In the middle of Tokyo’s business district near Tokyo station is where the Imperial Palace rests. It also used to be the Edo Castle (the last Shogun era) site and is presently the residence of Japanese emperor. You won’t be able to bump into the emperor as it’s a restricted area but some of Imperial gardens including Higashi Gyoen (i.e. East Garden) are open for the public.

The main/tallest Castle building has unfortunately been burnt out in the drastic fire back in year 1657 and has not been rebuilt since then, but you can still see other traditional architectural buildings around and inside the garden.

There is Information Centre inside where you can get a map of Imperial Palace and parks around it as well as other tourist information. The entrance fee is free but be aware they are closed on every Monday and Friday.

It is about 10 minute walk either from Tokyo station or Yurakucho station by JR lines. You can also get off at subway stations which are closer; 200m walk from Otemachi station’s exit C13a, 700m walk from Nijubashi station’s exit 6, or 200m walk from Takebashi station’s exit 1a.

Imperial Palace

(Updated on 30 July 2014)