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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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What makes it 75% Kids-Friendly: 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.

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)
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Positives:

  • Free entry: No admission fee makes it easy to visit on any budget.
  • Stroller-friendly paths: Paved walkways and ramps allow smooth stroller access.

Challenges:

  • Limited shade: Some areas like the Honmaru lawn can be very sunny in summer.
  • Few trash bins: Carry out all your trash; bins are only in restrooms.
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🏖️ Explore Imperial Palace East National Gardens with a local guide: GetYourGuide's 10 BEST Activities and Tours around Imperial Palace East National Gardens. Local guides know the hidden gems you'd otherwise miss, read what other travelers experienced, and book easily.

What is Imperial Palace East National Gardens?

  • A Meiji-era landscaped garden complex that occupies the eastern sector of the Tokyo Imperial Palace grounds and incorporates the former Honmaru, Ninomaru and Sannomaru baileys of Edo Castle.
  • Preserves key Edo-period stonework and guardhouses, including the Tenshudai keep platform, interwoven with lawns, ponds, cherry trees and rose beds.
  • Features the Sannomaru Museum of Imperial Collections and historic tea-houses along its winding moat-side paths.

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

  1. Free entry to explore palace ruins and gardens
  2. Interactive scavenger hunt for kids
  3. Open lawns for picnic and play
  4. Stone platform with city views
  5. Koi pond and waterfall spotting

Recommended visit duration: 3-5 hours

Why 3-5 hours visit duration is ideal for with kids: Families can stroll, explore castle ruins, spot koi, and enjoy a picnic at a relaxed pace.

(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 landmarks to find, like Ōte-mon Gate, Tenshudai, and the stone guardhouse.

Tip: Print or draw a simple checklist to keep them engaged.

Climb Tenshudai viewing platform:

Climb the stone foundations of the former castle tower for a quiet city panorama.

Tip: Bring water and hold younger children’s hands near edges.

Spot koi at Ninomaru Garden:

Let kids watch colorful koi and a small waterfall in the pond.

Tip: Visit mid-morning when fish are most active.

Picnic on the Honmaru lawn:

Spread a blanket on the open grass near the main circle.

Tip: Pack light snacks or rice balls; avoid grills or large gatherings.

Join a volunteer-guided tour:

Take a free 1-hour tour to learn Edo Castle history in simple English.

Tip: Arrive by 11:00 at the main entrance; guides welcome kids’ questions.

How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Imperial Palace East National Gardens

  1. Start early: Arrive at opening to enjoy quieter paths and active koi.
  2. Loop route: Enter at Ote-mon Gate, follow the outer path, then return via Hirakawa-mon Gate to avoid backtracking.
  3. Pick up a map: Grab a free garden map at the entrance to plan child-friendly stops.
🏖️ Tour Imperial Palace East National Gardens like a local: GetYourGuide's Top 10 Activities and Tours in Imperial Palace East National Gardens. Local experts uncover hidden treasures you'd never find alone, browse authentic traveler reviews, and book your perfect adventure hassle-free.

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.

When is the best time to visit Imperial Palace East National Gardens (Tokyo, Japan)?

In spring (late March–early April), walk under cherry blossoms on Cherry Blossom Island. In autumn (mid-November), see red maples in Ninomaru Grove. Summer mornings offer cool shade near the koi pond. Winter brings fewer crowds—dress warmly.

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Typical Budget for a Family of 4 (2 Adults + 2 Kids)

ItemCost (Approx.)
Packaged snacksJPY 600
Vending machine drinksJPY 500
Total EstimatedJPY 1,100

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

Content Notice: This content combines editorial expertise with AI assistance to ensure comprehensive and up-to-date information. Our team regularly curates and reviews all content for accuracy and relevance. Help Us Improve

Map of Imperial Palace East National Gardens

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

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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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