Right in the heart of Tokyo, surrounded by moats and massive stone ramparts, lies the Imperial Palace — the home of Japan’s Emperor. While the palace itself is mostly closed to the public, its beautiful East Gardens are freely open to all, offering a tranquil, history-rich green escape just steps from the skyscrapers of Marunouchi and Tokyo Station. Walking here, among the remains of the mightiest castle Japan ever built, is a wonderful and often overlooked Tokyo experience.
On the Site of Edo Castle
The grounds occupy the former site of Edo Castle, once the largest fortress in the world and the seat of the shoguns who ruled Japan for over 250 years. When power returned to the Emperor in 1868 and the capital moved here from Kyoto, the castle became the imperial residence. Though the great keep burned down centuries ago, its colossal stone foundations and gates survive, hinting at the scale of what once stood here.
The East Gardens
The Imperial Palace East Gardens are the highlight for most visitors. Beautifully landscaped and immaculately kept, they blend traditional Japanese garden design with the dramatic ruins of the old castle. Climb the foundation of the former main keep for a view over the grounds, admire the seasonal flowers and the elegant Ninomaru Garden, and enjoy the rare sense of space and calm in the middle of the busy city.
Walls, Moats and Bridges
Even without entering the gardens, the palace’s outer grounds are striking. The wide moats, ancient pine trees, and the famous Nijubashi (Double Bridge) make for classic Tokyo photographs. The surrounding area is also hugely popular with runners, who circle the roughly five-kilometre loop around the palace moats — a beloved local jogging route with no traffic lights.
Seasons at the Palace
The grounds are glorious year-round. Spring brings cherry blossoms (the nearby Chidorigafuchi moat is one of Tokyo’s finest blossom spots), early summer adds irises, and autumn sets the maples ablaze. Each season offers a different, beautiful reason to visit this peaceful corner of the city.
Planning Your Visit
The East Gardens are free to enter but closed on Mondays and Fridays, so plan around that. They’re a short walk from Tokyo Station and Otemachi Station. Pre-booked guided tours of the inner palace grounds are also available on certain days. Allow an hour or two, wear comfortable shoes for the gravel paths and slopes, and combine it easily with the Marunouchi district or Tokyo Station’s historic architecture.
More Tokyo guides: explore the full Tokyo Travel Guides series.
