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Japan/Things to Do in Tokyo, with kids

Imperial Palace East National Gardens (with kids)

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How Kids-Friendly is Imperial Palace East National Gardens?

75%Kids-Friendly
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Kids can hunt gates, koi and guardhouses, learn Edo history on free tours, and picnic on lawns; absence of playgrounds, long walking loops and limited shade or shelters may exhaust younger visitors.

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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)
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Positives:

  • Free entry: No admission fee for all garden areas.
  • Stroller-friendly paths: Wide paved walkways work well for strollers and small bikes.

Challenges:

  • Limited trash bins: Carry out wrappers and bottles; few disposal points exist.
  • Restroom queues: Toilets near the museum can have short waits at peak times.

What is so special about Imperial Palace East National Gardens for with kids?

  1. Interactive scavenger hunt at castle ruins
  2. Koi pond and waterfall for animal watching
  3. Wide lawn picnic spot with shade
  4. Free child-friendly guided tours
  5. Easy stroller and family access
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Recommended visit duration: 2–3 hours

Why 2–3 hours visit duration is ideal for with kids: A 2–3 hour visit lets children explore key spots and take breaks without rushing.

(View Imperial Palace East National Gardens on Map)

Kids-Friendly Activities in Imperial Palace East National Gardens

Edo-castle scavenger hunt:

Give kids a list of ruins and gates to find in the gardens.

Tip: Start at Ōte-mon Gate and cross items off as you go.

Koi-pond and waterfall watch:

Let children spot colorful koi and listen to the waterfall in Ninomaru Garden.

Tip: Bring a small net toy to match fish colors.

Honmaru lawn picnic:

Spread a mat on the wide lawn for snacks or sandwiches.

Tip: Buy rice balls nearby and sit under a tree for shade.

Volunteer junior tour:

Join the free English tour that adapts stories for kids.

Tip: Arrive 10 minutes early at the information desk by the museum.

Tenshudai viewpoint climb:

Climb the stone foundations for a low-key city panorama.

Tip: Go near sunset for cooler weather and soft light.

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 Family of 4 (2 Adults + 2 Kids)

ItemCost (Approx.)
Vending machine drinks (4)JPY 800
Picnic snacksJPY 1,500
Total EstimatedJPY 2,300

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?

In spring, stroll under cherry blossoms; in autumn, see red maples in Ninomaru Grove. Summer mornings are cooler and less crowded.

How to Maximize Your Visit to Imperial Palace East National Gardens

  1. Scout entry points: Begin at Ōte-mon Gate to follow your scavenger map smoothly.
  2. Pack light snacks: Bring easy-to-eat foods to avoid long lines at vending machines.
  3. Time volunteer tour: Join the free tour on Wednesday or Saturday at 11:00 a.m. to engage kids.

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.

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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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