Encompassed by the sprawling grounds of the Imperial Palace is the beautiful East Garden, where the main keep of the original castle, Edo-jō, was located. The garden is open to the public and free to visit without having to join a tour. There’s plenty of greenery and open space here, making it a perfect hour or two reprieve in nature, away from Tokyo’s cityscape, with well-manicured lawns perfect for picnicking and quiet wooded paths.
Here you can also see the remains of the foundation of Edo Castle, some historical guardhouses and Fujimi-yagura, one of the remaining watchtowers from the Edo period. To learn more about the structures, download the free Imperial Palace audioguide app or look out for some signage in English.
Appreciators of Japanese art can visit Sannomaru Shōzōkan (Museum of Imperial Collections), a museum within park grounds housing an impressive collection of treasures and artworks belonging to the Imperial Family. Timed-entry tickets must be purchased online in advance.
Most people enter through Ōte-mon, the closest gate to Tokyo Station, and once the principal entrance to Edo-jō. Don't miss the Ninomaru Grove, a woodland area that is one of the prettiest parts of the garden, with a pond and the elegant teahouse, Suwa-no-chaya. The large lawn is where the Honmaru, the castle's central compound, was once located.
