Imperial Palace is 72% Kids-Friendly
What are the highlights at Imperial Palace (with kids)?
- Free entry to East Gardens with open lawns and moats for kids
- Seasonal blooms in Ninomaru Garden for family photos
- Moat loop cycling on Sundays with child bikes and helmets
- Iconic Nijubashi Bridge photo spot at quiet morning hours
How Kids-Friendly is Imperial Palace?
Children can cycle the car-free loop, climb castle-tower foundations, and picnic on lawns, but long walking sections and very few interactive displays may cause boredom and fatigue before a full visit ends.
Considerations for visiting Imperial Palace (with kids)
Positives:
- Free Entry: No admission fee for East Gardens and outer grounds.
- Family-friendly paths: Paved, stroller-friendly routes with frequent rest spots.
Challenges:
- Limited shade in summer: Few covered areas on paths; pack hats and water bottles.
- No stroller rental: Bring your own stroller for younger kids; some slopes are steep.
Recommended visit duration: 2-3 hours
Why 2-3 hours visit duration is ideal for with kids: Allows time to explore East Gardens, run on lawns and enjoy optional cycling without rushing.
Kids-Friendly Activities in Imperial Palace
Stroll East Gardens:
Walk paved paths past moats, stone foundations and ancient trees.
Tip: Let kids climb the Tenshudai mound and explore guardhouses.
Sunday Palace Loop Cycling:
Ride child-friendly and tandem bikes around the 3 km moat loop.
Tip: Arrive by 10 AM for first-come bike loans and pack helmets.
Explore Ninomaru Garden:
See seasonal blooms like cherry, iris and maple in this restored garden.
Tip: Bring a picnic blanket and snacks to rest under flowering trees.
View Nijubashi Bridge:
Photograph the iconic twin bridges and palace facade from outside.
Tip: Visit early to avoid crowds and catch soft morning light.
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Typical Budget for a Family of 4 (2 Adults + 2 Kids)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Audio guide device rental | JPY 1,000 |
| Family snacks | JPY 1,500 |
| Total Estimated | JPY 2,500 |
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?
Spring (late Mar–early Apr) brings cherry blossoms. Summer (May–Jun) offers iris blooms. Fall (Nov) shows maple colors. Check bloom forecasts before you go.
How to Maximize Your Visit to Imperial Palace
- Start at Tokyo Station: Use the Marunouchi Exit for direct access to palace gates.
- Pack snacks: Enjoy picnics on lawns and plan quick breaks for kids.
- Check cycling schedule: Sunday loop runs 10 AM–3 PM only; plan a Sunday visit.
Map of Imperial Palace
Address: 1-1 Chiyoda, Chiyoda City, Tokyo 100-8111, Japan
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Reviews of Imperial Palace
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...
About Imperial Palace
Opening Hours
Hours may vary during holidays, special events, and peak seasons. Please check the official website for the most up-to-date information.
Website
Official WebsitePhone Number
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