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Tokyo, couple trip, Things to Do
Japan/Things to Do in Tokyo, couple trip

Imperial Palace East National Gardens (couple trip)

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How Couple-Friendly is Imperial Palace East National Gardens?

84%Couple-Friendly
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Couples enjoy cherry-blossom walks, quiet lawns and sunset views from Tenshudai; lack of evening lighting and 17:00 shutdown prevents night strolls or on-site dining, so romance is daytime only.

Google
Reviews4.4/ 5
(from 9,031 reviews)
Introducing the highlights of the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace. (Tokyo, Japan)
13 min
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Introducing the highlights of the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace. (Tokyo, Japan)
1.1K views • 1 year ago

Positives:

  • Free entry: No admission fee makes it easy to combine with other Tokyo sights.
  • Central location: Short walk from Tokyo Station, ideal for fitting into a day plan.

Challenges:

  • Limited refreshment options: No tea service at Suwano-chaya; bring water or buy from vending machines at gates.
  • No on-site cafés: Plan snacks in advance or exit to a nearby café.

What is so special about Imperial Palace East National Gardens for couple trip?

  1. Free entry and guided tours in English
  2. Romantic seasonal foliage and historic ruins
  3. Panoramic city views from Tenshudai
  4. Photo-worthy spots like the 1912 tea-house
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Recommended visit duration: 2-3 hours

Why 2-3 hours visit duration is ideal for couple trip: Allows time for a guided tour, scenic viewpoints, and a leisurely stroll through gardens and ruins.

(View Imperial Palace East National Gardens on Map)

Couple-Friendly Activities in Imperial Palace East National Gardens

Cherry-blossom or autumn-leaf stroll:

Walk under the Cherry Blossoms Island in spring or golden maples in fall.

Tip: Visit in early April or mid-November for peak colors and quieter paths.

Volunteer-guided tour:

Join the free English tour on Wednesdays and Saturdays at 11:00 or 14:00.

Tip: Arrive 10 minutes early at the museum entrance to secure a spot without reservation.

Tenshudai viewpoint:

Climb to the stone base of the former castle tower for city views.

Tip: Stay until sunset for warm light on the palace walls and skyline.

Suwano-chaya tea-house photo spot:

Frame the 1912 tea-house against lawn and bamboo backdrops.

Tip: Use a wide aperture for portraits and visit midday to avoid harsh shadows.

Content Notice: Some content on this page may be written with the assistance of AI tools. We regularly update to ensure accuracy and relevance. Help Us Improve

Typical Budget for a Couple (2 Adults)

ItemCost (Approx.)
Garden entryJPY 0
Volunteer tourJPY 0
Optional private tour (2 people)JPY 6,000
Snacks or drinksJPY 500
Total EstimatedJPY 6,500

Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.

When is the best time to visit Imperial Palace East National Gardens?

Spring (late March–early April) offers cherry blossoms; late May brings iris blooms; mid-November shows peak autumn leaves.

How to Maximize Your Visit to Imperial Palace East National Gardens

  1. Download a map: Grab the free PDF map online to plan your route before arrival.
  2. Start at Ote-mon Gate: Beat the midday crowds by entering from the main gate early.

Map of Imperial Palace East National Gardens

Address: 1-1 Chiyoda, Chiyoda City, Tokyo 100-8111, Japan

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Reviews of Imperial Palace East National Gardens

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s vivekananda

s vivekananda

Aug 2025

It is a historical garden in the Tokyo Imperial Palace. The gardens were first used by the Tokugawa shogunate. The garden was built on the grounds of Edo Castle. The building of the modern gardens began in 1961. The garden is over 210,000 square metres. The garden was completed in 1968. Gardens are well maintained and lovely blooms and manicured trees. Popular place, lots of tourists and locals. P...

Doha Cameron

Doha Cameron

Aug 2025

Perfect place for running and walking or just relaxing. Have been there for a quick walk at night and it was crowded with runners which I personally liked. Went early morning for a run and it was packed with walkers and runners and I enjoyed the walk and scenery. Very nice gardens

Angel de Leon

Angel de Leon

Jul 2025

Expect lots of walking especially since we just went to the free entrance after security. Very serene, but lots of tourists. The shops were cute and there are enough bathrooms everywhere. Overall, if you’re looking for a place to just look at nature amidst this concrete jungle - this is it.

G D

G D

Jun 2025

Only the garden around the palace is accessible to the public. It is a very large area, extremely nice to walk around. There are fish in the water surrounding the palace and fruit trees everywhere around the grounds. The whole area is immaculately maintained. On the day of my visit, it was not too crowded thus the long walk was very enjoyable. A bit of a distance from the subway, so prepare for...

Jim C

Jim C

May 2025

There are extensive grounds, that are well maintained, that you can walk through. You could easily spend an hour or two just walking the entire grounds. That being said, there are not a lot of flowers in this garden. Our group was kind of looking forward to seeing some flower gardens, but there were no major ones. There are some benches. There are some rest areas near the bathrooms.

← See other Things to Do in Tokyo (couple trip)

About Imperial Palace East National Gardens

Opening Hours

Monday:Closed
Tuesday:9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Wednesday:9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Thursday:9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Friday:Closed
Saturday:9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Sunday:9:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Hours may vary during holidays, special events, and peak seasons. Please check the official website for the most up-to-date information.

Website

Official Website

Phone Number

+81 3-3213-2050

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