Discover royal heritage at Imperial Palace
Tokyo, Japan • 
Offbeat
OffbeatTokyo, Japan
Offbeat
Walking required
Yes
Palace grounds have paved paths, some slopes, and occasional steps.
Palace grounds have paved paths, some slopes, and occasional steps.
Value for money
High
Free entry and beautiful sights make it worthwhile.
Free entry and beautiful sights make it worthwhile.
Highlights we curated for you
See what similar travellers think of this activity
C
Reviews from other travelers
Summarised by AI
Romantic Stroll
Couples loved the serene gardens and the beautiful photo opportunities at Nijubashi Bridge.
Peaceful Oasis
Visitors found it a perfect escape. A quiet, romantic walk away from the city's hustle.
Historical Charm
Couples appreciated the historical significance and well-maintained grounds. A must-see.
Limited Access
The main palace is inaccessible. Disappointed couples wanted to see inside the buildings.
Crowded Tours
Some couples found the guided tours too large and crowded for a romantic experience.
No Inside
Couples noted you can't go inside the palace. A bit disappointing for some visitors.
Hours of operation
Monday
-
Tuesday
09:00 AM - 06:00 PM
Wednesday
09:00 AM - 06:00 PM
Thursday
09:00 AM - 06:00 PM
Friday
-
Saturday
09:00 AM - 06:00 PM
Sunday
09:00 AM - 06:00 PM
In-depth experience
May contain spoilers
Watch curated videos from fellow travellers for a glimpse of what to expect.
Your guide to exploring the majestic Tokyo Imperial Palace.
Witness travelers exploring the majestic Imperial Palace in Tokyo in this captivating video.
Experience the allure of the Imperial Palace through this captivating cinematic video!
When to visit
We've analysed user reviews and geographical data, and identified the best and worst months to visit.
Month
Crowd Level
Weather
Availability
Our recommendation
April
LOW
-
Open
Not recommended
May
MEDIUM
15-23°C
May in Tokyo is mild and pleasant, with comfortable temperatures and moderate humidity. Rain is possible but not frequent.
May in Tokyo is mild and pleasant, with comfortable temperatures and moderate humidity. Rain is possible but not frequent.
Open
The inner palace grounds are not open to the public except on January 2 and February 23. The East Gardens are open to visitors except on Mondays, Fridays, and some holidays.
The inner palace grounds are not open to the public except on January 2 and February 23. The East Gardens are open to visitors except on Mondays, Fridays, and some holidays.
Recommended
May is a favorable time for visiting the Imperial Palace, with comfortable weather and the East Gardens accessible to the public. Expect some closures around public holidays.
May is a favorable time for visiting the Imperial Palace, with comfortable weather and the East Gardens accessible to the public. Expect some closures around public holidays.
June
LOW
18-25°C
June marks the start of the rainy season (tsuyu) in Tokyo, with higher humidity and frequent showers.
June marks the start of the rainy season (tsuyu) in Tokyo, with higher humidity and frequent showers.
Open
The inner palace grounds remain closed to the public. The East Gardens may close during heavy rain or adverse weather.
The inner palace grounds remain closed to the public. The East Gardens may close during heavy rain or adverse weather.
Recommended
June is quieter for visitors, but frequent rainfall and humidity may affect outdoor plans. The East Gardens are still open except on regular closure days.
June is quieter for visitors, but frequent rainfall and humidity may affect outdoor plans. The East Gardens are still open except on regular closure days.
July
MEDIUM
22-29°C
July is hot and humid, with the rainy season ending mid-month and summer heat setting in.
July is hot and humid, with the rainy season ending mid-month and summer heat setting in.
Open
The inner palace grounds remain closed; the East Gardens are open except on regular closure days.
The inner palace grounds remain closed; the East Gardens are open except on regular closure days.
Not recommended
July can be uncomfortable due to heat and humidity. Visitor numbers increase slightly as school holidays begin.
July can be uncomfortable due to heat and humidity. Visitor numbers increase slightly as school holidays begin.
How to get there
Bike
Recommended
Cycling is popular on the outer grounds. A 3-kilometer cycling loop along Uchibori-dori is available on Sundays. Bike-sharing services and guided e-bike tours are also available.
Train
Recommended
JR Lines, including the Yamanote, Chuo-Sobu, Keihin-Tohoku, and Shinkansen, serve Tokyo Station, a 10-15 minute walk from the palace.
Walking
Recommended
Walking is an integral part of the visit, with stations like Tokyo Station and Otemachi Station within a short walk to the palace grounds.
Bus
Local bus routes and sightseeing buses, such as the Hato Bus, serve the area. Limousine bus services also connect Haneda Airport to the Imperial Palace area.
Car
Driving is possible, but not recommended due to traffic and limited parking. Paid parking lots are available in surrounding areas.
Metro
Several Tokyo Metro lines provide access: Chiyoda Line (Nijubashimae Station), Tozai Line (Takebashi Station), and various lines at Otemachi Station.
Taxi
Taxis are readily available, and drivers are familiar with the Imperial Palace as a destination.
Additional info
Here's what you need to know about this experience
Mobility
Wheelchair Accessible
Walking Required
Stairs Present
Seating Available
Flat Terrain
Hiking Required
Elevator Available
Mobility Scooter Friendly
Ramps Available
Pregnancy
Suitable for pregnancy
Allowed during pregnancy
Pets
Pets not allowed
Driving
Driving License Required
Idp Required
