Tokyo Imperial Palace

What to know

The current Imperial Palace (皇居, Kōkyo) sits on the former grounds of Edo Castle, a sprawling park encircled by moats and massive stone walls in central Tokyo, just a short walk from Tokyo Station. It serves as the residence of Japan's Imperial Family.

Edo Castle was the seat of the Tokugawa shogunate, which ruled Japan from 1603 to 1867. After the shogunate fell in 1868, the capital and imperial residence moved from Kyoto to Tokyo. A new Imperial Palace was completed in 1888. It was destroyed during World War II but later rebuilt in the same style.

From Kokyo Gaien, the large plaza in front of the palace, visitors can see Nijubashi, two bridges forming the entrance to the inner grounds. The stone bridge in front is called Meganebashi (Eyeglass Bridge) for its appearance. The rear bridge was originally a two-level wooden bridge, giving it the name Nijubashi (Double Bridge).

The inner palace grounds are usually closed to the public. Only on January 2 (New Year's Greeting) and February 23 (Emperor's Birthday) can visitors enter the inner grounds and see the Imperial Family members, who appear several times on a balcony.

Guided tours of the palace grounds are offered throughout the rest of the year, though no buildings are entered. Tours last about 75 minutes and are held in English and Japanese daily at 10:00 and 13:30, except on Mondays, Sundays, and national holidays. Advance reservations can be made through the Imperial Household Agency (see links below), but same-day registration is also possible before the tours start at Kikyomon Gate.

Adjacent to the inner palace grounds are the Imperial Palace East Gardens, open to the public year-round. See the East Gardens page for more details.