The Imperial Palace Tokyo is one of the most iconic landmarks in Japan and a key attraction for tourists visiting the capital city. Located in the center of Tokyo, it has been home to the Japanese imperial family for centuries and is steeped in history and culture. The palace grounds are open to visitors, but can you actually go inside?
The answer is yes, however there are a few restrictions that must be followed when doing so. Tours of certain parts of the palace such as inner gardens can be arranged with advanced notice through authorized tour operators or via guided tours offered by some hotels. Additionally, special events such as New Year’s celebrations allow people access into certain areas normally off-limits to the public on these occasions.
To gain access without participating in an organized event or tour group requires permission from either the Imperial Household Agency or other government organization depending on which area you wish to visit; this process may include submitting documents several months before your intended visit date.
- Step 1: Purchase a ticket for the Imperial Palace
- Tickets can be purchased online or at any of the Imperial Palace’s ticket counters in Tokyo
- Step 2: Arrive at the East Garden entrance to the Imperial Palace, located near Takebashi Station on Tokyo’s Marunouchi Subway Line
- Step 3: Show your ticket at the entrance and pass through security checks before entering the garden grounds
- Step 4: Explore various attractions within the East Garden, including ornamental ponds and trees as well as important historical monuments such as Fushimi Castle and Sannomaru Shozokan Museum
- Step 5: Head towards Kokyo Gaien National Gardens if you wish to visit other areas within Imperial Palace grounds such as Chidorigafuchi Moat and Kitanomaru Park with its Nippon Budokan Hall, Science Museum, National Theatre etc
- Step 6 : Finish exploring all attractions inside Imperial Palace grounds by evening time when all gates close down for visitors
Ultimate Tokyo Imperial Palace Guide: Private Tours, locations, everything
Can You Visit Imperial Palace in Tokyo?
Yes, visitors can visit the Imperial Palace in Tokyo! Located in the heart of Japan’s capital city, the palace is home to Japan’s imperial family and a popular tourist attraction.
The main attraction of the Imperial Palace is its expansive grounds that feature gardens, shrines and other structures from different eras.
The most famous area within the palace grounds are known as Kokyo Gaien (Imperial Palace Outer Garden). This public park covers an area of about 3 square kilometers and includes several historic sights such as Kitanomaru Park, Fushimi Yagura Watchtower and Nijubashi Bridge. Visitors can explore these areas for free on foot or take part in guided tours which are available daily from 9:00am – 4:00pm (8:30am – 3:30pm during winter months).
In addition to exploring the gardens, visitors can also tour some of the interior spaces inside the palace walls with advance reservations made through authorized travel agencies. These tours typically include visits to various royal residences such as Chiyoda-no-miya Residence and Akasaka Detached Palace; however due to security reasons photography is prohibited inside these areas.
Is Tokyo Imperial Palace Free?
When it comes to visiting Tokyo, there is no better place than the Imperial Palace. Located in the heart of Japan’s capital city, this historic palace has long been a symbol of the country’s imperial rule. Visitors are often amazed at its grandeur and beauty, and many wonder if they can visit for free.
The answer is yes!
The Imperial Palace grounds are open to visitors without charge. You don’t need a reservation or ticket to enter – simply show up and you can explore on your own or join one of the guided tours that take place each day (reservations required).
During these tours, you will be taken around some of the most important areas including East Garden Gardens and Chidori-ga-fuchi moat area where you can learn about Japanese history as well as enjoy some beautiful views. It’s also worth noting that certain parts like Fukiage Omiya Park may require an entrance fee but generally speaking, admission is free throughout most of the grounds.
One thing to keep in mind when visiting Tokyo Imperial Palace is that it closes early – usually at 4pm during weekdays and 3pm on weekends/holidays so plan your visits accordingly if you want to make sure you get enough time onsite.
Additionally, while taking photos inside isn’t prohibited it’s best not to use any flash photography as this could disturb other visitors who are trying to enjoy their experience here peacefully & respectfully
How Much Does It Cost to Go to Imperial Palace?
If you’re looking to explore one of Tokyo’s most iconic landmarks, the Imperial Palace is a must-see. Located in the heart of the city, it serves as both the residence of Japan’s imperial family and a popular tourist attraction. But how much does it cost to go?
The good news is that entry into the main grounds of the Imperial Palace is free for everyone. This includes access to parks and gardens, walking paths and bridges within its walls – making it an affordable day out if you’re on a budget.
That said, there are some costs associated with visiting certain areas such as museums or exhibitions.
For example, admission prices at The East Gardens (commonly known as Kitanomaru Park) start from ¥560 per adult while guided tours range from ¥1,000 – ¥2,500 depending on what type you choose (audio guide/walking tour etc).
For those interested in visiting some of the inner palace buildings – including parts of Fukiage Hall and Seimon Gate – there are special guided tours available several times each month. These can be booked via authorized travel agencies with prices ranging from around ¥3200–¥4000 per person depending on your chosen language (English or Japanese).
Finally don’t forget about transportation costs for getting to and around Tokyo; trains/buses/taxis will all add up quickly so plan accordingly!
Why is Imperial Palace Closed?
The Imperial Palace in Tokyo, Japan is a popular tourist destination that attracts millions of visitors from around the world every year. Unfortunately, due to the ongoing global health crisis caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the palace has been closed for several months now and will remain closed until further notice.
The closure of the palace was announced on March 25th 2020 after Prime Minister Shinzo Abe issued an emergency declaration following a surge in coronavirus cases across Japan.
Although some parts of Tokyo were allowed to reopen with certain restrictions in place, it was decided that all public facilities including parks and gardens should remain closed until further notice. The Imperial Palace is one such facility and as a result remains inaccessible to tourists at this time.
In addition to safety concerns surrounding potential spread of COVID-19 at large gatherings inside enclosed spaces such as museums or cultural sites within the grounds of the palace, there are also additional security measures being taken during this period which have resulted in its continued closure.
This includes increased surveillance camera coverage throughout its premises as well as enhanced patrols by police personnel both within and outside its perimeter walls.
Furthermore, since May 1st 2020 there have been no official tours taking place either inside or outside the palace grounds meaning that those hoping to visit cannot do so even if they were able to access them physically – something which is not currently possible anyway due their current status as off limits areas under government guidelines concerning prevention against infection spread through close contact between individuals.
Credit: tokyocheapo.com
Tokyo Imperial Palace
If you’re looking to explore one of Japan’s most iconic landmarks, a visit to the Tokyo Imperial Palace should be at the top of your list. Located in central Tokyo, this stunning palace was once home to generations of Japanese emperors and is now open for public tours.
The history behind the palace dates back as far as 1457 when it was originally built as an Edo castle by Shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu.
At that time, the area served as the center of political power during feudal times in Japan and housed many samurai leaders until 1868 when Emperor Meiji moved his residence there. During WWII much of the original structure was destroyed but after some extensive renovation work, it reopened its doors again in 1968 with a new design inspired by traditional architecture from medieval Japan.
Today visitors can take guided tours around parts of both inner and outer grounds which include galleries filled with artwork from centuries ago, lush gardens where cherry blossoms bloom each spring season, spacious courtyards adorned with ancient trees and even replicas from old Edo period structures such as turrets or gates like Sakurada-mon Gate which stands guard over entrance into inner grounds .
Imperial Tokyo
If you’re looking for a taste of Japan’s past, then look no further than Imperial Tokyo. This ancient capital city is filled with history and culture that spans centuries. From its Edo-period beginnings as the seat of power for the Tokugawa shogunate to its modern status as one of the world’s most bustling cities, there is plenty to explore in imperial Tokyo.
The city itself dates back to 1457 when it was founded by Ōta Dōkan during the Muromachi period. The city was renamed Edo (meaning “estuary”) in 1603, when Tokugawa Ieyasu made it his home and seat of government during his reign over Japan as shogun from 1603–1868—a period known as the Edo Period or Tokugawa Period which lasted until 1868. During this time frame, Tokyo developed into an urban center with many temples and shrines built throughout the city, along with markets and merchants who helped foster economic growth in what would become one of the largest cities on earth today.
During this era, some of Tokyo’s iconic structures were constructed including Sensoji temple (the oldest Buddhist temple in Tokyo), Asakusa Shinto Shrine (built 1392 CE), Kanda Myojin shrine(built 730 CE) ,and Zojoji Temple (constructed 1598 CE).
Things to Do in Imperial Palace Tokyo
If you are visiting Japan, chances are that one of the first places on your list will be the Imperial Palace in Tokyo. This palace is home to the current emperor and his family, as well as a major tourist attraction for visitors from around the world. Whether you’re looking to experience some traditional Japanese culture or just take some great photos of a majestic building, there is plenty to do at Imperial Palace Tokyo!
One popular activity amongst tourists is exploring the grounds of the imperial palace. The large gardens located within offer stunning views and beautiful scenery; perfect for capturing unforgettable memories. There are also many historical sites throughout these grounds, including monuments dedicated to past emperors and important figures in Japanese history.
Taking a leisurely stroll through these gardens can provide an insight into Japan’s rich cultural heritage – not something that should be missed!
Another highlight of visiting Imperial Palace Tokyo is experiencing its exquisite architecture. From its towering walls and grand entrances to its intricately designed structures inside – it truly feels like stepping back in time when entering this palace!
If you’re lucky enough, you may even have an opportunity to witness traditional ceremonies taking place here such as Changing of The Guard or Gagaku Music performances which usually occur during special occasions such as New Year’s Day or Emperor’s Birthday celebrations.
Finally, no visit would be complete without trying out some local cuisine while at Imperial Palace Tokyo!
Conclusion
If you’re visiting Tokyo, the Imperial Palace should be at the top of your list. But can you actually go inside? The answer is both yes and no!
While it’s not open to the public for tours or exploration, there are still a few ways to get an up-close view of this historic site.
The Imperial Palace in Tokyo was once home to Japan’s imperial family and remains one of the country’s most important cultural landmarks today. It’s located in Chiyoda ward, close to Tokyo Station and features beautiful gardens, walls and moats that visitors can admire from outside its gates.
There are several opportunities for taking photos around these grounds – but if you want to see what lies behind those walls, you’ll need special permission from the Imperial Household Agency.
There are two occasions each year when visitors may enter into certain parts of the palace: on December 23rd (the Emperor’s birthday) as well as January 2nd (New Year). During these times citizens may take guided tours through select buildings such as Kokyo Gaien National Garden or East Gardens/Fukiage Garden – though numbers are highly limited so it’s best to book early if interested.
You can also gain access by being invited by someone with a personal connection within the Japanese royal family – however chances of this occurring is slim!
HI Izumi – Are you a guide? I have a party of 7 who will be in Tokyo the first few days the end of March ’24 and the 1st of April and would like a private guide (and the ability to visit some inside spaces) of the Imperial Palace. If you aren’t guiding, can you please recommend a company or guide who I can contact?? Thanks so much – Leslie Edwards, Travel Agent