The Tokyo Imperial Palace is one of the most important landmarks not only of the city but of the entire country.
It is a place of significant cultural and historical importance, as its existence marks a pivotal transition for the Japanese people and their form of government.
This is why you can’t leave Tokyo without having visited Japan’s Imperial Palace.
Each detail of this location allows for a deeper understanding of what Tokyo truly represents, the Japanese way of life, and the city’s development over the past centuries.
History of the Tokyo Imperial Palace
The origin of the Tokyo Imperial Palace can be traced back to the old grounds of the State Castle.
It all began when the Tokugawa Shogunate ended, and the castle evolved into what it is today.
This transition occurred in 1868, sparking a significant change across the entire country, as the end of the Shogunate marked the complete end of Japan’s feudal era.
This change led to the accession of Emperor Meiji and the dawn of modern Japan.
Thus, the palace’s reconstructions commenced. However, one of the castle’s towers, destroyed in a fire in 1657, has remained in its ruined state since then.
One explanation for this decision to leave it unreconstructed is the desire to preserve a visible trace of the palace’s enduring history over time.
The contrast between the restored sections of the Imperial Palace and those left untouched is genuinely striking.
The Tokyo Imperial Palace Today
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PsXXcJsi1gs
Today, Japan’s Imperial Palace is the official residence of the Japanese Imperial Family, as it has been since the end of the Shogunate.
Historically, this marked the moment Japan opened itself to the world, symbolized now by the allowance of tourists not only into the country but specifically into the Imperial Palace.
One of the most popular spots in the palace is the vast Koyio Gaien plaza, where two enormous bridges mark the entrance to the palace’s inner grounds.
These bridges, called Nijubashi, are among the most photographed by visitors and were part of the palace’s 19th-century restoration efforts.
The palace walls are steeped in history and art, transporting visitors back to old Japan and letting them experience firsthand the country’s journey towards modernization.
Imperial Palace East Gardens
This is the only area of the entire Imperial Palace that has always been open to visitors.
The gardens are filled with a wide variety of plants and oriental trees, creating a continuously beautiful and distinctly Japanese landscape.
The best time to visit them is in spring or summer, when most trees and plants are in bloom, offering a dazzling display of colorful vegetation.
These gardens differ greatly from the surrounding area, as they occupy the space that once served as defense rings for the State Castle, the site of many battles centuries ago. As a result, you’ll see several towers, walls, and moats around them.
The East Gardens, also known as Kōkyo Higashi Gyoen, are open to the public almost every day, except Mondays and Fridays. They are also closed occasionally for special celebrations.
It’s an excellent spot for photos, as security control here is not as strict as in other palace areas. Additionally, the beauty of each section exemplifies the classic and famous Japanese gardens.
Guided tour of the palace
In its early days, all areas of Tokyo’s Imperial Palace were closed to visitors, with the exception of the East Gardens.
Access was only granted on special dates, such as January 2nd for New Year’s celebrations and December 23rd for the Emperor’s birthday. On these days, people were allowed to enter some of the palace’s inner areas, although not all.
During these occasions, visitors could even catch a glimpse of the Emperor and Empress as they greeted the public from within.
Back then, tours were in Japanese and were highly limited and regulated.
Today, it’s possible to visit Japan’s Imperial Palace on almost any day.
The best part is that entry now accommodates a much larger number of people, and guides are available in multiple languages, not just Japanese.
If you want the unique experience of visiting Tokyo’s Imperial Palace, you can do so from Monday to Saturday. However, keep in mind that you need to register in advance to secure a spot.
Daily capacity is limited to 1,000 visitors, 500 per session, with tours at 10:00 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.
Entry is free of charge, but this also means that tickets run out quickly.
Even so, if you don’t pre-register, a limited number of extra entries are granted each day. To get this type of pass, you’ll need to arrive at the entrance at 9:30 a.m. to register, as tours begin at 10:00 a.m., and special passes for both sessions are distributed at that time.
If you arrive too late, there may not be any spots left.
It’s also advisable to arrive with extra time, as navigating the area can be challenging, with most signs being in Japanese. Although some are in English, it may still take a bit of time to orient yourself.
The Tokyo Imperial Palace is a site of great cultural and historical significance, marking one of the most important points of transition for the Japanese people and their system of government. When planning your visit, you should not only explore this iconic site but also take the opportunity to immerse yourself fully in Tokyo’s rich culture.
A great way to do this is with a 24, 48, or 72-hour metro pass, which will allow you to move easily around the city and discover other iconic places at your own pace.
Is it worth visiting Tokyo’s Imperial Palace?
Everyone has their own opinion and unique perception of each experience.
So, you may hear or read comments that the visit isn’t worth it, while others say it absolutely is.
What’s important is to consider your interest in Japanese culture, its architecture, history, and the floral landscapes so well represented in the palace gardens.
If these aspects resonate with you, this visit will leave you grateful for having spent time there.
Tokyo Imperial Palace entry fees and schedule
Visiting Japan’s Imperial Palace is completely free, but you must be careful when booking tickets, as this is a serious process that does not allow date or time changes.
You’ll need to reserve your entry through the official palace website, which is available in English for tourists’ convenience. The process is straightforward, and with basic English skills, you should be able to navigate it easily.
You can reserve for the current month and the following month. Tickets tend to sell out quickly, so plan your visit well in advance to secure your entry.
Remember that there are two visiting hours: 10:00 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. If you have a reservation, you may access the area 15 minutes beforehand to present your printed or mobile ticket (you’ll receive these images by email upon booking).
During the reservation process, you must specify whether you’ll be entering alone or with others. Reservations are made under each person’s name along with additional required information. Each ticket is personal and cannot be transferred.
An important note: all visitors under 18 must be accompanied by someone over 20. You can also make group reservations for up to 10 people.
If you don’t have a reservation, be sure to arrive half an hour before the first session, at 9:30 a.m. With a bit of luck (especially if you arrive even earlier), you might get special entry passes.
In addition to the Imperial Palace visit, a must-see experience is the teamLab Planets TOKYO: digital art museum ticket. This museum offers a unique immersion in digital art, adding a modern twist to your cultural experience in Tokyo. It’s a perfect follow-up after exploring the Palace, as it immerses you in a futuristic artistic vision contrasting with the Imperial Palace’s historical and traditional ambiance.
Location and how to get there
Japan’s Imperial Palace is located conveniently near Tokyo Station, from which it’s only about a 10-minute walk.
If you wish to visit only the East Gardens, the entrance is at Otemon Gate, which is closer to Otemachi Station on the Tozai, Marunouchi, Otemon, Mita, and Hanzomon subway lines. You can take this route or take a slightly longer walk from Tokyo Station.
In either case, the journey is short and convenient for both entrances. If you have the Tokyo Rail Pass, you can take these transports at no extra cost.
To make the most of your time, it’s a good idea to link your visit to Tokyo’s Imperial Palace with another nearby activity, allowing you to enjoy a full day of attractions and new experiences.