Imperial Palace East Garden
About Imperial Palace East Garden
A sprawling 52 acre oasis of nature in downtown Tokyo. The site of the former Edo Castle, it is the only part of the Imperial Palace open regularly to the public.
The Imperial Palace East Gardens are tucked in central Tokyo, a sprawling oasis of nature a only 15 minutes walk from the frenetic Tokyo Station.
They are the only part of the Imperial Palace open to the public.
Covering around 52 acres, the gardens cover the former site of the Edo Castle. Although none of the original buildings remain, the gardens are still dotted with foundations, walls and stones, not to mention the beautiful moats and gatehouses.
Within the wider gardens there are several interesting areas, including the foundations of the former keep, the traditional Japanese Ninomaru Garden, and the Sannomaru Shozokan - a small museum with frequently changing exhibits from the Museum of the Imperial Collections.
Although the Inner Palace Grounds are not open to the public, it is possible to view them on a guided tour which runs daily except Sunday and Monday. This can be booked in advance from the Imperial Household Agency, or - depending on availability - at the Kikyomon Gate just south of the Otemon Gate entrance.