Tokyo Imperial Palace remains the primary residence of Japan’s Imperial Family. Much like residences for heads of state around the world, the palace buildings and inner gardens are not open to the public. However, twice a year (December 23 and January 2), you can enter the inner palace gardens to see the Imperial Family waving from a balcony.
The ancient name for Tokyo was Edo. From the 1600s to 1867, shoguns ruling Edo occupied this site in central Tokyo, living in Edo Castle. In 1868, when the shogunate was displaced, Japan moved its capital from Kyoto to Tokyo and occupied the Edo Castle site. After fire destroyed much of the complex, they built a new imperial palace in 1888.
Take note of the stone walls and towers and the Nijubashi bridges crossing the moat from outer to inner palace grounds. They are reminiscent of structures on the site hundreds of years ago when moats and ramparts served a critical protective function.
To the east of the residence is the Imperial Palace East Garden, which is open to the public daily, except Mondays and Fridays. The venue offers peaceful green spaces and ponds with a landscaped Japanese garden. Relics from early castle walls are visible. Nearby are the National Museum of Modern Art Tokyo, the MOMAT Kogeikan Crafts Gallery and the Science Museum.
Just north of the palace is Kitanomaru Park, a public area that is the site of Nippon Budokan Hall. The Budokan is a world famous martial arts, wrestling and music performance center that has hosted international stars from The Beatles to Taylor Swift. The Yasukuni Shrine is a short walk northwest.
The palace is located in the center of Tokyo on a 1.3-square mile (3.4-square kilometer) site. It is just a few minutes from Tokyo station. Otemachi station is the closest to the East Garden and Kudanshita is closest to Budokan.
Tokyo Imperial Palace Tours
Visit Tokyo Imperial Palace
Plan a trip to see Tokyo Imperial Palace

MONday Apart Premium GINZA SHINTOMICHO
Reviewed on Aug 26, 2025

MONday Apart Premium Asakusa
Reviewed on Aug 27, 2025

MONday Apart Asakusabashi Akihabara(Former:MONday Apart Akihabara Southeast)
Reviewed on Aug 22, 2025
Browse tours and tickets to explore Tokyo Imperial Palace
Tours & day trips
See all 603 activities
Tokyo: Mt. Fuji, LakeKawaguchiko, Pagoda, & Oishi Park Tour
Private & custom tours
See all 238 activities
Tokyo to Kyoto 1-Full Day Private Guided Tour
Food, drink & nightlife
See all 172 activities
Tokyo: Sumo Wrestling Show (2 hours / English)
Classes & workshops
See all 89 activities
Best Samurai Experience in Tokyo
Shopping & fashion
See all 37 activities
Tokyo: Fuji 5th St & Hakone Day Trip with Cable Car & Cruise
Popular places to visit

Chidorigafuchi Park
After visiting Chidorigafuchi Park, make a plan to see the other sights and activities in Tokyo. Visit the shops and notable monuments in this vibrant area.

Imperial Palace East Gardens
Explore the great outdoors at Imperial Palace East Gardens, a lovely green space in Tokyo. Discover the acclaimed art scene and temples in this culturally rich area.

Chidorigafuchi National Cemetery
Find out about the history of Tokyo when you take a trip to Chidorigafuchi National Cemetery. Discover the fascinating museums and notable monuments in this vibrant area.

Kokyogaien National Gardens
Kokyogaien National Gardens is just one of the places to see in Tokyo, so why not enjoy the other things to explore during your travels? Experience the acclaimed theater scene and fascinating museums in this vibrant area.
Chowaden Reception Hall
Chowaden Reception Hall is just one of the places to see in Tokyo, so why not enjoy the other things to explore during your travels? Amble within picturesque gardens or visit the shops in this culturally rich area.
Nijubashi Bridge
Find out about the history of Tokyo when you spend time at Nijubashi Bridge. Experience the fascinating museums and acclaimed art scene in this vibrant area.
Best Lodging Options Near Tokyo Imperial Palace
Check availability on hotels close to Tokyo Imperial Palace

Hotel Metropolitan Edmont Tokyo

Hotel Monterey Hanzomon

Nest Hotel Tokyo Hanzomon

Mitsui Garden Hotel Ginza Premier

Palace Hotel Tokyo

Hotel Niwa Tokyo

Mitsui Garden Hotel Jingugaien Tokyo Premier

The Peninsula Tokyo

Hotel Metropolitan Tokyo Marunouchi
Explore a world of travel with Expedia
Explore a world of travel with Expedia
- Vacations and getaways similar to Tokyo Imperial Palace
- Other Hotels near Tokyo Imperial Palace, Chiyoda
- Hotels near popular Tokyo Attractions
- More Hotel Options in Tokyo Imperial Palace
- Expedia's Latest Trends
- Hotel Gracery Ginza
- Hotel New Otani Tokyo The Main
- Hotel New Otani Tokyo Garden Tower
- Imperial Hotel, Tokyo
- The Kitano Hotel Tokyo
- remm Tokyo Kyobashi
- Ascott Marunouchi Tokyo
- Toshi Center Hotel Tokyo
- Four Seasons Hotel Tokyo at Otemachi
- Mitsui Garden Hotel Kyobashi Tokyo Station
- APA Hotel PRIDE Akasaka Kokkaigijidomae
- Keio Presso Inn Otemachi
- Hotels near Nijubashi Bridge
- Hotels near Tokyo Disneyland®
- Hotels near Tokyo DisneySea®
- Hotels near Tokyo Dome
- Hotels near Tokyo Skytree
- Hotels near Tokyo Tower
- Hotels near Shibuya Crossing
- Hotels near Tokyo Bay
- Hotels near Sensoji Temple
- Hotels near Tokyo Big Sight
- Hotels near Waseda University
- Hotels near Toyosu Market
- Hotels near Tokyo Disney Resort®
- Hotels near Ghibli Museum
- Hotels near Ueno Park
- Hotels near Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden
- Hotels near Roppongi Hills
- Hotels near Nippon Budokan
- Hotels near Meiji Jingu Shrine
- Hotels near Tokyo Midtown
Expedia's Latest Trends
- Hotels near Omotesando Hills
- Hotels near Omoide Yokocho
- Hotels near Keio University
- Hotels near Odaiba Beach Park
- Hotels near Yoyogi Park
- Hotels near Tokyo DisneySea®
- Hotels near Roppongi Hills
- Hotels near Tokyo Skytree
- Hotels near Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden
- Hotels near DiverCity Tokyo Plaza
- Hotels near Ueno Park
- Hotels near Hibiya Park
- Hotels near Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building
- Hotels near Tokyo Big Sight
- Hotels near Tokyo Disneyland®
- Hotels near Waseda University