[Imperial Palace Travel Guide] A Complete Overview, from Basic Information to Highlights and General Tour Info

Here are two areas of the Imperial Palace that you can enter without a reservation.
Both are representative spots where you can fully experience the charm of the Imperial Palace, with plenty to see.
In addition to walking and visiting historic sites, the rich natural surroundings make these recommended sightseeing spots especially relaxing.
Each area is quite large, so be sure to allow plenty of time and enjoy them at a leisurely pace.

Seimon-tetsubashi Bridge, commonly known as Nijubashi Bridge, is an arched iron bridge in front of the Imperial Palace Main Gate.
There are actually two bridges in front of the Main Gate: the one farther from the plaza is called Seimon-tetsubashi Bridge, while the one closer is called Seimon-ishibashi Bridge.
Its name comes from the Edo-period wooden bridge once built there, in which bridges were layered over logs, making it appear to have a double structure.
It became an iron bridge in 1888 and was repaired in 1964, resulting in its present appearance.
It is not normally open to the public, though you can cross it on the Imperial Palace General Tour, but it can be viewed from the plaza in front of the Main Gate, where you can take in the dignified atmosphere so characteristic of the Imperial Palace.
Its magical atmosphere at dusk is also one of its charms, not just its daytime appearance.
The harmony of the neatly arranged stone walls and the greenery in the background is also beautiful, making it a popular photography spot.

Kusunoki Masashige was a military commander active from the late Kamakura period (1185–1333) to the early Nanboku-cho period (1337–1392).
He is known for his loyalty to Emperor Go-Daigo and especially for his contribution to the overthrow of the Kamakura shogunate.
Because of his loyalty and bravery, he came to be called Dai-Nanko in the Meiji period, and the Approx. 8-meter-tall Statue of Kusunoki Masashige was erected in Kokyo Gaien National Garden.
Depicted wearing a helmet and armor while mounted on a warhorse, the statue symbolizes the strength and nobility of heading into battle and reflects the virtues of Japanese bushido.

Sakurada-mon Gate, also called Outer Sakurada-mon Gate, is a remaining structure of Edo Castle and an Important Cultural Property of Japan, and it is the largest castle gate still standing on the former Edo Castle site.
It was built during the Kanei era of the Edo period (1624–1645), and the present gate is said to follow the design used when it was rebuilt in 1663.
The contrast between its massive stone walls and white plaster storehouse walls is beautiful, and its imposing design conveys the authority of the samurai government.
It has a double-gate structure consisting of a Korai-mon Gate and a Watari-yagura-mon Gate for greater defense, and the view of Tokyo from the midpoint is also recommended.
It is also famous as the site of the Sakurada Gate Incident, where the daimyo Ii Naosuke was assassinated during the Edo period.

This park centered around fountains was created in 1961 to commemorate the marriage of the then Emperor.
It features artistic fountains and a waterfall measuring 5.5 meters high and 30 meters wide, and is used by many people as an oasis in the city. At night, the fountains are illuminated, creating a beautiful and romantic scene.
The free rest area is an open glass-walled facility where you can enjoy views of the fountains and greenery.

Kikyo-mon Gate is one of the remains of Edo Castle located at the northwestern edge of the Imperial Palace, in the area of Kokyomae Plaza.
Its official name is Inner Sakurada-mon Gate, but it is said to have come to be called Kikyo-mon Gate after tiles and decorations bearing the bellflower crest once found nearby.
The white-walled turret reflected in the Hamaguri Moat, the black tiled roof, and the solid stone walls combine to create an exterior that is both beautiful and imposing, with an air of prestige.
It is notable not only for conveying the architectural techniques and aesthetics of the Edo period, but also because it was once the gate used by daimyo when entering the castle.
Today, it serves as the meeting place for the Imperial Palace General Tour and as the gateway through which many visitors enter the inner grounds of the Imperial Palace.

Kikyo-mon Gate (entry) - Sumeikan Rest House - below Fujimi-yagura Watchtower - in front of the Imperial Household Agency Building - Kyuden Totei Plaza - Seimon-tetsubashi Bridge (cross and then turn back) - Kyuden Totei Plaza - Yamashita-dori Street - in front of the Imperial Household Agency Building - Kikyo-mon Gate (exit)

Nanko Rest House is a rest facility located in an area surrounded by Japanese black pine trees in Kokyo Gaien National Garden.
It opened in 1967 for Imperial Palace visitors and park users, and the current building dates from a 2002 renovation.
The spacious interior with Approx. 300 seats features decorations such as banners with Edo-style patterns, creating an overall calm atmosphere with a modern Japanese feel.
With barrier-free access, wheelchair rentals, and writing boards for communication, it is designed so that everyone can use it comfortably.
The restaurant serves Ichiju-Sansai Gozen meals based on the theme of traditional Japanese cuisine (reservation required), as well as light meals and various drinks, making it a good lunch stop too.
There is also an attached shop offering items closely connected to the Imperial Palace, where you can buy souvenirs.

Kitanomaru Rest Area (Kitanomaru Rest House) is a rest facility in Kitanomaru Park, which is loved as a forest park.
It mainly serves as a relaxing place for people visiting Kokyo Gaien National Garden, and its white and green design creates a gentle atmosphere.
In addition to 84 indoor seats, there are also 24 terrace seats, making it comfortable even in sunny seasons or when visiting with pets.
The attached café, CAFÉ33, is another highlight.
Its menu includes house-made sandwiches and pizza made actively with local ingredients, as well as original non-alcoholic beer, making it a refreshing place to relax in nature.

Wadakura Free Rest Area is a rest facility located on the east side of Wadakura Fountain Park in Kokyo Gaien National Garden, and it reopened after renovation in 2015.
The interior features a soothing wood-based design, and from the fully glass-walled room you can enjoy views of the fountains and flowing water features.
At the back, there are exhibits related to the Imperial Family and Kokyo Gaien National Garden, as well as archive panels showing the overall park map and highlight spots, where you can gather a variety of information.
There are also many visitors relaxing on the open terrace seats while enjoying the greenery of the trees, the sound of water, and the pleasant breeze.
You may bring in your own food and drinks, excluding alcohol, so it is also an ideal place to spend a relaxing break during your walk.

This museum stands in a highly convenient location, just a 5-minute walk from Tokyo Station.
Its striking red-brick building is a reconstruction of the Mitsubishi Ichigokan, originally built in 1894 and designed by the British architect Josiah Conder, who also worked on the Ueno Museum and Rokumeikan.
The museum collection focuses mainly on Western art from the late 19th century, including works by Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, Odilon Redon, and Félix Vallotton.

Construction on Tokyo Station, the gateway to Japan, began in March 1908 and the station opened in December 1914.
The first and second floors of its two north and south domes, each over 30 meters high, were redesigned to suit modern functions while retaining the stately feel of the restored areas.
The third and fourth floors and the ceilings were restored to their original appearance. Fine details such as sculptures of eight zodiac signs and eagle reliefs are also not to be missed.

Opened in 1903, this is Japan's oldest Western-style park. Its spacious 16-hectare grounds are filled with trees, lawns, and colorful flowers, and it is loved as a place of relaxation in the middle of the business district.
The biggest symbol of Hibiya Park is the Large Fountain, where you can enjoy 24 different scenes in a 28-minute cycle from 8:00 am to 9:00 pm.

The Peninsula Tokyo is a five-star hotel located in Marunouchi, one of Tokyo's premier office districts.
On its basement level is The Peninsula Boutique & Cafe, which offers a wide range of products including homemade cakes and pastries, original teas, and gift items.
Its signature mango pudding is especially popular for the perfect balance between the tartness of mango and the rich coconut sauce.

This long-established Western-style restaurant opened in 1903 at the same time as Hibiya Park, Japan's first Western-style park.
It is a prestigious and distinguished restaurant loved by many notable figures, including literary giants such as Natsume Soseki and leading people from many fields. Although it suffered two fires, it was rebuilt and continues to preserve its history to this day.
Its signature menu item is the Haikara Beef Curry, said to have remained almost unchanged since the restaurant first opened.

Located right in front of Yurakucho Station, this is a historic French restaurant in Ginza. The floor is circular, with every seat arranged along the windows, allowing you to enjoy views of Marunouchi, Ginza, and the Tokyo Station area through the large panoramic windows.
In addition to authentic French cuisine from Tokyo Kaikan, which has a history of over 100 years, it also offers Japanese-style Western dishes long loved in Japan, making it a popular choice.

Tokyo Station Hotel is located inside the Tokyo Station Marunouchi Building and boasts more than 100 years of history, having opened in 1915.
It opened one year after Tokyo Station began operation in 1914, and has shared its history with the station ever since.
Its classical and luxurious interior is simply stunning. Not only the guest rooms but also the corridors, lobby, and lounge let you enjoy a calm and sophisticated atmosphere throughout.

This luxury hotel is located at the distinctive Tokyo address of Marunouchi 1-1-1.
With direct access to the underground passageway of Otemachi Station and within walking distance of Tokyo Station, it offers excellent access for both business and sightseeing.
Its luxurious location overlooking the greenery of Kokyo Gaien National Garden and the palace moats is also part of its appeal.
In addition to Evian Spa Tokyo, the only place in Japan where you can experience the spa of Evian Resort, beloved by European celebrities, the hotel also features a fitness room and indoor pool, making relaxation during your stay especially fulfilling.

Directly connected to the Nihombashi Exit of JR Tokyo Station and accessible straight to the hotel front desk by a dedicated elevator, this highly convenient hotel is ideal as a sightseeing base.
It occupies the 27th to 34th floors of the 35-story skyscraper Sapia Tower, and the views are excellent as well.
From stylish and compact single rooms to elegant 55-square-meter corner suites, a wide variety of guest rooms are available to suit different group sizes and travel purposes.
Among them, the guest rooms called UTSUROI, renovated in April 2024, are especially appealing for their soft, warm colors based on traditional Japanese shades.