Tokyo Imperial Palace Autumn Foliage: Best Viewing Time and Highlights

Autumn Foliage at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo

One of the must-visit autumn foliage spots in Tokyo is the Imperial Palace. The Inui Street, which runs across the Imperial Palace grounds and is usually closed to the public, opens its gates in autumn, making it a popular destination for visitors.

In this article, we will introduce the features of the Imperial Palace, highlights to enjoy, the public access period for Inui Street, and recommended spots for viewing the autumn foliage.

Autumn Highlights at Imperial Palace

1. The Imperial Palace: Famous Autumn Foliage Spot in Tokyo
2. The Best Time to See the Autumn Foliage at the Imperial Palace
3. Best Autumn Foliage Spots at the Imperial Palace
4. Inui Street: Open to the Public for Autumn Foliage Viewing
5. Imperial Palace Information

The Imperial Palace: Famous Autumn Foliage Spot in Tokyo

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The Imperial Palace is one of the top spots in Tokyo for enjoying autumn foliage.

The Imperial Palace was originally the castle of the Tokugawa shogunate during the Edo period (1603-1868) and has been officially referred to as the Imperial Palace since 1948.

Among its gardens, the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace are particularly famous and have been open to the public since 1968.

At the Imperial Palace, visitors can enjoy not only the autumn foliage but also beautiful scenery throughout the four seasons, attracting people from both inside and outside the city.

One notable spot for viewing the autumn colors is Inui Street, which has specific times for public access, opening every spring and autumn.

The Best Time to See the Autumn Foliage at the Imperial Palace

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The best time to see the autumn foliage at the Imperial Palace is from mid-November to mid-December. Depending on weather conditions, this period may vary slightly, but typically, this timeframe represents the peak of the autumn colors.

The main types of trees that display vibrant fall colors are jolcham oak (Quercus serrata), sawtooth oak (Quercus acutissima), and momiji (maple).

Both the jolcham oak (konara in Japanese) and the sawtooth oak (kunugi) are commonly found at shrines and are quite similar, but they have distinct characteristics: the jolcham oak loses its leaves in the fall, while the sawtooth oak retains its brown leaves on the branches.

Tthe leaves of momiji maple trees turn a striking red, beautifully signaling the arrival of autumn.

Best Spots for Viewing Autumn Foliage at the Imperial Palace

Next, we will introduce three recommended spots for viewing the autumn foliage at the Imperial Palace.

The highlights include the Outer Gardens of the Imperial Palace, the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace, and Inui Street. Let’s take a look at each one in order.

1. Outer Gardens of the Imperial Palace

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The Outer Gardens of the Imperial Palace is a park located around the Imperial Palace, featuring a vast lawn and a stunning harmony of historical buildings.

Within the Outer Gardens lies the Statue of Kusunoki Masashige (*1). This is one of Tokyo's three great bronze statues and looks stunning surrounded by brightly colored autumn foliage.

*1: Kusunoki Masashige was a Japanese military commander from the Kamakura period (1185-1333), celebrated as the ideal loyal samurai. He is best known for fighting for Emperor Go-Daigo to overthrow the Kamakura shogunate and restore power to the Imperial Court in Japan.

Additionally, in the nearby Kitanomaru Park, located to the north of the Imperial Palace, you can enjoy the reflection of the colorful leaves on the surface of the pond. There is also a maple forest on the western side of the park, allowing for a pleasant stroll while taking in the autumn colors.

The best time to see the foliage in the Outer Gardens is typically from late November to early December. The relatively short viewing period makes the experience even more valuable.

2. East Gardens of the Imperial Palace

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The East Gardens of the Imperial Palace were developed from parts of Edo Castle’s Honmaru, Ninomaru, and Sannomaru buildings, and have been open to the public since 1968.

While you can still feel the remnants of Edo Castle, the gardens are also rich in natural beauty, making them an ideal spot for a leisurely stroll.

One of the most renowned spots for enjoying autumn foliage in the East Gardens is the Ninomaru Forest. Created by Emperor Showa, the forest has been meticulously maintained over the years, offering visitors a stunning display of colorful leaves.

The best time to see the foliage is from late November to early December. Please note that the gardens are closed on Mondays and Fridays, so plan your visit accordingly.

3. Inui Street

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Inui Street extends from the northwest of the Imperial Palace, starting at the Inui Gate and leading up to the front of the Imperial Household Agency building. This street is regularly used by the imperial family, which means that the timing for public access is limited.

In 2023, over 150,000 people visited during the general public access period, highlighting its popularity as a destination.

In addition to the typical autumn foliage of momiji maple trees, the shikizakura cherry blossoms that bloom intermittently from spring to autumn are also famous. From the observation deck, visitors can enjoy a landscape where the brightly colored leaves blend with the modern cityscape.

Each year, many people enjoy walking through Inui Street before heading over to the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace or the Outer Gardens for further exploration.

Inui Street: Open to the Public for Viewing Autumn Foliage

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Inui Street is typically open to the public from late November to early December, with entry hours from 9:00 to 15:00.

The street features a distinctive tree-lined path composed of 70 momiji maple trees in eight different varieties, attracting a steady stream of visitors each year who come to enjoy the autumn foliage.

It's not uncommon for over 10,000 people to visit in a single day, making it one of the premier spots for viewing fall colors in Tokyo. Due to the expected crowds, visitors may face long wait times, so it is advisable to allow plenty of time to get there.

As for the general public access dates in 2024, they have not yet been announced. You can find updates on the public access period on the following website:

Imperial Palace Inui Street Public Access - Imperial Household Agency

Imperial Palace Information

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As mentioned earlier, the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace are closed on every Monday and Friday. However, entry is allowed on national holidays except for the Emperor's birthday. If a Monday falls on a holiday, the following Tuesday will be a closure day.

On the other hand, there are no closure days for the Outer Gardens of the Imperial Palace, which are open year-round. Admission to both gardens is free, making it easy to visit at your convenience.

For access to the plaza in front of the Imperial Palace, it takes about 9 minutes from the Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line's Nijubashi-mae Station, about 9 minutes from Hibiya Station on the Toei Subway Mita Line, and approximately 15 minutes from Tokyo Station, which is served by various JR and Tokyo Metro lines.

Enjoy the Autumn Colors at the Imperial Palace

Many people look forward to visiting the Imperial Palace each year to enjoy the autumn foliage. Among the best spots for viewing the colors are the Outer Gardens of the Imperial Palace, the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace, and Inui Street.

Inui Street, in particular, has specific times for public access each year, and crowds are to be expected. It is advisable to check the official website for the public access dates and plan your visit accordingly.

Although the opportunity to enjoy the autumn foliage is brief, it truly is a wonderful way to experience the beauty of the season.

Main image by Pixta