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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?

73%Kids-Friendly
View Map

What makes it 73% Kids-Friendly: Kids can run lawns, climb the tenshudai and borrow free bikes on Sundays, and toilets are plentiful. Lack of playgrounds, interactive exhibits and the long official tour may cause boredom or fatigue.

Google
Reviews4.4/ 5
(from 28,223 reviews)
Tokyo Imperial Palace Guide
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Positives:

  • Free entry: No admission fee for East Gardens and Kokyo Gaien paths.
  • Stroller-friendly: Wide, paved walkways and ramps ease movement with toddlers.

Challenges:

  • Limited shade: Fewer covered areas midday; bring hats and sunscreen.
  • Long walks: Grounds cover 210,000 m²; pace kids and take breaks.
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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 with kids?

  1. Explore free East Gardens with open lawns and seasonal flowers
  2. Join Sunday bike rentals for a fun moat-loop ride
  3. Capture iconic shots at Nijubashi Bridge
  4. Let kids discover historic castle foundations

Recommended visit duration: 1 hour

Why 1 hour visit duration is ideal for with kids: An hour allows a family to see key sights like Nijubashi Bridge and East Gardens without overtaxing younger children.

(View Imperial Palace on Map)

Kids-Friendly Activities in Imperial Palace

Stroll the East Gardens:

Walk the paved paths past moats, stone walls, and seasonal blooms in Ninomaru Garden.

Tip: Enter via Ote-mon Gate to start at the lawn area perfect for kids to run.

Cycle the Palace Loop:

Join free bike rentals on Sundays between 10 AM–3 PM for a 3 km ride around the moat.

Tip: Arrive by 10 AM to secure children’s bikes; guardian must accompany riders under 12.

Photograph Nijubashi Bridge:

Admire the twin-arched bridge reflections over the inner moat from Kokyo Gaien plaza.

Tip: Use the east side viewpoint for a clear shot without crowds around midday.

Climb the Tenshudai Foundation:

Let kids explore the elevated stone base of the old castle tower.

Tip: Point out the city skyline views from the top and count birds near the moat.

How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Imperial Palace

  1. Arrive early: Start at 9 AM to enjoy quiet gardens and bike rentals before crowds.
  2. Pack snacks: No cafés on site; bring water and portable snacks for quick breaks.
🏖️ 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)?

Spring brings cherry blossoms in the East Gardens; summer offers iris blooms; autumn shows maple colors. Avoid Tokyo’s rainy season in June to keep children dry.

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

Explore These Activities

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

ItemCost (Approx.)
Convenience-store bento lunch (4)JPY 2,400
Audio guide rental (2 devices)JPY 2,000
Total EstimatedJPY 4,400

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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