Castles & palaces
Tokyo Imperial Palace
Tokyo Imperial Palace
The Imperial Palace occupies a large, moated and forested area in central Tokyo on the former site of Edo Castle. It's the residence of the emperor, and most of the grounds are closed to the public — what visitors actually see are the outer gardens, stone walls, gates, and moats, plus the East Gardens, which are open and free to walk through. This is a place for walking and looking at castle-era stonework and green space rather than going inside historical buildings.
Getting there
It sits right in the middle of Tokyo, a short walk from Tokyo Station — about 10-15 minutes on foot to the palace plaza or East Gardens entrance. Several subway lines also stop nearby, including stations serving Otemachi and Nijubashimae.
How much time to allow
Walking the plaza and the East Gardens comfortably takes 1.5 to 2 hours. Add more time if you want to circle the outer moat on foot, which is a longer walk favored by joggers.
When to go
Mornings are quieter. The plaza near Nijubashi Bridge draws steady crowds of tour groups throughout the day, especially on weekends. Autumn foliage and spring cherry blossoms along the moat make those seasons busier than usual.
Combine it with
- The National Museum of Modern Art, Tokyo (0.9km) — close enough to pair as an indoor stop before or after the grounds.
- Nagatachō (1km) — Japan's political district, an easy add-on walk.
- Marunouchi (1.3km) — the business and shopping district between the palace and Tokyo Station, good for a meal.
- Jinbōchō (1.7km) — a bit farther, known for its secondhand bookshops.
Updated September 20, 2026 · Edited by the World by City editors
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