The Imperial Palace East Gardens is a spacious, sprawling garden in the center of Tokyo, and it’s the only part of the inner palace area that’s open to the public. Stroll through for a pleasant escape from the surrounding concrete jungle.
Imperial Palace East Gardens - image © Florentyna Leow
The Imperial Palace East Gardens is the only section of the inner palace area that is now open to the public. At a sprawling 210,000 m2 (2,300,000 sq ft), it’s probably better described as a park rather than a garden. Here, you’ll find Japanese and Western-style gardens, as well as the foundation of the castle’s former keep.
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Imperial Palace East Gardens - image © Florentyna Leow
While this isn’t necessarily the most scenic garden in Tokyo, it’s a pleasant escape from the surrounding concrete jungle of the office districts. Just walking through gives you a sense of the scale of the Imperial Palace and surrounding areas, as well as the power of Japan.
Imperial Palace East Gardens - image © Florentyna Leow
Those with an interest in botany may wish to linger a little longer. The Ninomaru pond, for instance, has a few aquatic plants which have become scarce in urban areas. From summer to autumn, the surface of the pond is full of blooming Japanese spatterdock (Nuphar japonicum).
Imperial Palace East Gardens - image © Florentyna Leow
The charming Japanese-style Ninomaru Garden is also worth a quick visit. There’s also a small orchard dedicated to varieties of fruits no longer eaten today, such as specific cultivars of Japanese pears, citrus, and plums.
Imperial Palace East Gardens - image © Florentyna Leow
Because of the spacious lawns, the Imperial East Gardens are popular in spring for cherry blossom viewing parties.
Imperial Palace East Gardens - image © Florentyna Leow
However, it is murderously hot in summer, and there aren’t always many trees to walk under for shade when crossing the park. Wear a hat or bring a parasol, and don’t forget to stay hydrated.
Imperial Palace East Gardens - image © Florentyna Leow
English name:
The East Gardens of the Imperial Palace
Japanese name:
皇居東御苑
English address:
1-1 Chiyoda, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, 100-8111
Japanese address:
〒100-8111 東京都千代田区千代田1-1
Opening hours:
March-April 14: 9am-4:30pm (last entry 4pm)
April 15-August: 9am-5pm (last entry 4:30pm)
September- October: 9am-4:30pm (last entry 4pm)
November-February: 9am-4pm (last entry 3:30pm)
Closed Monday and Friday except national holidays, and Tuesday when Monday is a national holiday
Admission:
free
Nearest Transport:
Subway: 5-minute walk from exit C13a of Otemachi Station on the Toei Mita line, and Tokyo Metro Chiyoda, Tozai, Hanzomon and Marunouchi lines.
Train: 15-minute walk from Marunouchi North exit of Tokyo Station.
Nearest Hotels:
:: Check availability and pricing for hotels near Imperial Palace East Gardens on Booking.com or Agoda.com.
Telephone:
+81-3-3213-1111
Website:
Official Website (English)
Near To Here:
Imperial Palace East Gardens is located in Tokyo's Imperial Palace district. See our complete list of things to do in Tokyo's Imperial Palace district, including places to eat, nightlife and places to stay.
Tokyo Vacation Checklist
- For all the essentials in a brief overview, see my First Time In Tokyo guide
- Check Tokyo accommodation availability and pricing on Booking.com and Agoda.com - often you can book with no upfront payment and free cancellation
- Need tips on where to stay? See my one page guide Where To Stay In Tokyo
- You can buy shinkansen (bullet train) tickets online from Klook - popular routes include Tokyo to Kyoto, Tokyo to Osaka and Tokyo to Hiroshima
- You can buy an eSim to activate in Japan or buy a Japan SIM card online for collection on arrival at Tokyo Narita or Haneda airports. Or rent an unlimited data pocket wifi router
- See my comprehensive Packing List For Japan
- Compare airline flight prices and timings for the best Japan flight deals. Check my guides to arriving at Narita Airport and at Haneda Airport.
- If you're visiting more than one city, you might save money with a Japan Rail Pass – see if it's worth it for you
- World Nomads offers simple and flexible travel insurance. Buy at home or while traveling and claim online from anywhere in the world
- Do you want help planning your trip? Chris Rowthorn and his team of Japan experts at Japan Travel Consulting can help
