Imperial Palace Tokyo Guide

Guide to the Imperial Palace, residence of Japan Emperor in central Tokyo.

Quick Facts

Best for: History, gardens, running
Time needed: 1-3 hours
Access: Tokyo Station or Nijubashi-mae Station

Overview

Imperial Palace Tokyo Guide - Image 2 — Photo by Institute of Land & Geographic (国土地理院) / Wikimedia Commons / Attribution

The Imperial Palace sits on former Edo Castle grounds. Inner grounds require advance reservation; East Gardens are free to visit.

How to Enjoy

East Gardens

Free entry, closed Monday/Friday. Remains of castle moats, walls, and gardens.

Nijubashi Bridge leading to the Imperial Palace, with the historic Fushimi-yagura turret visible in the background — Nijubashi Bridge — Photo by Thomas Julin / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 3.0

Ninomaru Garden pond with traditional Japanese landscaping and stone lanterns in the Imperial Palace East Garden — East Gardens — Photo by Guilhem Vellut from Annecy, France / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 2.0

Imperial Palace Tour

Imperial Palace Tokyo Guide - Image 3 — Photo by Bernard Spragg. NZ from Christchurch, New Zealand / Wikimedia Commons / Public domain

Free guided tours of inner grounds require advance booking via Imperial Household Agency.

Otemon Gate, a main entrance to the Imperial Palace East Garden, with visitors entering — Imperial Palace Main Gate — Photo by AMANO Jun-ichi / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 3.0

Getting There

From Narita Airport (NRT)

Recommended (Premium): Take the 🔴 Narita Express (N’EX) from Terminal 1 or 2 directly to Tokyo Station in approximately 60 minutes. This is the most comfortable and direct option. Terminal 3 users should take the shuttle bus to Terminal 2 first. Budget: The “Airport Bus Tokyo-Narita” (Low Cost Bus) serves all terminals and reaches Tokyo Station in approximately 70–90 minutes depending on traffic. Mid-range: The 🔵 Keisei Skyliner travels to Ueno Station, requiring a transfer to the 🟢 JR Yamanote Line to reach Tokyo Station.

From Haneda Airport (HND)

Recommended (Mid-range): Take the 🔵 Tokyo Monorail from any terminal (T1, T2, T3) to Hamamatsucho Station, then transfer to the 🟢 JR Yamanote Line or Keihin-Tohoku Line to reach Tokyo Station. The total journey takes approximately 30–40 minutes. Alternative: Take the 🔴 Keikyu Line to Shinagawa Station, then transfer to the 🟢 JR Yamanote Line to Tokyo Station (approximately 35–45 minutes).

From Major Stations

From Tokyo Station: The Imperial Palace is a short walk from the Marunouchi Central Exit (approximately 10 minutes).
From Shinjuku Station: Take the 🟠 JR Chuo Line (Rapid) directly to Tokyo Station (approximately 15 minutes).
From Shibuya Station: Take the 🟢 JR Yamanote Line (outer loop) or the 🟠 Tokyo Metro Ginza Line (transfer at Akasaka-mitsuke to 🔴 Marunouchi Line) to Tokyo Station (approximately 25–30 minutes).

Local Access

The Imperial Palace grounds are vast and served by multiple stations. For the main view of Nijubashi Bridge, walk from **Tokyo Station** or use **Nijubashi-mae Station** (Chiyoda Line). For the East Gardens, **Otemachi Station** (served by the 🔴 Marunouchi Line, 🟣 Hanzomon Line, and others) or **Takebashi Station** (Tozai Line) are the closest entry points. IC cards (Suica, PASMO) are accepted on all area transport.

Sources

Imperial Household Agency

Last updated: 2026-02-03