Imperial Palace Tokyo — FAQs 2026

Yes, especially during spring cherry blossom season (late March to early April) and autumn. Popular tours fill 48–72 hours ahead during peak periods. The official Imperial Household Agency tour requires advance registration. Third-party guided tours can sometimes be booked same-day, but slots are limited.

Most guided walking tours meet at Wadakura Fountain Park (3-1 Kōkyogaien, Chiyoda City) — look for a guide with a sign near the Starbucks Coffee. This is 10 minutes on foot from Otemachi Station (Exit D2) and 15 minutes from Tokyo Station's Marunouchi Central Exit.

The majority of third-party guided tours are conducted in English. Premium private tours offer guides in Japanese, Spanish, French, German, Chinese, and Korean — check individual listings for language options. The official Imperial Household Agency tour is in Japanese, with English audio guides and printed materials available.

Third-party tours may cancel in severe weather. All tours listed on this site offer free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance. The East Garden may close for Imperial Court events without prior notice — operators typically notify participants if affected. Always check your booking confirmation for the specific cancellation policy.

Yes — the East Garden is completely free. No ticket, no booking, no entry fee. You walk in through one of three gates subject to a routine bag check. The official Imperial Household Agency inner-grounds tour is also free, but requires advance registration at sankan.kunaicho.go.jp.

The East Garden is closed on Mondays and Fridays (or the following weekday if those fall on a national holiday), plus December 28 to January 3, and occasional days for Imperial Court events. Many Tokyo visitors on tight itineraries are caught out by the Friday closure — plan your schedule accordingly.

The East Gardens and the official Imperial Household Agency tour are free for all visitors regardless of age. For third-party guided tours, some operators offer group discounts for parties of 4 or more. Check individual tour listings for discount options — prices on this site show the lowest available rate per person.

The East Garden itself is free, so there is no admission fee to "include." Tour prices cover the guide's time and expertise. Most tours list "admission included" because the garden's free entry is technically part of what the tour provides access to — but you are paying for the guided experience, not the entry.

As of June 2026, the Sannomaru Shozokan (Museum of the Imperial Collections) inside the East Garden is closed for expansion and renovation. It is expected to reopen in autumn 2026. Check the official museum website for the latest reopening schedule before planning a visit around it.

Exit via the Marunouchi Central Exit and walk straight down Gyoko-dori avenue — approximately 15 minutes. Alternatively: Chiyoda Line to Nijubashi-mae Station (Exit 6, 10 min walk), or Mita/Tozai/Chiyoda/Hanzomon Lines to Otemachi Station (Exit D2, 10 min walk). See our visitor information page for a full transport guide.

A self-guided East Garden visit takes 1.5 to 2 hours. A guided walking tour runs 2 to 2.5 hours. The official Imperial Household Agency inner-grounds tour runs 75 minutes. If you combine the East Garden with a moat walk (Chidorigafuchi) and Kitanomaru Park, allow 3.5 to 4 hours total.

There is no dress code. Comfortable walking shoes are the most important consideration — the tour route is 2.2 km over gravel and paved surfaces. From April through September, light, breathable clothing and sun protection (hat, sunscreen) are recommended as the route has limited shade. In winter, layers are useful as the garden is fully exposed.

Private cars are not permitted inside the palace grounds. Paid parking is available in central Tokyo but is expensive and inconvenient. The palace is directly walkable from three major train and metro stations — travel by public transport is strongly recommended for all visitors.

Yes. Several tours are stroller-accessible and explicitly family-friendly. The East Garden's open spaces and visible ruins are engaging for history-curious children. The 2.2 km walking route is manageable for most children over 6. For families, the most popular option is the Shogun Historical Walking Tour — max 15 guests, stroller accessible, and Badge of Excellence rated.

No — the inner palace buildings are not open to the public. The East Gardens are freely accessible. The Imperial Household Agency runs a free guided tour of the inner palace grounds (exterior views of the Kyuden only, no building interiors). Register at sankan.kunaicho.go.jp.

The East Garden (Kokyo Higashi Gyoen) is the former Edo Castle inner compound — open free, no booking. The inner palace grounds are where the Kyuden (palace building) and Emperor's residence are — accessible only on the free Imperial Household Agency tour, with advance registration, Tuesday to Saturday. Third-party tours cover the East Garden and surrounding areas.

Yes — photography is permitted throughout the East Garden for personal use. All gates, gardens, guardhouses, and the Tenshukaku stone base are photographable. Commercial photography requires separate permission. Photography of imperial family members is not permitted under any circumstances.

Chidorigafuchi is the northwestern moat of the Imperial Palace, famous for the row of cherry trees along its bank — one of Tokyo's most photographed blossom spots. In late March to early April, rowing boats are available for ¥500–800 per person. Outside blossom season, the moat walk is a peaceful 15-minute stroll with views of the palace walls. It is worth visiting year-round but exceptional in spring.