Visit the Imperial Palace in Tokyo
Tokyo's Imperial Palace is a Popular Japanese Tourist Attraction
Oct 22, 2009
The Imperial Palace is home to the Emperor of Japan Akihito, and the Empress Michiko. The palace is also a major Tokyo tourist attraction for both its historical and cultural significance, as well as its scenic setting and surrounding gardens.
The History of the Tokyo Imperial Palace
The Imperial Palace is on the former grounds of the Edo Castle, where warriors—the shogunate--lived from the 17th to 19th centuries. During the Meiji Restoration of the late 19th century, the Tokugawa shogunate came to an end and imperial rule was restored.
Prince Tokugawa Yoshinobu—the last shogun—had to vacate the castle. The Emperor then left the Kyoto Imperial Palace for Tokyo, and renamed the Edo Castle, Tokyo Castle, which was subsequently renamed Imperial Castle. After fires destroyed some of the grounds, the area became the site of the new Imperial Palace, building of which was completed in 1888.
Getting to the Imperial Palace
The Imperial Palace is located in central Tokyo, in the business district of Chiyoda. The palace is just a few minutes walk from the Tokyo train station, which is served by Japan’s high speed Shinkansen rail system, local and region Japan Railways lines, and the Tokyo Metro system.
Visiting the Imperial Palace in Tokyo
Most of the palace buildings and inner grounds are closed to visitors. They are, however, open on two days: the Emperor’s birthday (December 23rd), and New Year’s Day (January 2nd.) On those two days visitors can even see the Emperor and the Imperial Family, as they make several appearances on a palace balcony.
Visitors who wish to visit the areas around the Imperial Palace must apply for permission from the Imperial Household Agency, and make reservations for a guided tour—English audio tour guides are available. Applications can be found here.
The Imperial Palace’s surroundings—moats, bridges and tree-covered grounds—make for a pleasant place to take a walk. The Imperial Palace Outer Garden (Kokyo Gaien), East Garden (Kokyo Higashi Goen) and the Kita-no-maru park are all open to the public and free to enter. The nearby Museum of Imperial Collections houses the previous Emperor Hirohito’s art collection, here visitors can see kimonos and ancient Japanese art.
The Tokyo Imperial Palace During Cherry-Blossom Season
Chidori-ga-fuchi—the moat close to the Kita-no-maru park—is the most popular location in Tokyo for viewing the cherry blossoms of spring. The pink buds of the cherry trees against the backdrop of the Imperial Palace and its grounds makes for excellent photographic opportunities.
Source:
Japan National Tourism Organization
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