The Imperial Palace East Gardens (Kokyo Higashi-Gyoen) are the public-access portion of Tokyo’s Imperial Palace grounds — the former inner citadel of Edo Castle, occupied 1457–1869, then the imperial residence after Meiji moved his court to Tokyo. Free entry, closed Mondays and Fridays, opened to the public in 1968.
What to Expect
Enter through Otemon Gate (the original main gate) and pick up a free entry token; you return it on exit. The walk takes 90 minutes counterclockwise: Hyakunin-bansho (100-guard guardhouse), Ninomaru garden (Edo-style stroll garden, restored 1968), Donjon foundation (the 1638 keep was 58m tall — only the stone base survives), and the modern Imperial Music Hall.
Don’t expect to see the actual palace — the residence buildings are inside the inner moat, off-limits except two specific public visit days per year (2 January and the Emperor’s Birthday).
Consider This Instead
For an Edo-era stroll garden with a working tea house and ferry access, head to Hama-rikyu Garden in Shiodome — same period aesthetic, more variety, ¥300 entry. For Edo Castle’s ruined-keep visual without the imperial-residence context, the Edo-Tokyo Museum in Ryogoku has full-scale recreations including the donjon model.
How to Get There
Getting There
- 1Walk Marunouchi Exit south to Otemon Gate → Imperial Palace East Gardens
- 1Exit C13 (closest to Otemon Gate) → garden entrance
Tips
- Closed Mon/Fri. Always check before going; also closed New Year and the Emperor’s Birthday week.
- Otemon Gate is the entry. Don’t try the Inui Gate (only open during sakura/koyo for the avenue inside the inner moat).
- Combine with Tokyo Station. 10-minute walk between Marunouchi facade and Otemon — fits a morning before lunch in Marunouchi.
- Inui-dori cherry avenue. Open free public access for one week each year during sakura (late March) and koyo (early December) — book online ahead.
FAQ
Can I see the Imperial Palace itself?
Only on 2 January (New Year greeting) and the Emperor’s Birthday (currently 23 February). Free, but expect 100,000+ visitors. Otherwise the residence is completely off-limits.
How long do I need?
60–90 minutes for the East Gardens loop. Add 30 min for the outer Niju-bashi photo bridge view (free, always open).
Are there guided tours?
Yes — the Imperial Household Agency runs free 75-minute guided tours of the inner palace grounds (advance reservation, English available). Booked 1–4 weeks ahead online.
