Imperial Palace
(皇居)
Palace and Historic and Protected Site
皇居, 東京
"Home of the emperor & family."(4 Tips)
"Worth seeing once for the beautiful gardens."(3 Tips)
"Be sure to book 1 month in advance for the guided palace tours!"(2 Tips)
"closed Monday and Friday"(2 Tips)
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Andrew BeckerSeptember 22, 2016Really, skip the daily tour (especially if you are an English-Only speaker). They show you a few nondescript buildings from a few different angles. Two hours of Tokyo time I wish I had back.Upvoted 2 weeks ago
ChristinaApril 19, 2016Only open at some special days (check them beforehand) almost half Tokyo wants to see it. Nevertheless an nice and short walk. Also visit the very nice gardens around the palace! 🌸🌿
Maia WailanaSeptember 10, 2013in this era, imperial is an old school adjective. for history enthusiast you need to visit here behind the scenes with access to the grounds.. so much history so little time.
Upvoted 1 week ago
Kevin DulinFebruary 7, 2019Book in advanced to avoid long queues. The tour is worth it for the better views of the palace.
Setareh PrzJune 24, 2019Check the time table online(palace is closed some days). Bring ur passport for entrance! They have some English tour for visitors ! U can just visit some part of garden and imperial building facade.
Margherita B.November 16, 2014Starting from 10 on sundays, you can have a bike for free (after filing in a form). I rode a tandem for the first time in my life and I loved it
- Simple DiscoveriesMarch 31, 2016Twice a year the palace opens to the general public. Free entry, but no guided tours. Note all description signs are in Japanese.
- Artyom FedosovJuly 26, 2016A lot of people taking selfies near the closed entrance. Strange nation. Book a tour in advance if you want to come in.
Yuen HawJune 11, 2017Was lucky enough to be able to join a free guided tour of the imperial palace. Tour is in Japanese but you can download an app which gives you the English explanation.
Javier HernandezJune 4, 2014Unique items at the gift store, but you have to buy before you go on the tour. Buy on impulse, you get 10ish mins. Lockers are available for safekeeping.
𝙻𝚒𝚕𝚒á𝚗𝚊 ✨November 7, 2019Most beautiful palace although it is always closed - if you lucky you can catch short tours but check on their website!
Swiss In Hong Kong 🇨🇭🇭🇰November 10, 2016Not a lot to see. You just can access the Palace with a preordered group, twice a day. You can use your time better on other places in Tokyo.
- Amir EskafyanDecember 8, 2015Very peaceful, it's not like Palace tours in other countries I have been to as the majority of the visit is spent outside. Worth seeing once for the beautiful gardens.
Must see! Actually free and beautiful grounds. Fruit trees and lots of flowers. Wish I could visit in the spring!
Elizabeth BursteinApril 12, 2018Walked the outer circumference which was really nice and serene, a few runners. Come before 4 to get in
JernejOctober 31, 2014Amazing imperial palace with beautiful gardens, trails and landmarks. Make sure you don't miss the exchange of guards in front of main entrance.
Matthew CaldecuttApril 25, 2016You may not be able to enter, but there is plenty to see on the grounds, especially as you get closer to the guarded gate.
Joel SavitzkyFebruary 6, 2015Take the running path as a leisurely walk, it's fun and a nice way to explore the gardens.
The Ritz-CarltonJuly 29, 2015The stronghold of the Tokugawa shoguns during the Edo period, the Imperial Palace is the main residence of the Emperor of Japan.
Fernando LemosSeptember 11, 2017Nice to go for a stroll and take a few pictures. Park is beautiful. Way too hot in September though.
Yusuf BuğbulMarch 16, 2014Do not forget to grab your water or drink before you take a walk in the garden, neither vending machine nor a WC is easy to find once you start walking in...
JanaMay 25, 2023The free tour was nice. It was a bit hard to follow due to the large group, but we got a good impression of everything.
Guillaume FlandreFebruary 25, 2015The trees outside are amazing! Take a walk in the botanic garden too: it's free and beautiful- kwik.buckSeptember 8, 2015Home of the emperor & family. Great place for a quiet walk through the parc right in the middle of Tokyo.
Brian BimschlegerNovember 4, 2017Impressive gardens. It’s a leisurely stroll with a good balance of history, nature, and relaxation.
Celia KnoxJuly 14, 2013Relax in the gardens, see the famous double-bridge over the moat and the guards that stand watch, or do some exercise on the massive jogging course!
ToryBurchJune 26, 2013The awe-inspiring main residence of Japan's emperor. Apply online in advance for a guided tour.
Shana LeighMarch 6, 2018I didn’t get to go inside because it was closed but the outside alone is lovely!
Francesco Paolo FumarolaOctober 13, 2018The palace is less than interesting since you cannot really get closer. Much better the 5km circular running path. Runners: please run counterclockwise!
VivianMay 31, 2019Closed Monday and Friday -- plan accordingly! Closes fairly early (5pm) on all other days.
Tim HarrisonApril 2, 2017Pretty, but the tour is very underwhelming if you don't speak Japanese. Spend your time here at the East Garden instead.
JauntedOctober 19, 2010The best views of the Imperial Palace come not from hanging out on the ground, but by having dinner at dusk at The Peninsula's restaurant, "Peter." Bring the binoculars ;)
Mikael WestmanSeptember 30, 2018"The royal palace and the surrounding park is pretty cool" - Bart Simpson
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Places inside Imperial Palace
- 8.4
"Great for a walk or to see the cherry blossoms! You can even pack a blanket and have a picnic."
Jase W - 8.9
"The garden are very well maintained & plenty of greenery. The air feels especially fresh here. Very good for a walk in the park & to see the architectural buildings."
Ivan - 8.9
"A popular jogging spot in Tokyo."
Rue. SATOH
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- 8.4
"平成29年新年一般参賀 お出まし予定時刻 第1回午前10時10分頃, 第2回午前11時00分頃, 第3回午前11時50分頃, 第4回午後1時30分頃, 第5回午後2時20分頃 ※第1回及び第2回は，天皇皇后両陛下，皇太子同妃両殿下始めお出ましになれる成年の皇族方 ※第3回以降は，天皇皇后両陛下，皇太子同妃両殿下，秋篠宮同妃両殿下，眞子内親王殿下，佳子内親王殿下 （平成29年元旦 最新情報に更新） "
craz1230 - 8.4
"Spectacular architecture as expected of a State Guest House. Once in a while there is a special opening to public to visit the rooms inside. Strictly no camera inside the building."
ML 
"この門が一番カッコいい！"
Kenji Saito
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