Tokyo Imperial Palace

Guide to the Imperial Palace in Tokyo

The Imperial Palace in Tokyo is the residence of Japanese Emperor and is called Koukyo. It's located in Chiyoda-ku, the center of Tokyo. There was once the Edo Castle in the 17th-19th century, and Tokugawa Shoguns resided the castle. After the Meiji Restoration, Emperor Meiji moved to Tokyo from Kyoto. The Imperical Palace is surrounded by moats, and some of the original gates and stone walls remain in the grounds.
Tokyo Imperial Palace Photo Gallery

Tokyo Imperial Palace Inner Grounds Walking Tour
The inner palace grounds are closed to the public except January 2 and the Emperor's birthday on December 23. There are guided walking tours of the inner palace grounds on weekdays except on special occasions. The tours are usually conducted at 10 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. A tour takes about 75 minutes. English audio tour guides are available. To join the tour, you need to apply for approval from the Imperial Household Agency in advance. Application Guide

Koukyo Higashi Gyoen (the Imperial Palace East Gardens)
The garden is open to the public except on Mondays, Fridays, and special occasions. Admission is free.
Access: JR Tokyo Station / Subway Otemachi Station or Takebashi Station

Wadakura Funsui Koen (Wadakura Fountain Park)
It's a water fountain park located in the Imperial Palace outer garden.
Access: Subway Otemachi Station or Nijubashi Station

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