Table of Contents
Location:
Imperial Palace is one of the most famous places in Tokyo. It is a big area fortified by moats, stone walls, and lovely large park areas. It is located in Chiyoda Ward and ten minutes walk from the Tokyo Station.
Before, it was an Edo Castle, and it is now familiar as Imperial Palace. It is the permanent resident of the Royal Family of Japan.
It is a vast area measuring about 115 hectares (280 acres). There is a running course for pedestrians around the Imperial Palace.
Brief background:
Historically, Ota Dokan built a castle in Edo(Tokyo’s old name) from 1456 to 1457, which was familiar as Edo Castle. This Edo Castle is now Imperial Palace.
Tokugawa Ieyasu used to live here in 1590 during his reign of Edo. Later it became Tokugawa shogun’s castle during the Edo Period from 1603 to 1867. However, the shogunate lost power in 1868, and the capital moved from Kyoto to Tokyo, which is now familiar as Imperial Palace.
During World War II, Imperial Palace was destroyed. But it was rebuilt in the same form. On the other hand, World War II brought a significant change in Japan. Most people consider that World War made Japan more realistic about governance.
Center of tourist spots:
The Imperial Palace’s surroundings help visitors understand how powerful the emperors of Japan were in the past. The stone walls and moats were made by digging without any modern machine, which is even amazing to think.
However, no doubt, Imperial Palace is the top-rated tourist place in Tokyo so far. As I mentioned above, the fortified palace is a big surprise to tourists because of its stone walls, lovely parks, green lawns, and moats.
At the same time, it is not only a historical place but also a beautiful tourist spot. It is beautiful in all four seasons.
Entering permission:
Tourists cannot enter the main Imperial palace for security reasons; it remains close for the whole year, but some of the palace parts are always open for the public, where tourists can enjoy the surrounding of the palace.
However, on January 2nd and February 23rd, the Imperial Palace is open for the public.
On January 2nd, Emperor delivers New Year Greeting. Besides, February 23rd is the Emperor’s birthday, and many go there to greet him. On the day, tourists can go through the Imperial Palace and see some places.
The Imperial Palace has five gates which 24 hours secured by armed security guards. Every gate has its different name, such as Sakashita-mon Gate, Kikyo-mon Gate, Ote-mon Gate, Hirakawa-mon Gate, and Kita-hanebashi-mon Gate.
Cycling or walking tour:
Many people ask me which is better between cycling and walking around the Imperial Palace. It depends on time and situation.
I usually choose to walk around the palace because it is such a beautiful place I never see enough. Every time I visit Imperial Palace, I take at least a hundred photos.
Sometimes, I think probably next time I do not have to take photos at all because I already took many pictures. But, I cannot resist. Every time I go, Imperial Palace seems new to me.
I believe most tourists feel like me, and no matter how many times they visit, they cannot avoid taking pictures. Whether it is in Winter or Spring or Summer, Imperial Palace is really great.
Now, you can think which is better for you. Do you think such a beautiful place you will be satisfied viewing from a bicycle?
If you are a blogger or photographer, cycling is not enough. On the other hand, there are some spots which are not allowed cycling. If you are hurried, then cycling is the option. Otherwise, I recommend walking around, viewing unique moats, parks, lawns, lakes, gardens, and stone walls.
During the Spring, the entire Imperial Palace is covered with Cherry blossoms, especially Chidorigafuchi becomes a destination for hundreds of thousands of tourists. The moats and roads are covered with Cherry blossoms where Cherry blossoms viewers enjoy their time with their family members or friends.
However, if you are in a situation and cycling is better, you can check a Cycling Tour.
Some good hotels:
It is a place surrounded by many famous tourist spots. National Theatre, Yasukuni Shrine, Budokan, Tokyo Station, and many more famous tourist spots are situated around Imperial Palace.
Besides, there are many good hotels around the Imperial Palace, such as Shangri-La Hotel, Hotel Metropolitan Marunouchi, Ritz Carlton Tokyo Hotel, and Hotel Century Southern Tower. No doubt, these hotels became so famous because of Imperial Palace.
You can check Hotel availability here too.
Where to take lunch:
Probably, you will be hungry and need to take lunch. A good place to take lunch is near the Jimbocho station, where you can find numerous restaurants. You can choose what types of restaurants you like.
If you are tired and like spicy food, you can try an Indian restaurant, Bangera’s Kitchen.
Besides, workers are friendly and speak good English. One of the waiters, name Govinda, from Kathmandu, is wonderfully friendly. I call him with respect Govindaji.
Bangera’s Kitchen
101-0054, Tokyo,Chioda-ku
Kanda Nishikicho, 3-22
Terrace Square1F
03-3518-9136
(Note: I do not have an affiliate with Bangera’s Kitchen, and it is my honest experience)
Access:
1) Sakashita-mon Gate
Nijubashi-mae Station (Exit 6):
Subway Chiyoda Line
15-minute walk
Otemachi Station (Exit D2):
subway Mita Line
15-minute walk
Tokyo Station (Marunouchi Central Exit):
JR Line
20-minute walk
2) Kikyo-mon Gate
Nijubashi-mae Station (Exit 6):
subway Chiyoda Line
10-minute walk
Otemachi Station (Exit D2):
subway Mita Line
10-minute walk
Tokyo Station (Marunouchi Central Exit):
JR Line
15-minute walk
3) Ote-mon Gate
Otemachi Station (Exit C13a):
subway Each Line
5-minute walk
Nijubashi-mae Station (Exit 6):
subway Chiyoda Line
10-minute walk
Tokyo Station (Marunouchi North Exit):
JR Line
15-minute walk
4) Hirakawa-mon Gate
Takebashi Station (Exit 1a):
subway Tozai Line
5-minute walk
5) Kita-hanebashi-mon Gate
Takebashi Station (Exit 1a):
subway Tozai Line
5-minute walk
Address:
Imperial Palace
1-1 Chiyoda, Chiyoda City, Tokyo 100-8111