Imperial Palace

The Imperial Palace is the residence of successive Emperors from Emperor Meiji to the current Emperor, and it stands on the former site of Edo Castle. Despite being in central Tokyo, it has abundant greenery, and the popular “Imperial Palace run” follows the moat loop of about 5 km. The Imperial Palace offers guided visits (free of charge), allowing you to tour a limited portion of the grounds. The route takes about one hour and is carefully explained by a guide. The visit enters through Kikyo-mon Gate, passes in front of the Imperial Household Agency building, goes through the East Garden of the “Kyuden” (the palace where the Emperor’s official duties and ceremonies take place), turns back at the main gate, then returns via the opposite side of the Imperial Household Agency back to Kikyo-mon. You can reserve in advance online or by mail, but even on the day, you may join by obtaining a numbered ticket distributed starting one hour before the tour begins. Access to Kikyo-mon (the meeting point) is about a 10-minute walk from Nijubashimae Station (Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line), about a 10-minute walk from Otemachi Station (Toei Mita Line), or about a 15-minute walk from JR Tokyo Station.