Description
- During the Edo period, Edo Castle was where successive shoguns lived, and it was only about 160 years ago that members of the imperial family began living here.
- You can freely tour the outer perimeter, but you will only be able to see the moat and turrets. To see the interior, you must join a tour. (Reservation required)
- The area around the Imperial Palace is also famous for its jogging course, and you can often see people running.
Reviews by situation
“Relaxing alone” Recommendation score: 5 /10
It’s large, so you can easily look around alone, but there is very little to see outside of the tour.
“Kids will love it” Recommendation score: 3 /10
Kids might be interested in the Imperial Guard cavalry guarding the Imperial Palace.
“As a date” Recommendation score: 1 /10
Unless there are special circumstances, this is not a suitable place for a date.
“Fun with friends” Recommendation score: 1 /10
Unless there are special circumstances, it is not suitable for friends to visit.
Business Hours
All times
Closed Days
None
English Support
Many guides have English text attached.
Fees
Free
Access
Nearest stations are Nijubashi Station (Metro Chiyoda Line), Otemachi Station (Toei Mita Line / Metro Marunouchi Line / Metro Chiyoda Line / Metro Hanzomon Line / Metro Tozai Line), Takebashi Station (Metro Tozai Line), Sakuradamon Station (Metro Yurakucho Line), and there are many stations within walking distance, including Tokyo Station.
Choose which station to use depending on where you want to go within the Imperial Palace.
Main limited-time events
See the official website.
Official website
https://sankan.kunaicho.go.jp/english/index.html
Nearby spots
Hibiya Park (Hibiya Koen)
A large Western-style park that is rare in the city center. The park has facilities such as a concert hall, and events are often held in the plaza.
Tokyo Station Marunouchi Building
This station building was completed in 1914 and has a modern design.
Yasukuni Shrine (Yasukuni jinja)
This is a shrine where people who died for the country are enshrined as gods.
