2025.03.24
🏛Overview
The Imperial Palace (formerly Edo Castle) public tour offers a unique opportunity to explore historical buildings and tranquil gardens within the palace grounds. Originally constructed by Tokugawa Ieyasu during the Edo period, Edo Castle served as the residence of the Shogun and the political center of Japan. After the Meiji Restoration, it became the Imperial Palace and continues to attract visitors as a symbol of Japan’s heritage.
During the tour, you can see historic landmarks such as Fujimi Yagura (Fujimi Tower), Fushimi Yagura, Nijubashi Bridge, and the palace exterior—structures reflecting both the legacy of the Tokugawa shogunate and the modern-day Imperial Household. These sites convey Japan’s rich culture and history to the present day. This tour is a rare chance to experience a place where tradition and modernity meet.
As of March 24, 2025, public tours are offered twice daily, once in the morning and once in the afternoon (except on closed days such as Sundays, Mondays, national holidays, and other designated periods).
Each session accommodates 200 guests by online reservation, and 300 guests by same-day registration, based on a first-come, first-served basis. Numbered tickets are distributed for same-day registration.
- Advance reservations can be made online.
- Same-day tickets are distributed in front of the Kikyomon Gate.
Visitors must bring original identification (e.g., driver’s license, passport, My Number card). Photocopies are not accepted.
Guided tours may be available in Japanese, English, Spanish, French, Chinese, and Korean. Please check availability in advance, as services may vary depending on the day.
⏰Schedule
| Time Slot | Morning Session | Afternoon Session |
|---|---|---|
| Numbered ticket distribution | From 9:00 AM | From 12:30 PM |
| Registration opens | From 9:30 AM | From 1:00 PM |
| Tour begins | Around 10:00 AM | Around 1:30 PM |
| Tour ends | Around 11:15 AM | Around 2:45 PM |
📴Closed Days
The Imperial Palace tour is not available on the following days:
Days when special events are held
Sundays and Mondays
National holidays (except when the holiday falls on a Saturday)
Afternoons from July 21 to August 31
December 28 to January 4
🗺 Address: 1-1 Chiyoda, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
Meeting point: Kikyomon Gate (inside Sakuradamon Gate)
🚶 Access
Nearest station: 7 minutes walk from Nijubashimae Station on the Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line (approx. 0.5km)
⏳ Tour duration: Approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes
📍Attractions
🔹 Fujimi Yagura (Fujimi Tower):
A three-story turret from the Edo period. Once used as a substitute for the main keep, it sits on elevated ground and is said to have offered views of Mount Fuji.
🔹 Fushimi Yagura (Fushimi Tower):
A relocated remnant of Fushimi Castle, also built by Tokugawa Ieyasu. This structure is of great architectural and historical value, especially given its prominent position on the palace’s southern side.
🔹 Nijubashi Bridge (Main Gate Iron Bridge):
One of the most iconic features of the Imperial Palace. Its elegant double-bridge structure—stone and iron—is a popular photo spot for visitors.
🔹 Seasonal Highlights:
In spring, the palace gardens are adorned with cherry blossoms, while vibrant autumn leaves add color in the fall. The scenery changes beautifully with each season.
📌 Trivia & Hidden Highlights
🔹 Historical Background:
The Imperial Palace stands on the site of the former Edo Castle, built by Tokugawa Ieyasu. It officially became the Emperor’s residence following the Meiji Restoration.
🔹 Visitor Tip:
Along the tour route is the Madomeikan building, serving as a rest area. It offers amenities such as vending machines, restrooms, coin lockers, and a souvenir shop.
🔹 Notable Figures:
When Emperor Meiji moved the capital to Tokyo, he began using Edo Castle as the Imperial Palace—marking the transition into its modern role.
🎟 Admission
Admission is free, and entry is available either by prior online reservation or same-day registration (with numbered tickets).
For details and updates, please check the Imperial Household Agency’s official website.
Return to the Tokugawa Ieyasu page
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