What other travelers are saying about Tokyo Imperial Palace
We had the quick visit to the Imperial Palace in Tokyo, and even though visitors can’t fully access the inner areas, the experience was still memorable. The palace grounds are beautifully preserved and give a sense of calm right in the middle of the city. The park is covered with vibrant green grass, neat bonsai trees, and wide open spaces that are perfect for a peaceful stroll. Standing there, you can see Tokyo’s modern buildings rising in the background, which makes the view even more scenic. It’s a quiet place that feels like a hidden pocket of nature in the heart of the city, even if you’re just visiting the outer grounds.
The Imperial Palace is a remarkably serene and beautiful place in the heart of Tokyo. The gardens are meticulously maintained, offering calm paths, elegant bridges, and stunning seasonal scenery. The harmony between traditional architecture and natural surroundings creates a peaceful atmosphere that feels worlds away from the busy city. The historic stone walls and moats add a sense of depth and significance, making every view picturesque. Visiting the Imperial Palace is consistently a rewarding experience and one of the most memorable highlights of Tokyo.
This review is meant to the gardens around the palace. I couldn’t really find the palace itself, as all the trails that led to it were blocked. Some people say you can have guided tours twice a day to visit the exterior of the palace, so that might be an option, but I believe the palace itself is a newish building and unassuming.
However, the gardens or park around the palace are huge, and you start to see some autumn colours (end of October 2025). I took a long walk there, and it was very peaceful. There are also toilets at various sites (I used the ones by the entrance next to Starbucks and they were clean; no paper towels or hand dryer though so bring a washcloth).
I saw many people enjoying the good weather and just relaxing.
So I wouldn’t worry about the opening times of the palace (they might seem very strict), as I was, because you’re probable only going to visit the gardens anyway.
Was expecting a big palace, but in reality there isn’t something like that, mostly nice roads, but no palace.
The gardens were amazing, super well kept and look stunning.
Entry is free.
Overall a nice place to talk a walk, and enjoy a bit of nature in the metropolitan city of Tokyo.
I would recommend a free tour of the grounds. Although you cannot go into the buildings, as it is a working palace, it is wonderful to be able to hear from trained guides (in multiple languages) about the palace, its history, symbolism, and significance. I would recommend registering online in advance, so you can avoid the crowds trying to get same-day tickets and also the stress of possibly not getting a ticket. Highly recommended if you can get a ticket.
The general public is not allowed direct access inside the main buildings of the Imperial Palace. However, visitors can join guided tours that allow access to specific parts of the palace grounds but not the private residences.
Absolutely. The Imperial Palace offers a unique blend of historical significance, architectural beauty, and serene gardens, making it a worthwhile visit for those interested in Japanese culture and history.
Around the Imperial Palace, visitors can explore the East Gardens, take a guided tour of the palace grounds, visit nearby museums such as the National Museum of Modern Art, or enjoy a stroll around the Chidorigafuchi Moat, especially beautiful during cherry blossom season.
The current Imperial Palace was constructed in the 1960s, replacing earlier structures that had been destroyed during World War II. The site itself has been the location of a castle since the 15th century and became the imperial residence after the capital was moved to Tokyo in 1868.
There are numerous dining options near the Imperial Palace, ranging from casual cafes to upscale restaurants. The Marunouchi and Otemachi areas, in particular, offer a variety of Japanese and international cuisine. For a unique experience, consider trying one of the restaurants with views of the palace grounds or the surrounding gardens.
