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Imperial Palace Outer Garden 皇居外苑

Checked October 2026 · next check January 2027 · 1 post since 2010

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Visiting Imperial Palace Outer Garden today

  • Getting there: Exits 2 and B6 of Nijubashimae Station (Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line) are about 2 minutes' walk away. From Tokyo Station it is a 10-15 minute walk.
  • Admission: Free. The garden is open every day, but entry may be restricted during national events.
  • Tip: For the classic view of Nijubashi Bridge with the Fushimi-yagura watchtower behind it, go to the area near the Garden Plaza. Sakurada-mon, the largest remaining Edo Castle gate, and the 30-metre-wide waterfall in Wadakura Fountain Park are also in the grounds.
  • Best time: In winter, swans and many migratory birds come to the moats. Runners use the 5 km path around the palace.
Best timeGood any time of year

Checked against: Kokyo Gaien National Garden (GLTJP) · Kokyo Gaien National Garden (japan.travel). Check opening times and prices before you go.

Imperial Palace Outer Garden on Shibuya246

Photos and stories from our visits, as they were written at the time.

Photos

Imperial Palace Outer Grounds

The Imperial Palace is located in the center of Tokyo. It is surrounded by a moat and has many wonderful traditional structures and gardens to view. On the weekends, particularly in good weather, you can expect to see many people in the park near the Palace.