Imperial Palace Gardens

The Imperial Palace Gardens encompass the expansive grounds surrounding the Imperial Palace in the Chiyoda ward, right in the geographic and symbolic heart of Tokyo. Set on the former site of Edo Castle — the seat of power for the Tokugawa shoguns who ruled Japan for over 250 years — these gardens offer a remarkable blend of Japanese history, nature, and architecture within walking distance of Tokyo Station.

The area is broadly divided into two sections. The Imperial Palace East Gardens (Kokyo Higashi Gyoen) are the most accessible part, open to the public free of charge. Here you can explore the ruins of Edo Castle's massive stone walls, moats, and guard towers, walk through the Ninomaru Garden with its tranquil pond and seasonal flowers, and visit the site of the former castle keep — the highest point, with views across the gardens to the modern skyline beyond. The East Gardens are open from 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM (extended to 6:00 PM from May through August) and are closed on Mondays and Fridays.

The wider Imperial Palace Plaza (Kokyo Gaien) is an open public area with broad gravel paths, manicured lawns, and rows of striking black pine trees framing views of the palace's iconic Nijubashi double bridge and the stone-walled moats — one of the most photographed scenes in Tokyo. This area is accessible at all hours and is especially popular with joggers who circle the 5-kilometer palace moat route.

For those who want to see the inner palace grounds, guided tours are available Tuesday through Saturday at 10:00 AM and 1:30 PM, lasting approximately 75 minutes. Tours are conducted in English and Japanese but spaces are limited — only 120 visitors are accepted per day, with 70 spots available for same-day walk-in registration at Kikyomon Gate. Advance online booking through the Imperial Household Agency website is strongly recommended. Bring a valid photo ID (passport for international visitors) as it is required for entry.

Plan to spend one to two hours exploring the East Gardens and plaza at a leisurely pace. The gardens are ideal for history enthusiasts, couples, and anyone who appreciates the contrast between ancient stone fortifications and Tokyo's modern skyline. It is also an excellent spot for photography. Families will enjoy the open green spaces, though note that the grounds are large and involve considerable walking.

The closest station is Otemachi on multiple subway lines (Marunouchi, Tozai, Chiyoda, Hanzomon, and Mita lines), with the Otemon gate entrance a three-minute walk from Exit C13b. Tokyo Station's Marunouchi exit is also within a 10-minute walk. From the palace area, the Marunouchi business district and Ginza shopping area are both easily reachable on foot, and the Nihonbashi historic quarter is nearby — making it simple to build a full day of sightseeing around the Imperial Palace.