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Japan/Things to Do in Tokyo, with kids

Imperial Palace (with kids)

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How Kids-Friendly is Imperial Palace?

72%Kids-Friendly
View Map

What makes it 72% Kids-Friendly: 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.

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

  1. Free entry to East Gardens with open lawns and moats for kids
  2. Seasonal blooms in Ninomaru Garden for family photos
  3. Moat loop cycling on Sundays with child bikes and helmets
  4. Iconic Nijubashi Bridge photo spot at quiet morning hours

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.

(View Imperial Palace on Map)

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.

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

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.

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

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Reviews of Imperial Palace (Tokyo)

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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...

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

ItemCost (Approx.)
Audio guide device rentalJPY 1,000
Family snacksJPY 1,500
Total EstimatedJPY 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.

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

How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Imperial Palace

  1. Start at Tokyo Station: Use the Marunouchi Exit for direct access to palace gates.
  2. Pack snacks: Enjoy picnics on lawns and plan quick breaks for kids.
  3. Check cycling schedule: Sunday loop runs 10 AM–3 PM only; plan a Sunday visit.
🚗 Planning to explore multiple Tokyo attractions? A rental car often costs less than daily taxi trips. Check Trip.com for deals. New users save up to 8% OFF.

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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