Imperial Palace, Tokyo
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Imperial Palace, Tokyo - by Julie Anne Garrido on Unsplash
Description
The Tokyo Imperial Palace has been the main residence of the Emperor of Japan since 1869 (after the Meiji Restoration), it was built on the grounds of the old Edo Castle. The main buildings are the Fukiage and the Kyūden, which includes the Chōwaden Reception Hall; they are surrounded by the Fukiage Gardens and the East Garden. The latter is open to the public and parts of the Inner Grounds can be viewed on a 75mins guided tour run by the Imperial Household Agency.
Access & Transport
The Imperial Palace is in the centre of the city and best accessed from either Tokyo Station (train and Marunouchi metro) or Otemachi (Mita, Chiyoda, Tozai, Marunouchi, Hanzomon).
Instructions & Recommendations
The guided tours are held twice a day (Tue-Sat) in English and Japanese, at 10h00 and 13h30. Booking can be done ahead of time by contacting the Imperial Household Agency or onsite from 09h00 (for morning tour) or 12h30 (for the afternoon one). Meeting point is at the Kikyomon Gate. The tour of the castle precinct is very popular with runners (~5km)
Environmental & Social
No carbon footprint linked to visits. Provides residents with an enjoyable environment (garden and running toute)
Conclusion
A picturesque landmark that is certainly worth a detour but, in our opinion, the tour is only worth attending for visitors with at least 3 days in the city.
Key positive
Some gorgeous perspectives
Centrally located and free tour option
Key negative
The buildings themselves re not open for visits
Suitability
No restrictions
About this Rating
TYPE
Desktop
RESEARCHED IN
August 2024
PROVIDER
Koreval
av. transport time:0h 20m
est. visit time:1h
Sunrise / early morningOk
MorningOk
Lunch timeOk
AfternoonOk
Sunset / eveningOk
Night – bef. midnightNo
Night – aft. midnightNo