The Secrets Of The Imperial Palace Tokyo

In spite of the symbolic features of this role, the Japanese hold enormous respect for their emperor.

Only in very rare occasions does the emperor make a speech to his people. The last time being after Tokyo Earthquake and Tsunami in March 2011.

The inner gardens and buildings of the Japanese Imperial Palace are closed to the public most of the year except on 2 occasions.
See if your visit falls on these 2 very lucky days of the year...

Tokyo Imperial Palace - Hours

Most of the year, guided tours of the palace are held in Japanese (but English brochures and an Audio in English are available).
The residential parts of the Palace are not included in this tour.

The Japanese Imperial Palace Gardens are open to the public daily except Mondays and Fridays. The entrance is free.

The gardens are especially beautiful during the Sakura - cherry blossom season, and also during plum blossom (March and April). This area is very popular for Hanami - cherry Blossom viewing.

Opening Hours:

• 9:00 am-16:30 pm (Mar. to Oct)


• 9:00 am-16:00 pm (Nov. to Feb)

The Otemachi gate near the Otemachi subway station is best for entering the Imperial Palace Tokyo.

Tokyo Imperial Palace is also ten minutes walk from Tokyo Station on the Yamanote Line.
The Japanese imperial palace is also walking distance from Marunouchi area.

The inner gardens and buildings of the Japanese Imperial Palace are closed to the public except on January 2 (New Year's Greeting) and December 23 (Emperor's Birthday) when the imperial family makes a public appearance.

If you'd like to join a tour, you have to book in advance. For Reservations click here.

Imperial Palace Tokyo-The Story Behind The Closed Gates

The Imperial Palace Tokyo was destroyed by bombings during World War II. It was rebuilt in the same style in 1968. So what you see today is relatively new, but looks so traditional Japanese...

Emperors have ruled over Japan for more than 1500 years, and they all came from the same family.
The power of the emperors was limited or purely symbolic throughout most of Japan's history. The shoguns were the ones who actually ruled Japan.,/p>

After world war 2 Japanese people accepted the constitution of 1946 that states that the emperor has only a symbolic function.
These days he mainly participates in ceremonies and diplomatic meetings, but has no real political power. He is however a very strong spiritual leader for the Japanese people.

In 1989, Emperor Akihito became Japan's 125th emperor. He is married to Empress Michiko, the first empress who did not come from the aristocracy. Their eldest son is Crown Prince Naruhito.

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