Tokyo Imperial Palace: 2024 Guided Tours, Reservation, Access, and Highlights

Tokyo Imperial Palace

Introduction to the Imperial Palace
Access: How to Get to the Imperial Palace
Guided Tours at the Imperial Palace
Ways to Explore without Reservations
Where to Get Castle Stamps
The Imperial Palace Run: Ideal for Running Enthusiasts
Nearby Attractions: Tokyo Station and Ginza

Introduction to the Imperial Palace

The Imperial Palace's location was once the Tokugawa shogunate's residence known as Edo Castle. During the Meiji period (1868 - 1912), when the shogunal system was abolished, the castle became the residence of the Emperor.

Within the Imperial Palace are the Gosho building complex, where the Emperor resides daily, and the Kyuden Palace, where various public ceremonies and government affairs are conducted.

Additionally, the Outer Garden, East Gardens, and the Northern Marunouchi Park area will be detailed below.

Access: How to Get to the Imperial Palace

There are several JR and subway stations around the Imperial Palace, so public transportation is recommended.

The meeting point for the typical Imperial Palace tour route is the Kikyo-mon Gate, with the nearest station being Exit D2 of Otemachi Station.

The following table lists the nearest stations to each gate and the time required to reach them.

Imperial Palace Guided Tours Reservation

The Fukiage Omiya Palace within the Imperial Palace is where the Emperor resides and is not freely accessible to the public. Visitors must join a guided tour to enter.

You can sign up on-site or make an advanced reservation online on the tour day. Guided tours, lasting approximately 75 minutes, are available at 10:00 and 13:00 each day.

Reservations for the next month's tours can be made starting on the 1st of each month. While on-site registration accommodates 300 people, all slots may be filled before you arrive. Therefore, it is recommended that you make reservations online in advance.

Before the tour, you can download the Imperial Household Agency Guided Tour Audio Guide App in six languages: Japanese, English, Chinese, Korean, French, and Spanish. This allows visitors to enhance their understanding of the Imperial Palace across language barriers.

Whether registering on-site or in advance, visitors must bring valid identification, such as a passport. Photocopies are not accepted.

Pre-Booking Process

1. Please select "Pre-registration" on the reservation website, choose the visit date and time in the registration system, and fill in your personal information. Ensure that the details of the accompanying persons are registered within 7 days of booking.
2. Please complete the online reservation at least 4 days before the visit date.
3. After registering, the visit acceptance system will send a notification for the "Imperial Visit Permit."
4. After receiving the notification, changes to the date, time, and visitor information (such as reducing the number of visitors allowed) are not permitted.
5. If online reservations show "full," please make reservations by phone or mail.

On-Site Registration Process

1. Please bring your original passport.
2. Gather at the Kikyo-mon Gate of the Imperial Palace (opposite Wadakura Fountain Park).
3. An hour before the visit, ID cards will be issued per person. Upon entering, fill out the Visit Application Form.

Sightseeing Route Highlights

Picture of courtesy PIXTA
The sightseeing route begins at Kikyo-mon Gate (entrance) - Shunyo-kan (rest area) - Fujimi-yagura Tower - Inside the Palace Hall - East Gardens of the Palace - Main Gate Iron Bridge - (returning over the bridge) - East Gardens of the Palace - Sannomaru Street - In front of the inside the Palace Hall - Kikyo-mon Gate (exit).

The assembly point is at the Kikyo-mon Gate, where the guided tour begins.

The first notable sight is the Fujimi-yagura Watchtower, rebuilt in 1659. This three-story tower replaced the main keep lost in the 1657 fire, becoming a significant structure within Edo Castle. Along the way, you will encounter impressive stone walls reaching heights of up to 20 meters.

Picture by PIXTA
The Inside the Palace Hall was constructed in 1935 with a distinctive pentagonal design. It served as a temporary palace after World War II and now functions as the institutional headquarters of the Imperial Household Agency responsible for royal duties.

Picture by PIXTA
Next, the general public gathers in the East Gardens of the Palace to greet the Emperor and his family during the New Year and the Emperor's birthday (February 23).

The Imperial Family waves to the crowds from the Chowa-den (Reception Hall of lmperial Palace) beside the East Gardens. For travelers visiting Tokyo during the New Year period, experiencing the lively atmosphere of the traditional greetings at the Imperial Palace is a must-do experience.

Picture by PIXTA
Passing through the Nijubashi Bridge, you will come across the Fushimi Yagura. Named after its relocation from Kyoto's Fushimi Castle, it is also known as the Tsukimi Yagura or Moon-Viewing Tower. It continues to be revered as the most beautiful tower within the Imperial Palace.

The construction of this stone wall and tower is exceptionally robust, remaining unaffected even during the Great Kanto Earthquake in 1923.

Picture by PIXTA
Finally, walking through Sannomaru Street, you will return to the starting point at the Kikyo-mon Gate.

This passage is also open to the public during general viewing periods of spring and autumn, where the surrounding trees adorn the Imperial Palace with delicate cherry blossoms in spring and a touch of fiery red foliage in autumn.

After traversing numerous historical structures, concluding with natural scenic beauty provides a comprehensive experience of Japan's culture juxtaposing nature and heritage.

Friendly Reminder

According to insights shared by tour participants, the Shunyo-kan at the starting point is the only place within the Imperial Palace that sells royal souvenirs like sake, snacks, and handkerchiefs featuring the chrysanthemum crest. These items can only be purchased during the gap before the guided tour commences.

The tour is conducted collectively by guides, and once it commences, participants cannot turn back or leave the group on their own. There are no breaks during the tour, and restroom facilities are unavailable along the way.

You are advised to use the restroom at the Shunyo-kan before the tour begins.

Activities without Reservations: Outer Garden, East Gardens, and Parks

There are areas within the Imperial Palace that are open to the public without reservations, offering delightful sceneries.

Outer Garden

Picture by PIXTA
The Outer Garden of the Imperial Palace was a royal garden in the past. It boasts around 2,000 pine trees and is a relaxing spot for Tokyo residents. From the Outer Garden, visitors can see Nijubashi Bridge, the Fujimi-yagura Tower, and the famous Sakurada-mon Gate, where significant historical events occurred.

In the southeast corner of the Outer Garden stands a bronze statue of Kusunoki Masashige, who made vital contributions to the downfall of the Kamakura shogunate and showed unwavering loyalty to the 96th Emperor, Go-Daigo. To show respect to the Imperial Palace, the statue's face is turned away, with the horse in motion, making this statue one of Tokyo's three prominent bronze statues.

Imperial Palace East Gardens

The Imperial Palace East Gardens are under the jurisdiction of the Imperial Household Agency. The gardens are closed on Mondays and Fridays and open from 9:00 to 16:00 on other days (closing times vary by season).

This area once housed part of Edo Castle, including its main, secondary, and tertiary compounds. The main keep was also located here, but it was never reconstructed after it was destroyed by fire in 1657.

During the peaceful Edo period, spending a large sum on rebuilding the main keep was deemed unnecessary due to the absence of warfare. Therefore, only the base of the main keep remains, allowing visitors to imagine its former glory.

The Ninomaru Garden within the East Gardens is said to have been renovated at the behest of the third shogun, Tokugawa Iemitsu. However, it suffered multiple fires and was left in ruins. It later fell into disrepair during the Meiji era.

In 1968, the East Gardens were opened to the public. The garden was reconstructed based on garden designs from the time of the ninth shogun, Tokugawa Ieshige. In autumn, the garden's varied layers of yellow and red leaves add vibrant fall colors in the heart of Tokyo.

Recommended Walking Route without Reservations

Ote-mon Gate — Three Guardhouses (Hyakunin Bansho, Doshin Bansho, and O-bansho) — Fujimi-yagura Tower — Honmaru Square — Main Keep (Tenshudai) — Suwa no Chaya Teahouse — Ninomaru Garden — Nijubashi Bridge (viewing only, cannot cross) — Sakurada-mon Gate

While at the Imperial Palace, start your exploration from the main gate of Edo Castle, Otemon Gate! This route shares some sights with the reservation route, but the reserved route allows you to cross the iron bridge at Nijubashi, making it unique.

Locations for Commemorative Stamps

Since Edo Castle is one of Japan's "Hyakumeijo" ("The 100 Most Famous Japanese Castles"), collectors can obtain commemorative stamps at the following locations:
1. Kusunoki Rest Area
2. Wadakura Rest Area
3. Kitanomaru Park Office

The Imperial Palace Run: Ideal for Running Enthusiasts

Picture by PIXTA
Running around the perimeter of the Imperial Palace in Tokyo, known as the "Imperial Palace Run," is about 5 kilometers long and highly popular among Tokyoites for the following reasons:

1. Located in the heart of Tokyo, with convenient access to multiple train stations.
2. Numerous running stations around the area provide changing and washing up facilities, allowing runners to freshen up after their run and continue their activities.
3. The entire route is paved with pedestrian pathways, featuring gentle slopes within a suitable range, with no traffic lights disrupting the running rhythm.
4. The surroundings offer a mix of natural greenery and high-rise buildings, providing diverse scenery that keeps the run interesting.
5. Ample security around the Imperial Palace makes it safe even for night runs.

Water Stations: Sakurada-mon Gate, Chidorigafuchi Moat
Restrooms: Sakurada-mon Gate, Nijubashi Bridge at the Imperial Palace Outer Garden, Takebashi Station, Chidorigafuchi Moat

Notes

1. Pedestrians have the right of way on the sidewalks.
2. Avoid blocking pedestrian pathways.
3. When the path is narrow, please form a single file and refrain from overtaking the route.
4. Run in a counterclockwise direction.
5. While running or walking, do not disturb others.
6. Please carry your trash back with you.
7. Running is prohibited in the square in front of Nijubashi Bridge. If you wish to view Nijubashi, approach within the designated area on foot.

Next Stop: Tokyo Station and Ginza

The Imperial Palace is close to major commercial areas like Tokyo Station and Ginza. After exploring the Imperial Palace during the day, you can head to Tokyo Station or Ginza for dinner.

Refer to the following articles to discover shopping and dining information in these two bustling districts!

In Conclusion

The Imperial Palace may sound imposing and distant. But in reality, a large part of its surroundings is open to the general public. It serves as a sacred ground for runners and a relaxing spot for Tokyo residents.

Next time you visit Tokyo, consider exploring historical sites like the ancient stone walls amidst the natural greenery of the Imperial Palace. It promises to be a truly unique and memorable experience!