Tokyo Imperial Palace Tours and Activities

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


Home to Japan's Imperial Family, the grounds of the Royal Palace make for a peaceful break from urban life.

From the 1600s to 1867, shoguns ruling Edo, as Tokyo was then called, resided in Edo Castle on this site in central Tokyo. The castle was the largest in the world at that time. 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, much of which remains today. The walls, towers and moat bridges are reminiscent of how the site was hundreds of years ago, when ramparts and moats played a critical role in protecting the complex.

As the Tokyo Imperial Palace remains the primary residence of Japan's Emperor, the palace buildings and inner gardens are not open to the public. However, on 23rd December and 2nd January, the public is allowed to enter the inner palace gardens to offer their good wishes to the Imperial Family who wave from a balcony.

The Imperial Palace East Garden can be visited by the public most days (excluding Mondays and Fridays). Tours are by reservation only and have to be booked in advance via the Palace's website. The tours are restricted to certain areas and at no point are you allowed near the Palace itself.

Tours of the gardens are a pleasant and peaceful way to spend a couple of hours as they make for a welcome escape from the city. There are plenty of attractive green spaces and ponds with a landscaped Japanese garden. It's also possible to see the crumbling remains of the original castle walls.

Not far away from the palace, you’ll find the National Museum of Modern Art Tokyo and the fascinating science museum. Head north to Kitanomaru Park, the site of Nippon Budokan Hall. The Budokan is a world famous martial arts, wrestling and music performance centre, which has hosted well-known stars from all over the world.

The Palace is located in the centre of Tokyo, just a few minutes away from Tokyo station. Stop at the Otemachi station near the East Garden or at Kudanshita, which is closest to Budokan

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Top Tokyo Imperial Palace Hotel & Accommodation Deals

Hotel Niwa Tokyo

Hotel Niwa Tokyo

4 out of 5
1-1-16 Kandamisaki-cho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, Tokyo
Hotel Niwa Tokyo
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
Nest Hotel Tokyo Hanzomon

Nest Hotel Tokyo Hanzomon

3 out of 5
2-18 Hayabusacho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, Tokyo
Nest Hotel Tokyo Hanzomon
Palace Hotel Tokyo

Palace Hotel Tokyo

5 out of 5
1-1-1 Marunouchi, Chiyoda, Tokyo, Tokyo-to
Palace Hotel Tokyo
Mitsui Garden Hotel Ginza Premier

Mitsui Garden Hotel Ginza Premier

4.5 out of 5
8-13-1 Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo, Tokyo-to
Mitsui Garden Hotel Ginza Premier
Hotel New Otani Tokyo Garden Tower

Hotel New Otani Tokyo Garden Tower

4.5 out of 5
4-1 Kioi-cho Chiyoda-ku, Hotel New Otani Tokyo Garden Tower, Tokyo, Tokyo-to
Hotel New Otani Tokyo Garden Tower
Imperial Hotel, Tokyo

Imperial Hotel, Tokyo

5 out of 5
1-1-1 Uchisaiwaicho Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, Tokyo-to
Imperial Hotel, Tokyo
Daiichi Hotel Tokyo

Daiichi Hotel Tokyo

4 out of 5
1-2-6 Shimbashi, Minato, Tokyo, Tokyo
Daiichi 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

Near the Tokyo Imperial Palace, visitors can enjoy vibrant activities such as shopping in the renowned Ginza district, exploring art galleries, and catching a theatre performance. Ginza is famous for its upscale boutiques and unique stores, making it a must-visit for a true shopping experience. The area beautifully blends culture and modernity, ensuring a memorable time in Tokyo.

Shopping

Only 1.6km from the Tokyo Imperial Palace, Ginza Six offers a vibrant mix of shopping and entertainment. Roppongi Hills, 3.2km away, combines a family-friendly atmosphere with business vibes. For a taste of local culture, visit Tsukiji Outer Market, also 3.2km away, known for its city buzz.

Recreation

Explore the Tokyo Dome for an energetic sports experience, then indulge in relaxation at LaQua Tokyo Dome City with rejuvenating body treatments. For evening entertainment, enjoy a performance at Suntory Hall, where music fills the air, creating a vibrant atmosphere to unwind after a day of exploration.

Adventure

At Chidorigafuchi Walking Path, enjoy a scenic hike surrounded by beautiful cherry blossoms, located 805m from the Palace. For a broader outdoor experience, head to Koshu Highway, 1.6km away. For families, Wakasu Campground, 11.3km from the Palace, offers adventure and great outdoor vibes.

Nightlife

Near Tokyo Imperial Palace, experience the vibrant nightlife at Kabuki-za Theatre, where captivating performances blend culture and romance. Cineswitch Ginza offers a cosy cinema atmosphere perfect for families, while the Imperial Garden Theatre showcases stunning shows in a charming setting. Enjoy the enchanting vibes!

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

Find the best attractions near Tokyo Imperial Palace

While visiting the Tokyo Imperial Palace, you'll discover a range of attractions including shrines, urban parks, and art museums, perfect for culture lovers and families alike. To enhance your experience, consider staying near the palace for easy access to the area’s rich history and beautiful surroundings. With convenient hotel options nearby, exploring the Japan Imperial Palace and its enchanting grounds is a must during your Tokyo adventure.

  • Tokyo Tower: This iconic modern tower offers stunning panoramic views of the city skyline. Standing at 333 metres, it is a symbol of Tokyo and exudes a vibrant city vibe. Don’t miss the observation decks for a breathtaking experience.
  • Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden: A tranquil oasis in the heart of the city, this urban park is perfect for families and outdoor enthusiasts. With beautifully manicured gardens and seasonal blossoms, it's a peaceful escape from the bustling city life.
  • Meiji Jingu Shrine: Nestled in a serene forested area, this shrine is dedicated to Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken. It offers a unique cultural experience, allowing visitors to connect with Japan's rich history and spiritual traditions.

Best time to go to Tokyo Imperial Palace

The best time to visit Tokyo Imperial Palace can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Tokyo Imperial Palace falls in August, when visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. The coolest average temperature around Tokyo Imperial Palace falls in January, 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 on your trip to Tokyo Imperial Palace, consider visiting during the cheaper months of January to February and September. Book your accommodation about a month in advance, preferably on a Tuesday, for the best rates. Use Expedia to find last-minute deals and filter for eco-friendly options. Combining your hotel, flights, and activities into a package deal can also help cut costs. Don't forget to explore free activities around the palace and utilise the affordable public transport system to navigate the city efficiently.

  • 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 lets you choose your budget, preferred location, and other preferences. You can organise your search results to display prices from lowest to highest, making it easy to find the most affordable hotels first. Additionally, you can refine your options by hotel type; for instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will show you sustainable and eco-friendly accommodation available for booking.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save some dollars by combining your hotel stay near the Tokyo Imperial Palace with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.