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Imperial Palace, Tokyo

, Chiyoda City, Tokyo

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)

Meta review

A mainstay of travel guides, the palace gets okay online reviews, nothing very enthusiastic. Visitors enjoy the picturesque look from outside and the peace of the complex Vs the Marunouchi area across the road, but those who managed to attend the tour states that it doesn't offer much other than different viewpoints of Imperial buildings and large empty plazas.

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

Included Items
None
Timing
Duration of visit

av. transport time:0h 20m

est. visit time:1h

Sunlight based

Sunrise / early morningOk

MorningOk

Lunch timeOk

AfternoonOk

Sunset / eveningOk

Night – bef. midnightNo

Night – aft. midnightNo

Pricing
Free

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