Imperial Palace East Gardens
The Imperial Palace East Gardens (Kōkyo Higashi Gyoen) are a free, 21-hectare public park built on the ruins of Edo Castle in central Tokyo. Open since 1968, they offer Japanese-style gardens, the castle keep foundation, seasonal blooms, and a rare green sanctuary steps from Tokyo Station — all at no cost.
Key facts
| Hours | Tue–Sun 09:00–16:00 Tue–Sun 09:00–17:00 Tue–Sun 09:00–18:00 Tue–Sun 09:00–16:30 |
|---|---|
| Price | free |
| Phone | — |
| Website | — |
| Nearest transit | Otemachi Station (Exit C13a) on the Tokyo Metro Chiyoda, Tozai, Marunouchi, Hanzomon and Toei Mita lines — 5-minute walk to Ōte-mon Gate; also 15-minute walk from JR Tokyo Station (Marunouchi North Exit) |
| Time needed | 1.5–2 hours for a full circuit; 45–60 minutes for a focused visit to the castle keep foundation and Ninomaru Garden |
| Best time to go | Spring (late March–early April) for cherry blossoms; autumn for vivid foliage; early morning on any open day to beat crowds |
| Last verified | July 12, 2026 |
Locals Score
- Value8.0
- Freshness5.9
- Crowd level8.0
- Authenticity8.0
- Accessibility6.0
Frequently asked questions
- Is the Imperial Palace East Gardens free to enter?
- Yes, admission is completely free and no ticket or reservation is required for a self-guided visit. Bags are inspected at the entrance gates, so travel light and be prepared for a brief security check.
- When is the best time to visit for cherry blossoms?
- Cherry blossom season typically peaks late March to early April. The Ninomaru Garden and walking paths within the East Gardens offer a calmer, more historic hanami experience compared to nearby Chidorigafuchi Moat. Morning visits offer softer light and smaller crowds.
- What are the opening hours, and do they change by season?
- The gardens open at 09:00 year-round, but closing time varies: 16:00 (November–February), 17:00 (March 1–April 14 and September), 18:00 (April 15–August), and 16:30 (October). Last admission is always 30 minutes before closing.
- Which entrance gate should I use?
- The Ōte-mon Gate is the main and most convenient entrance, closest to both Otemachi Station and Tokyo Station. Two other gates — Hirakawa-mon (north side) and Kitahanebashi-mon — are also open to visitors.
- Can I visit the inside of the Imperial Palace itself?
- The palace buildings where the Emperor resides are not open to the public. However, free guided tours of the inner palace grounds run twice daily (around 10:00 and 13:30), Tuesday–Saturday, and require advance reservation via the Imperial Household Agency website (sankan.kunaicho.go.jp).
- Are there luggage storage or food facilities inside the gardens?
- There are no coin lockers or baggage storage inside the gardens, so leave large bags at your hotel or in station lockers at Otemachi or Tokyo Station before visiting. There are no trash cans on the grounds except for bottle recycling near vending machines.
- What days are the Imperial Palace East Gardens closed?
- The gardens are closed every Monday and Friday (unless those days fall on a national holiday, in which case the following Tuesday is closed instead). They are also closed December 28–January 3 and occasionally for Imperial Court functions.
- What are the highlights inside the East Gardens?
- Key sights include the massive stone foundation of the former Edo Castle keep (climbable, with panoramic Tokyo views), the Ninomaru Japanese-style garden, the Sannomaru Shozokan museum housing Imperial Family artworks, and the historic Ōte-mon Gate itself. Seasonal flower beds bloom throughout the year.
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Where to stay near Imperial Palace East Gardens
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