokyo's historic railway station.

🕒 Tu-Th 10:00-18:00, Fr 10:00-20:00, Sa-Su 10:00-18:00♿

Mitsui Memorial Museum🏛 museum

The Mitsui Memorial Museum in Tokyo displays art and antiques from the Mitsui family's collection.

🕒 Tu-Su 10:00-17:00

Edo Castle🏰 castle

Edo Castle in Tokyo was the seat of the Tokugawa shogunate and today forms the grounds of the Imperial Palace.

Gosho🏰 castle

The Gosho in Tokyo is the official imperial residence located within the palace grounds.

Imperial Palace🏰 castle

The Imperial Palace in Tokyo is the primary residence of the Emperor of Japan, surrounded by moats and gardens.

Chiyoda City Hall🏺 historical

Chiyoda City Hall serves as the administrative center for the Chiyoda ward in Tokyo.

🕒 Mo-Fr 08:30-17:00; PH off♿

Sakurada gate🛡️ fortress

The Sakurada gate is a historic gate of Edo Castle in Tokyo, famous as the site of the Sakuradamon Incident.

Tayasu Gate🛡️ fortress

The Tayasu Gate in Tokyo is one of the surviving historic entrances to Edo Castle's Kitanomaru Park.

Shimizu Gate🛡️ fortress

The Shimizu Gate is a traditional castle gate integrated into the fortifications of the Imperial Palace in Tokyo.

Denchu-ji temple⛪ religious

Denchu-ji is a Buddhist temple located in the Shinjuku ward of Tokyo.

Fukushoji Temple⛪ religious

Fukushoji Temple is a traditional Buddhist temple situated in the Bunkyo ward of Tokyo.

Tokyo Dome City Hall🎭 culture

Tokyo Dome City Hall is a modern event and theater venue located within the Tokyo Dome complex.

Hosho No Theatre🎭 culture

The Hosho No Theatre in Tokyo is a renowned venue dedicated to traditional Japanese Noh performances.

Kanda Renjakutei🎭 culture

Kanda Renjakutei is a small theater in Tokyo specializing in Rakugo and other traditional storytelling arts.

Fukutoku Shinto Shrine⛪ religious

The Fukutoku Shinto Shrine is a historic shrine in Tokyo's Nihonbashi district, known for bringing luck and prosperity.

♿

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Can you visit the inside of the Imperial Palace?
The buildings are mostly closed, but guided tours of the grounds are available with prior online registration.
Is admission to the East Gardens free?
Yes, access to the Imperial East Gardens is free, but they are usually closed on Mondays and Fridays.
What is the most famous photo spot at the palace?
The Nijubashi Bridge in the foreground with the palace buildings in the background is the classic postcard motif.
How long does a walk through the gardens take?
For a relaxed stroll through the spacious East Gardens, you should plan for about 1 to 2 hours.
Which subway station is closest?
Otemachi Station is right by the Otemon Gate, but Tokyo Station is also just a short walk away.
Tokyo Imperial Palace: where is it located?
Tokyo Imperial Palace is located in Japan.
Tokyo Imperial Palace: what is there to see?
Highlights include Daiichi Sankyo Kusuri Museum, Tokyo Station Gallery, Mitsui Memorial Museum.
Tokyo Imperial Palace: why is it worth visiting?
The Tokyo Imperial Palace (Kokyo) is located on the former site of Edo Castle in Chiyoda Ward, heart of Tokyo.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
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