Imperial Palace
★ 4.4 ｜ 30,969 reviews
Imperial residence · Edo Castle grounds · Scenic park
📍 1-1 Chiyoda, Chiyoda City, Tokyo 100-8111, Japan
About
This site with scenic gardens & tours of the grounds is the main residence of the emperor of Japan.
The full picture
This historic site serves as the Emperor of Japan's primary residence, featuring expansive gardens, massive stone walls, and the ruins of the former Edo Castle. Visitors come to explore the outer grounds and participate in tours of the palace fortifications.
It suits history enthusiasts, photography hobbyists, and those who enjoy long walks in a calm, scenic environment.
Spring, particularly late April, is ideal for the greenery, though winter visits can also offer quiet views of seasonal blooms.
💡 Check the official calendar for holiday closures and specific opening hours before visiting, as the grounds close on certain days.
Visitors love
- free entry
- impressive architecture
- calm atmosphere
- scenic gardens
- horse-drawn carriage sightings
Some note
- extensive walking required
- limited palace access
- complex entry schedules
Good to know
- Is it good for kids?
- Not mentioned in reviews
- Is it OK on a rainy day?
- Not mentioned in reviews
- How long should I stay?
- Plan for several hours as the grounds are large and involve significant walking.
- Is a reservation needed?
- Entry to the gardens is free, but palace tours are limited and typically offered on a first-come, first-served basis.
Visitor reviews
★★★★★
Really amazing location to visit. It’s free for one thing! The gardens, history and architecture were so worth the time to walk and see. Weather was perfect the day I went late April. During my visit, I was fortunate enough to see the guards on horses escorting two of the house drawn imperial carriages.
★★★★
Imperial Palace is an huge and impressive place that truly reflects the beauty and history of Japan. The palace grounds are very large, with multiple gates and entry points, and it is open to the public only during certain times of the year, which makes the visit feel even more special.
I visited during the spring season. Although the cherry blossoms were not in full bloom at that time, the surroundings were still beautiful. I can imagine that during peak sakura season, the experience would be even more stunning.
One thing to keep in mind is the amount of walking involved. The area is so big
★★★★
Large royal gardens inside the busy metropolitan Tokyo downtown. They offer a free tour of the main palace so check this out when you arrive on the main gate. I believe its first come first serve. The gardens are expansive and a lot of walking to get to the inner part. We didn’t get to see the palace, I think it’s impossible unless you have a tour. We didn’t see a sakura bloom (mid-Feb)
★★★★★
The palace has various zone for walking. We went in the winter but luckily, we saw the sakura bloomed. That's amazing.
This place is so calm. Must visit
★★★★★
Beautiful centerpiece in Tokyo. Perfect to sightsee and get some good exercise while out and about. Check to make sure the park is open as it has very specific hours and is closed around some of the different holidays. You still are able to walk around it though and see many parts from the outside.