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Japan/Things to Do in Tokyo, couple trip

Imperial Palace (couple trip)

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How Couple-Friendly is Imperial Palace?

81%Couple-Friendly
View Map

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.

Google
Reviews4.4/ 5
(from 28,223 reviews)
Tokyo Imperial Palace Guide
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Tokyo Imperial Palace Guide
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Inside the Imperial Palace in Tokyo Japan
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Inside the Imperial Palace in Tokyo Japan
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皇居 | Tokyo Imperial Palace | Worth visiting or not?
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Imperial Palace Tokyo: SECRETS of Palace, Gardens & Park
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Imperial Palace Tokyo: SECRETS of Palace, Gardens & Park
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Positives:

  • Complimentary highlights: Admission to East Gardens and palace grounds is free, including guided tours
  • Peaceful atmosphere: Ancient trees and lawns offer quiet corners for couples away from city noise

Challenges:

  • Limited tour days: Guided tours do not run on Mondays, Sundays or public holidays
  • Security screening: Expect bag checks at each entrance, which can create lines during peak hours
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🏖️ Explore Imperial Palace with a local guide: GetYourGuide's 10 BEST Activities and Tours around Imperial Palace. Local guides know the hidden gems you'd otherwise miss, read what other travelers experienced, and book easily.

What is Imperial Palace?

  • A vast palace complex that serves as the primary residence of the Emperor of Japan in the Chiyoda district of Tokyo
  • Expansive moats, stone walls and 300,000 historic trees enclose some 17 hectares of landscaped grounds
  • Traditional Japanese buildings with green-tiled roofs and white walls host imperial audiences, ceremonies and diplomatic events

What is so special about Imperial Palace for couple trip?

  1. Explore historic moats and stone walls in East Gardens
  2. Join a free guided tour for insider palace stories
  3. Capture iconic Nijubashi Bridge at sunrise
  4. Enjoy cost-free entry to imperial grounds

Recommended visit duration: 1 hour

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

(View Imperial Palace on Map)

Couple-Friendly Activities in Imperial Palace

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

How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Imperial Palace

  1. Early arrival: Get to Ote-mon Gate by 8:45 AM to beat crowds and join the first tour
  2. Use official map: Pick up a free map at the East Gardens entrance to plot a concise walking route
🏖️ Tour Imperial Palace like a local: GetYourGuide's Top 10 Activities and Tours in Imperial Palace. 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

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Eric Machine

Eric Machine

Jun 2025

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

Cody P

Jun 2025

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

Jordan Simons

Jun 2025

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

Michael

May 2025

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

mahdi ibrahim

Apr 2025

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...

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

Cherry blossoms bloom along the moat in late March, irises peak in June and maple leaves glow from mid-November

✈️ Ready to go? Check the latest flight deals to Tokyo on Trip.com

Explore These Activities

Typical Budget for a Couple (2 Adults)

ItemCost (Approx.)
Official guided tourJPY 0
East Gardens entryJPY 0
Audio guide rentalJPY 700
Coffee for two at nearby caféJPY 1,200
Total EstimatedJPY 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.

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

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

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About Imperial Palace

Opening Hours

Monday:Closed
Tuesday:9:00 – 11:15 AM, 1:30 – 2:45 PM
Wednesday:9:00 – 11:15 AM, 1:30 – 2:45 PM
Thursday:9:00 – 11:15 AM, 1:30 – 2:45 PM
Friday:9:00 – 11:15 AM, 1:30 – 2:45 PM
Saturday:9:00 – 11:15 AM, 1:30 – 2:45 PM
Sunday:Closed

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 3-3213-1111

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