The Tokyo Imperial Palace (Kokyo) is the residence of Japan's Emperor, built on the site of the former Edo Castle and ringed by wide moats and greenery in the heart of Tokyo. The palace living quarters are closed to the public, but the free East Gardens let you stroll among Edo Castle ruins, and the iconic Nijubashi (double bridge) can be viewed anytime from the Outer Garden plaza. A free guided tour of the inner palace grounds is available by advance reservation (or same-day numbered ticket) only.
East Gardens (Higashi-Gyoen) — a free public garden on the former Honmaru and Ninomaru of Edo Castle; no ticket or reservation needed
Tenshudai — the massive stone base of Edo Castle's donjon (lost to fire in 1657), which you can climb for a garden view
Ninomaru Garden — restored from a design by Edo-era landscape master Kobori Enshu, with irises (around 84 varieties) and maples for seasonal color
Nijubashi Bridge and Fujimi-yagura turret — the palace's signature photo spot, viewable for free from the Outer Garden
Guided palace tour (Sankan) — a roughly one-hour free walk through the inner grounds, by reservation
Good to know
RulesAt the East Gardens gates (e.g., Ote-mon) you receive a plastic entry token that you must hand back when you leave — don't lose it.
RulesA baggage inspection is carried out at the entrance, so leave large bags in a station coin locker or at your hotel and carry only the minimum.
RulesThe inner guided tour requires photo ID such as a passport, plus either an advance reservation (bookings open on the 1st of the previous month) or a same-day numbered ticket at Kikyo-mon — confirm the current booking process.
SafetyThe palace sits inside a legally protected 300-meter drone no-fly zone; do not attempt to fly a drone here.
MannersThe moat loop around the palace is a popular running route — the local custom is to run counterclockwise, give priority to pedestrians, and keep single file in narrow sections.
SeasonThe East Gardens are closed Mondays and Fridays and over the New Year period (Dec 28–Jan 3). Opening hours vary by season and last entry is 30 minutes before closing — check the Imperial Household Agency's closure calendar before you go.
Practical info
The East Gardens are about a 10–15 minute walk from Tokyo Station and close to Otemachi Station. Verify admission, opening hours, closed days, and tour reservations on the official Imperial Household Agency website for the latest details.
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