Imperial Palace
This site with scenic gardens & tours of the grounds is the main residence of the emperor of Japan.
Imperial Palace is rated 4.4 / 5 from 32,029 Google reviews and sits about 2.0 km (25 min walk) from Nihombashi station.
General overview
About Imperial Palace
The Imperial Palace is the principal residence of Japan’s Imperial Family in central Tokyo. Visitors cannot freely enter the private palace grounds, but can join official guided tours of the palace area and visit the nearby East Gardens, which are generally open to the public free of charge. Information below is based on general training knowledge and has not been live-verified.
- Official guided tours provide access to parts of the palace grounds and selected exterior areas.
- The East Gardens of the Imperial Palace contain historic Edo Castle remnants, including foundations, gates, walls, and landscaped gardens.
- Nijubashi Bridge and the palace forecourt are among Tokyo’s best-known sights.
- The palace is surrounded by extensive walking routes, moats, stone walls, and wooded grounds.
Things to do here
Imperial Palace guided tour
An official tour of selected areas of the palace grounds, generally including views of palace buildings and the Tokyo Imperial Palace precinct. Tours are usually conducted in Japanese and may have multilingual audio or printed support.
East Gardens of the Imperial Palace
Free public gardens on the former Edo Castle grounds, with seasonal plantings, historic stonework, castle foundations, and broad walking paths.
Nijubashi and palace forecourt
A popular exterior viewpoint near the main palace entrance. Access to the bridge and forecourt may be limited depending on the area open to visitors and official events.
Imperial Palace perimeter walk
A scenic urban walk around the palace moats and walls, often combined with Marunouchi, Tokyo Station, or Hibiya.
Allow extra time for walking from Tokyo Station, Otemachi, Takebashi, or Nijubashimae stations and for security or entry procedures. Arrive well before a scheduled guided tour.
Check the official tour page before visiting. Guided tours have limited capacity and may require advance registration or same-day arrangements. The East Gardens generally do not require a paid ticket or ordinary advance booking.
This overview is general knowledge, not confirmed against an official source — verify hours, prices and entry rules before you go.
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I Found EARLY Cherry Blossoms in Tokyo! | Imperial Palace 🌸 · Phi-nex TV (YouTube)
Most asked
How to reach
Imperial Palace is about 2.0 km (~25 min walk) from Nihombashi station on the Tokyo Metro.
Before you go
Good to know
Verify tickets, seasonal hours, entry rules, and special events on the official website before visiting.
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Frequently asked questions
How do I get to Imperial Palace from Nihombashi station?
Imperial Palace is about 1987 m (roughly 25 min walk) from Nihombashi station on the Tokyo Metro. Use the directions link on this page for turn-by-turn walking directions.
What is Imperial Palace rated?
Imperial Palace has a Google rating of 4.4 out of 5 from 32,029 reviews.
What's near Imperial Palace?
Also within a short walk of the same station: Daimaru Tokyo, MARUZEN Marunouchi, Royal Park Hotel.
Is Imperial Palace wheelchair accessible?
Yes — Google lists the following accessibility features for Imperial Palace: wheelchair-accessible entrance.
Is there parking near Imperial Palace?
Google lists these parking options near Imperial Palace: free parking lot, paid parking lot.
Is Imperial Palace good for children?
Yes — Google lists Imperial Palace as good for children.
Can I go inside the Imperial Palace?
Not freely or independently. Public access is limited to designated official tours and certain public events. The East Gardens are a separate public area and do not provide general access to the private residence.
Is the Imperial Palace free to visit?
The East Gardens and official guided tours are generally free, subject to capacity, application, and operating rules.
Do I need a reservation?
The East Gardens generally do not require an ordinary reservation, while guided tours may use advance applications or limited same-day tickets. Check the official website before traveling.
Which station is closest?
Otemachi and Takebashi are convenient for the East Gardens. Nijubashimae, Otemachi, and Tokyo Station are convenient for the palace forecourt and Nijubashi area, depending on the entrance being used.
How long should I spend there?
Allow about 1–2 hours for the East Gardens and roughly 2–3 hours if combining them with a guided tour.
Can I see the Imperial Family?
Ordinary visits do not provide a reliable opportunity to see members of the Imperial Family. Public appearances occur only on specific occasions, such as the New Year greetings or the Emperor’s Birthday.
Is the site suitable for wheelchair users?
Some routes can be accessible, but the historic grounds may include uneven paths, gravel, steps, and slopes. Contact the Imperial Household Agency in advance for route and assistance information.
What should I wear?
Wear comfortable walking shoes and weather-appropriate clothing. There is limited shade in some areas and relatively little indoor refuge.
Data and photos from Google Places, generated October 27, 2026. Ratings, hours and prices can change — confirm anything time-sensitive before you go.