Imperial Palace East Gardens

The Imperial Palace East Gardens (皇居東御苑, Kokyo Higashi Gyoen) are part of the inner palace area and open to the public. They are the former site of Edo Castle’s innermost circles of defense — the honmaru (“main circle”) and ninomaru (“secondary circle”). None of the main buildings remain today, but the moats, walls, entrance gates and several guardhouses still exist.

History

Edo Castle was the residence of the Tokugawa shogun who ruled Japan from 1603 to 1867. Emperor Meiji also resided there from 1868 to 1888 before moving to the newly constructed Imperial Palace.

A wide lawn and the remaining foundation of the former castle tower can be found on top of the hill, where the castle’s innermost buildings once stood. The castle tower was completed in 1638 as the tallest castle tower in Japan’s history. But only a few years later in 1657, it was destroyed by citywide fires and has not been rebuilt since. The massive stone foundation remains and is one of the garden’s most impressive features — you can climb it for views over the surrounding grounds.

What to See

In place of the castle’s former palace buildings in the secondary circle of defense (ninomaru) at the foot of the hill, a beautiful Japanese-style garden has been created. The ninomaru garden features a pond with koi, irises in early summer, and carefully maintained plantings that provide color through the seasons.

The gardens also contain several museums and exhibit halls within the old defensive structures, providing context on the castle’s history and the imperial collections.

The walk through the gardens takes you past imposing stone walls, through original gates, and along the moats that once made this Japan’s most impregnable fortress. Despite being in the absolute center of Tokyo, the grounds feel remarkably quiet and expansive.

Getting There

The Otemon entrance to the East Gardens is a short walk from Otemachi Station on the Chiyoda, Tozai, Marunouchi, Hanzomon and Mita subway lines. It can also be reached in a 10-15 minute walk from Tokyo Station.

Hours: 9:00–17:00 (Mar 1–Apr 14 and September); 9:00–18:00 (Apr 15–August); 9:00–16:30 (October); 9:00–16:00 (November–February). Admission ends 30 minutes before closing. Closed: Mondays, Fridays, New Year (Dec 28–Jan 3), and some special occasions. If Monday or Friday is a national holiday, the gardens close the following day instead. Admission: Free.