Imperial Palace East Garden (Higashi-Gyōen)

Save
  • Show map Close map
  • Phone
    3213 2050
  • Transport
    underground rail: Marunouchi, Tozai, Chiyoda or Hanzōmon Line to Ōtemachi (exits c13b or c8b)

Let us know if these details are incorrect

Lonely Planet review

Higashi-gyōen is the only corner of the Imperial Palace proper that is regularly open to the public, and it makes for a pleasant retreat from the grinding hustle and bustle of Tokyo. Here you can get up-close-and-personal views of the massive stones used to build the castle walls, and even climb the ruins of one of the keeps, off the upper lawn. Although entry is free, the number of visitors at any one time is limited, so it never feels crowded.

Entry is through one of three gates: Ōte-mon on the east side and Hirakawa-mon and Kitahanebashi-mon on the north side. Most people enter through Ōte-mon, which is closest to Tokyo Station, and was the principal entrance to Edo Castle for more than 200 years. Here you may want to make a stop at the Museum of Imperial Collections, which mounts small exhibits of the 5000-plus artworks held within the palace.