What makes it 81% Couple-Friendly: Couples enjoy romantic moat views, seasonal flowers and photo spots like Nijubashi Bridge, plus free guided tours. The grounds shut by late afternoon and have no cafés, reducing date-night options.
Why 1 hour visit duration is ideal for couple trip: The official tour covers key sites in about 75 minutes with a self-guided stroll under 1 hour
Stroll the East Gardens:
Walk along moats, stone walls and through the Ninomaru Garden
Tip: Enter via Ote-mon Gate at 9:00 AM to enjoy quiet paths before tour groups arrive
Join the official guided tour:
Explore the outer grounds with a Palace Agency guide sharing imperial history
Tip: Reserve free spots online two days in advance for English tours at 10:00 AM or 1:30 PM
Photograph Nijubashi Bridge:
Frame the double-arched bridge and palace facade over the moat
Tip: Arrive 30 minutes before opening to shoot in soft morning light with fewer visitors

Eric Machine
I went on one of the official group tours of the Tokyo Imperial Palace. This is the only way you can visit as they obviously don’t want people walking randomly around the palace grounds. There were some cool sights, but a lot of the buildings were not what you might expect to see as they were rebuilt after World War 2 to follow a more modern architecture style. Also, the tour guide did talk a litt...
Cody P
The palace grounds are absolutely beautiful and stunning. Along with admiring the gardens, a visit inside the palace walls was also a neat experience, though it requires some work well in advance to achieve. Months in advance, you can apply to visit the inner walls on their website and provide a lot of your personal information so they can verify you. Pretty much no slots are ever open for this o...
Jordan Simons
Beautifully kept grounds outside the palace and the most and walls are really impressive. Tried to show up a half hour early for the free tour and they were all gone. Think they were gone hours before. Not really necessary as the free entry to the grounds gives you access to the same areas. The inside of the palace is not as impressive as the outside but there are some cool things to see and it is...
Michael
Absolutely beautiful palace and grounds. The gardening and landscaping is a sight to behold! The trees and flowers on display are lovely and the old fortifications are incredible for both casual viewers and those with a passion for history. Take time to appreciate the scenery. It is a privilege to be allowed to walk through here so please show respect!
mahdi ibrahim
Visiting the Imperial Palace Gardens was a beautiful and peaceful experience. We arrived early, which I highly recommend, as it allowed us to enjoy the scenery before the crowds arrived. The gardens are stunning, with well-maintained paths and a serene pond filled with colorful fish. One of the highlights was the iconic bridge located about a 10-minute walk outside the garden, offering a picturesq...
Cherry blossoms bloom along the moat in late March, irises peak in June and maple leaves glow from mid-November
Explore These Activities
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Official guided tour | JPY 0 |
| East Gardens entry | JPY 0 |
| Audio guide rental | JPY 700 |
| Coffee for two at nearby café | JPY 1,200 |
| Total Estimated | JPY 1,900 |
Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
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Address: 1-1 Chiyoda, Chiyoda City, Tokyo 100-8111, Japan
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Hours may vary during holidays, special events, and peak seasons. Please check the official website for the most up-to-date information.
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