Tokyo Imperial Palace Tours

Photo provided by JNTO
Photo provided by JNTO
Photo provided by JNTO
Photo provided by JNTO
Photo provided by JNTO


This site was first a shogun residence, then the home for Japan’s emperor. Destroyed in World War II, it was reconstructed to its original splendor.

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.

Plan a trip to see Tokyo Imperial Palace

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MONday Apart Nihonbashi Ningyocho (Formerly MONday Apart Nihonbashi Suitengumae)
MONday Apart Premium Akihabara Asakusabashi Sta.
MONday Apart Premium GINZA SHINTOMICHO

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Best Lodging Options Near Tokyo Imperial Palace

Hotel Metropolitan Edmont Tokyo

Hotel Metropolitan Edmont Tokyo

4 out of 5
3-10-8 Iidabashi, Chiyoda Ku, Tokyo, Tokyo-to
Hotel Metropolitan Edmont Tokyo
Hotel Monterey Hanzomon

Hotel Monterey Hanzomon

3.5 out of 5
23-1 Ichiban-cho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, Tokyo-to
Hotel Monterey Hanzomon
Palace Hotel Tokyo

Palace Hotel Tokyo

5 out of 5
1-1-1 Marunouchi, Chiyoda, Tokyo, Tokyo-to
Palace Hotel Tokyo
Nest Hotel Tokyo Hanzomon

Nest Hotel Tokyo Hanzomon

3 out of 5
2-18 Hayabusacho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, Tokyo
Nest Hotel Tokyo Hanzomon
The Capitol Hotel Tokyu

The Capitol Hotel Tokyu

5 out of 5
2-10-3 Nagata-cho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, Tokyo-to
The Capitol Hotel Tokyu
Hotel Niwa Tokyo

Hotel Niwa Tokyo

4 out of 5
1-1-16 Kandamisaki-cho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, Tokyo
Hotel Niwa Tokyo
The Peninsula Tokyo

The Peninsula Tokyo

5 out of 5
1-8-1 Yuraku-cho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, Tokyo-to
The Peninsula Tokyo
Hotel New Otani Tokyo The Main

Hotel New Otani Tokyo The Main

4.5 out of 5
4-1 Kioi-cho Chiyoda-ku, Hotel New Otani Tokyo The Main, Tokyo
Hotel New Otani Tokyo The Main
Imperial Hotel, Tokyo

Imperial Hotel, Tokyo

5 out of 5
1-1-1 Uchisaiwaicho Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, Tokyo-to
Imperial Hotel, Tokyo
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Tokyo Imperial Palace

Explore the vibrant surroundings of Tokyo Imperial Palace with exciting activities like shopping in the upscale Ginza district, enjoying guided afternoon tours of the palace grounds, and participating in a traditional Japanese tea ceremony. These experiences offer a perfect blend of culture, art, and leisure, ensuring an unforgettable visit to this iconic landmark.

Shopping

Discover Roppongi Hills, a vibrant shopping area just 2 miles from Tokyo Imperial Palace, offering a mix of business and family-friendly vibes. Also, visit Tsukiji Outer Market, 2 miles away, known for its bustling atmosphere. For a luxurious experience, Ginza Six is located 1 mile from the palace.

Recreation

Experience the energetic atmosphere at Tokyo Dome, perfect for sports enthusiasts. For tranquility, indulge in body treatments at LaQua Tokyo Dome City, where relaxation awaits. Finally, enjoy a captivating performance at Suntory Hall, offering an entertaining blend of music and culture just a mile away from the palace.

Adventure

Experience skiing at Snova Mizonokuchi, an indoor ski facility located 10 miles from the palace, perfect for families and sports enthusiasts. For a romantic stroll, head to the Seaside Promenade Wood Deck, 8 miles away, offering beautiful beach views. Explore the Chidorigafuchi Walking Path, a scenic hiking trail only 0.5 mile away.

Nightlife

Experience Tokyo's vibrant nightlife near the Imperial Palace. Catch a captivating performance at Kabuki-za Theatre for a taste of culture, then enjoy some adventure at Asobono arcade. For a romantic film, head to Cineswitch Ginza cinema, making for a perfect night out in the city.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Tokyo Imperial Palace

The Tokyo Imperial Palace offers a captivating blend of cultural and urban experiences, featuring nearby shrines, urban parks, and art museums. Explore the grandeur of the palace itself and enjoy the vibrant city atmosphere of central Tokyo. Ideal for families and culture enthusiasts, this area provides a perfect backdrop for discovering Japan's rich history and modern charm. Don't miss the iconic Tower Tokyo as part of your visit to this historic site.

  • Tokyo Tower: Standing at 1,091 feet, Tokyo Tower offers breathtaking panoramic views of the city. This iconic symbol of Tokyo combines modern design with traditional aesthetics, providing a vibrant city vibe that captures the essence of urban Japan.
  • Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden: A serene oasis in the heart of Tokyo, this expansive park features beautiful landscapes, traditional Japanese gardens, and cherry blossoms in spring. It's perfect for families and outdoor enthusiasts looking to escape the city's hustle and bustle.
  • Meiji Jingu Shrine: Nestled in a lush forested area, this Shinto shrine is dedicated to Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken. The tranquil atmosphere and rich cultural significance make it a must-visit for those seeking a deeper understanding of Japan's heritage.

Best time to go to Tokyo Imperial Palace

The best time to visit Tokyo Imperial Palace is dependent on what kind of holiday you are seeking. August is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. January is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly sunny with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January41.9°F (5.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
February43.3°F (6.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
March50.2°F (10.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
April57.7°F (14.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
May66.6°F (19.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
June72.0°F (22.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
July79.3°F (26.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
August81.9°F (27.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowAverage
September75.7°F (24.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly Low
October66.0°F (18.9°C)Moderate RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
November57.0°F (13.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
December46.9°F (8.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Tokyo Imperial Palace

To save money during your visit to the Tokyo Imperial Palace, consider traveling in the off-peak months of January, February, or September for lower hotel rates. Booking about a month in advance can help you secure better prices, and Tuesday is typically the cheapest day to stay. Use Expedia to find deals by filtering for eco-friendly accommodations or booking a package that includes flights and activities. Don't forget to join Expedia's One Key membership for exclusive discounts and opportunities to earn cash for future bookings. Also, take advantage of the city's efficient public transport to explore the area economically.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Tokyo Imperial Palace are January to February and September, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to March to April and December, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: Booking a hotel around Tokyo Imperial Palace about 1 month out from when you are planning to stay is usually when prices are lowest. If you're a little more spontaneous, you could also peruse Expedia's last minute deals for hotels, look out for the green banner below the price, as this indicates a cheaper deal.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Tokyo Imperial Palace is Tuesday. The most expensive day to stay around Tokyo Imperial Palace is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia's search tool enables you to choose your budget, desired location, and additional preferences. You can arrange your search results by price, starting with the most affordable hotels. Additionally, you have the option to refine your search by hotel type; for instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and eco-friendly accommodations that you can book.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel stay at the Tokyo Imperial Palace with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.
  • Become a One Key member: Join Expedia's One Key membership program for exclusive discounts and deals on hotel bookings. You can also earn OneKeyCash to use on future selected hotels.

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