# Imperial Palace: East Gardens, moat walks and palace tours

The [Imperial Palace](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=%E7%9A%87%E5%B1%85%20%E6%9D%B1%E4%BA%AC%E9%83%BD%E5%8D%83%E4%BB%A3%E7%94%B0%E5%8C%BA%E5%8D%83%E4%BB%A3%E7%94%B01-1) stands on the site of Edo Castle, in the middle of Tokyo between Tokyo Station and Kudanshita. Most of it is the home and workplace of the Emperor, but the East Gardens, the outer plaza, the moats and a guided tour of the inner grounds are open to anyone, and almost all of it is free. The list below is updated daily with events at and around the palace.

## What the Imperial Palace is

For about 260 years this was Edo Castle, the seat of the Tokugawa shoguns. In 1868, after the Meiji Restoration, the Emperor came here from Kyoto and the castle became the palace. The stone walls, moats, gates and corner towers you see today mostly date from the castle years, while the palace buildings stand deep inside and are seen only on the guided tour or at the public greetings.

The grounds come in parts with different rules. The [Outer Garden](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=%E7%9A%87%E5%B1%85%E5%A4%96%E8%8B%91%20%E6%9D%B1%E4%BA%AC%E9%83%BD%E5%8D%83%E4%BB%A3%E7%94%B0%E5%8C%BA%E7%9A%87%E5%B1%85%E5%A4%96%E8%8B%911-1) (Kokyo Gaien), the wide gravel plaza with black pines in front of the palace, is open all day. The East Gardens, the old inner citadel, open on most days. The inner palace grounds are visited only on the tour, and [Kitanomaru Park](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=%E5%8C%97%E3%81%AE%E4%B8%B8%E5%85%AC%E5%9C%92%20%E6%9D%B1%E4%BA%AC%E9%83%BD%E5%8D%83%E4%BB%A3%E7%94%B0%E5%8C%BA%E5%8C%97%E3%81%AE%E4%B8%B8%E5%85%AC%E5%9C%921-1) to the north is an ordinary public park.

## What to see

Start on the plaza for the classic view: a stone bridge in front and an iron bridge behind it, the one usually called [Nijubashi](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=%E7%9A%87%E5%B1%85%20%E4%BA%8C%E9%87%8D%E6%A9%8B%20%E6%9D%B1%E4%BA%AC%E9%83%BD%E5%8D%83%E4%BB%A3%E7%94%B0%E5%8C%BA%E5%8D%83%E4%BB%A3%E7%94%B01-1), with [Fushimi-yagura](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=%E7%9A%87%E5%B1%85%20%E4%BC%8F%E8%A6%8B%E6%AB%93%20%E6%9D%B1%E4%BA%AC%E9%83%BD%E5%8D%83%E4%BB%A3%E7%94%B0%E5%8C%BA%E5%8D%83%E4%BB%A3%E7%94%B01-1), a corner tower said to have been moved from Fushimi Castle in Kyoto, above them. The bridges are used only for state occasions and the public greetings.

The [East Gardens](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=%E7%9A%87%E5%B1%85%E6%9D%B1%E5%BE%A1%E8%8B%91%20%E6%9D%B1%E4%BA%AC%E9%83%BD%E5%8D%83%E4%BB%A3%E7%94%B0%E5%8C%BA%E5%8D%83%E4%BB%A3%E7%94%B01-1) are entered through [Otemon](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=%E7%9A%87%E5%B1%85%E6%9D%B1%E5%BE%A1%E8%8B%91%20%E5%A4%A7%E6%89%8B%E9%96%80%20%E6%9D%B1%E4%BA%AC%E9%83%BD%E5%8D%83%E4%BB%A3%E7%94%B0%E5%8C%BA%E5%8D%83%E4%BB%A3%E7%94%B01-1), Hirakawamon or Kitahanebashimon gate. Inside are guardhouses from the castle era, the stone base of the main keep (Tenshudai), whose tower burned in 1657 and was never rebuilt, the broad Honmaru lawn, and the [Ninomaru garden](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=%E7%9A%87%E5%B1%85%E6%9D%B1%E5%BE%A1%E8%8B%91%20%E4%BA%8C%E3%81%AE%E4%B8%B8%E5%BA%AD%E5%9C%92%20%E6%9D%B1%E4%BA%AC%E9%83%BD%E5%8D%83%E4%BB%A3%E7%94%B0%E5%8C%BA%E5%8D%83%E4%BB%A3%E7%94%B01-1) with its pond and iris beds. By Otemon, the [Museum of the Imperial Collections](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=%E7%9A%87%E5%B1%85%E4%B8%89%E3%81%AE%E4%B8%B8%E5%B0%9A%E8%94%B5%E9%A4%A8%20%E6%9D%B1%E4%BA%AC%E9%83%BD%E5%8D%83%E4%BB%A3%E7%94%B0%E5%8C%BA%E5%8D%83%E4%BB%A3%E7%94%B01-1) (Sannomaru Shozokan) shows art held by the imperial family; it was rebuilt in stages and is fully open from November 2026, and its big exhibitions use [timed tickets](https://shozokan.nich.go.jp/en/visit/ticket) bought in advance.

The free guided tour of the inner grounds starts at [Kikyomon](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=%E7%9A%87%E5%B1%85%20%E6%A1%94%E6%A2%97%E9%96%80%20%E6%9D%B1%E4%BA%AC%E9%83%BD%E5%8D%83%E4%BB%A3%E7%94%B0%E5%8C%BA%E5%8D%83%E4%BB%A3%E7%94%B01-1) gate and usually passes [Fujimi-yagura](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=%E7%9A%87%E5%B1%85%20%E5%AF%8C%E5%A3%AB%E8%A6%8B%E6%AB%93%20%E6%9D%B1%E4%BA%AC%E9%83%BD%E5%8D%83%E4%BB%A3%E7%94%B0%E5%8C%BA%E5%8D%83%E4%BB%A3%E7%94%B01), the plaza in front of the main palace hall and the iron bridge seen from the inside. On an ordinary day it is the only way to stand on the far side of Nijubashi.

- The East Gardens are closed on Mondays and Fridays and over New Year. If a Monday is a national holiday, they open that day and close on Tuesday instead.
- Garden hours are longer in summer and shorter in winter, and last entry is 30 minutes before closing.

- → [Museums and big exhibitions in Tokyo](https://eventstokyo.com/en/guides/museums.md)
- → [Art & Exhibitions events in Tokyo](https://eventstokyo.com/en/art.md)

## The year at the palace

The palace year opens on January 2 with the New Year greeting (shinnen ippan sanga). The inner grounds open in the morning and early afternoon. Visitors walk in through the main gate, and the Emperor and members of the imperial family appear several times on the glass-fronted balcony of the Chowaden hall. A similar greeting is held on the Emperor's Birthday, February 23. Both draw very large crowds, with bag checks and long queues.

Plum trees flower on the East Gardens' slopes around February, and cherry trees follow in late March. For about a week around the cherry peak, and again when the leaves turn in late November or early December, [Inui-dori](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=%E7%9A%87%E5%B1%85%E4%B9%BE%E9%80%9A%E3%82%8A%20%E6%9D%B1%E4%BA%AC%E9%83%BD%E5%8D%83%E4%BB%A3%E7%94%B0%E5%8C%BA%E5%8D%83%E4%BB%A3%E7%94%B01-1), the road through the inner grounds from [Sakashitamon](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=%E7%9A%87%E5%B1%85%20%E5%9D%82%E4%B8%8B%E9%96%80%20%E6%9D%B1%E4%BA%AC%E9%83%BD%E5%8D%83%E4%BB%A3%E7%94%B0%E5%8C%BA%E5%8D%83%E4%BB%A3%E7%94%B01-1) to [Inuimon](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=%E7%9A%87%E5%B1%85%20%E4%B9%BE%E9%96%80%20%E6%9D%B1%E4%BA%AC%E9%83%BD%E5%8D%83%E4%BB%A3%E7%94%B0%E5%8C%BA%E5%8D%83%E4%BB%A3%E7%94%B01-1), opens to the public without booking. [Chidorigafuchi](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=%E5%8D%83%E9%B3%A5%E3%83%B6%E6%B7%B5%20%E6%9D%B1%E4%BA%AC%E9%83%BD%E5%8D%83%E4%BB%A3%E7%94%B0%E5%8C%BA%E4%B8%89%E7%95%AA%E7%94%BA2), the moat beside Kitanomaru Park, is one of Tokyo's best-known cherry spots, lit up in the evenings during the Chiyoda cherry blossom festival, with rowing boats on the water. In June irises bloom in the Ninomaru garden.

Kitanomaru Park holds the [Nippon Budokan](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=%E6%97%A5%E6%9C%AC%E6%AD%A6%E9%81%93%E9%A4%A8%20%E6%9D%B1%E4%BA%AC%E9%83%BD%E5%8D%83%E4%BB%A3%E7%94%B0%E5%8C%BA%E5%8C%97%E3%81%AE%E4%B8%B8%E5%85%AC%E5%9C%922-3), where concerts and martial arts events run all year, and the [Science Museum](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=%E7%A7%91%E5%AD%A6%E6%8A%80%E8%A1%93%E9%A4%A8%20%E6%9D%B1%E4%BA%AC%E9%83%BD%E5%8D%83%E4%BB%A3%E7%94%B0%E5%8C%BA%E5%8C%97%E3%81%AE%E4%B8%B8%E5%85%AC%E5%9C%922-1). The [National Museum of Modern Art](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=%E6%9D%B1%E4%BA%AC%E5%9B%BD%E7%AB%8B%E8%BF%91%E4%BB%A3%E7%BE%8E%E8%A1%93%E9%A4%A8%20%E6%9D%B1%E4%BA%AC%E9%83%BD%E5%8D%83%E4%BB%A3%E7%94%B0%E5%8C%BA%E5%8C%97%E3%81%AE%E4%B8%B8%E5%85%AC%E5%9C%923-1) is just across the road at Takebashi.

- → [New Year in Tokyo](https://eventstokyo.com/en/guides/new-year.md)
- → [Cherry blossom season in Tokyo](https://eventstokyo.com/en/guides/sakura.md)
- → [Autumn leaves in Tokyo](https://eventstokyo.com/en/guides/autumn-leaves.md)
- → [Flower festivals in Tokyo through the year](https://eventstokyo.com/en/guides/flowers.md)
- → [Concerts in Tokyo](https://eventstokyo.com/en/guides/concerts.md)
- → [Events in Chiyoda](https://eventstokyo.com/en/chiyoda.md)
- → [Concerts in Tokyo](https://eventstokyo.com/en/concerts.md)

## Timing, tours and rules

For the guided tour, apply on the [Imperial Household Agency's visit website](https://sankan.kunaicho.go.jp/english/guide/koukyo.html) in advance, or try for a same-day ticket handed out at Kikyomon gate before the morning and afternoon tours, first come first served. Bring photo ID, since it is checked. The walk covers about 2.2 km in roughly an hour. It is not held on Sundays, Mondays, national holidays or over New Year, and from July to September only the morning tour runs. Same-day places are limited and can run out early in busy seasons.

The East Gardens need no booking. Go on a weekday morning: by midday the main paths fill with tour groups. Inui-dori openings and the public greetings have security checks and one-way routes, so you enter at one named gate and leave by another, and tripods and stepladders are not allowed on Inui-dori.

- For the tour, carry a passport or other photo ID.
- The plaza has little shade. In summer bring water and a hat.
- Check the [Imperial Household Agency site](https://www.kunaicho.go.jp/en/index.html) before you go: gardens and tours close at short notice for state events.

- → [Taking photos at Tokyo events](https://eventstokyo.com/en/guides/photography.md)
- → [Tokyo events with a wheelchair or access needs](https://eventstokyo.com/en/guides/accessibility.md)
- → [Free events in Tokyo](https://eventstokyo.com/en/free.md)

## Running, cycling and getting there

The loop around the moats is Tokyo's classic running route: about 5 km with no traffic lights. Runners go anticlockwise and keep left, and in narrow places run in single file. Walkers share the path, so leave room. On Sundays a stretch of Uchibori-dori is usually closed to cars for Palace Cycling.

Otemon, the main entrance to the East Gardens, is about 5 minutes on foot from [Otemachi Station](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=%E6%9D%B1%E4%BA%AC%E3%83%A1%E3%83%88%E3%83%AD%20%E5%A4%A7%E6%89%8B%E7%94%BA%E9%A7%85%20%E6%9D%B1%E4%BA%AC%E9%83%BD%E5%8D%83%E4%BB%A3%E7%94%B0%E5%8C%BA%E5%A4%A7%E6%89%8B%E7%94%BA1-6-1). Hirakawamon and Kitahanebashimon are about 5 minutes from [Takebashi Station](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=%E6%9D%B1%E4%BA%AC%E3%83%A1%E3%83%88%E3%83%AD%20%E7%AB%B9%E6%A9%8B%E9%A7%85%20%E6%9D%B1%E4%BA%AC%E9%83%BD%E5%8D%83%E4%BB%A3%E7%94%B0%E5%8C%BA%E4%B8%80%E3%83%84%E6%A9%8B1-1-1) on the Tozai Line. For the plaza and Nijubashi, walk from [Nijubashimae Station](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=%E6%9D%B1%E4%BA%AC%E3%83%A1%E3%83%88%E3%83%AD%E5%8D%83%E4%BB%A3%E7%94%B0%E7%B7%9A%20%E4%BA%8C%E9%87%8D%E6%A9%8B%E5%89%8D%E9%A7%85%20%E6%9D%B1%E4%BA%AC%E9%83%BD%E5%8D%83%E4%BB%A3%E7%94%B0%E5%8C%BA%E4%B8%B8%E3%81%AE%E5%86%852-3-1), or about 10 minutes from the Marunouchi side of [Tokyo Station](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=JR%20%E6%9D%B1%E4%BA%AC%E9%A7%85%20%E4%B8%B8%E3%81%AE%E5%86%85%E9%A7%85%E8%88%8E%20%E6%9D%B1%E4%BA%AC%E9%83%BD%E5%8D%83%E4%BB%A3%E7%94%B0%E5%8C%BA%E4%B8%B8%E3%81%AE%E5%86%851-9-1). Chidorigafuchi and the Budokan are close to [Kudanshita Station](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=%E6%9D%B1%E4%BA%AC%E3%83%A1%E3%83%88%E3%83%AD%20%E4%B9%9D%E6%AE%B5%E4%B8%8B%E9%A7%85%20%E6%9D%B1%E4%BA%AC%E9%83%BD%E5%8D%83%E4%BB%A3%E7%94%B0%E5%8C%BA%E4%B9%9D%E6%AE%B5%E5%8D%971-6-1).

The Marunouchi office district and Tokyo Station are right next door, [Hibiya Park](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=%E6%97%A5%E6%AF%94%E8%B0%B7%E5%85%AC%E5%9C%92%20%E6%9D%B1%E4%BA%AC%E9%83%BD%E5%8D%83%E4%BB%A3%E7%94%B0%E5%8C%BA%E6%97%A5%E6%AF%94%E8%B0%B7%E5%85%AC%E5%9C%921-6) lies to the south, and Ginza is a short walk beyond it.

- → [Running in Tokyo: marathons, races and the palace loop](https://eventstokyo.com/en/guides/running.md)
- → [Ginza, Yurakucho and Hibiya: events and tips](https://eventstokyo.com/en/guides/ginza.md)
- → [Date ideas in Tokyo, built around events](https://eventstokyo.com/en/guides/date-ideas.md)
- → [Events in Chuo](https://eventstokyo.com/en/chuo.md)
- → [Sports in Tokyo](https://eventstokyo.com/en/sports.md)

## All events, soonest first

- **[Emperor's New Year Public Greeting (Ippan Sanga) 2027](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/emperor-s-new-year-public-greeting-ippan-sanga-2027-7921)** — Sat, Jan 2, 2027 09:30 (JST) · Imperial Palace (Chiyoda) · Free entry
- **[BAND-MAID World Tour 2026 Final (Budokan)](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/band-maid-world-tour-2026-final-budokan-7953)** — Fri, Nov 13, 2026 18:00 – Sat, Nov 14, 2026 (JST) · Nippon Budokan (Tokyo) · ¥11,000
- **[MEGADETH Farewell Japan Tour 2027](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/megadeth-farewell-japan-tour-2027)** — Wed, Feb 24, 2027 19:00 – Thu, Feb 25, 2027 (JST) · Nippon Budokan (Tokyo) · ¥17,000〜
- **[Nao Toyama 10th Anniversary Final Live 'OVER THE RAINBOW' at Nippon Budokan](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/10th-anniv-final-live-over-the-rainbow-at)** — Thu, Mar 11, 2027 18:00 (JST) · Nippon Budokan (Tokyo) · ¥9,900〜¥15,000
- **[Special Spring Kabuki Performance 2027 featuring Kankuro Nakamura and Shichinosuke Nakamura](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/special-spring-kabuki-performance-2027-featuring-kankuro-nakamura-2)** — Mon, Mar 22, 2027 12:00 (JST) · Tokyo Electron Hall Miyagi (Sendai) · ¥3,800–¥8,800
- **[Nanase Aikawa 30th Anniversary ROCK KINGDOM TOUR 2026 -FINAL Nippon Budokan-](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/nanase-aikawa-30th-anniversary-rock-kingdom-tour-2026-final-nippon-budokan)** — Mon, Nov 2, 2026 18:30 (JST) · Nippon Budokan (Tokyo) · ¥8,800〜
- **[Sukima Switch Budokan concert](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/sukima-switch-budokan-concert)** — Tue, Dec 22, 2026 18:30 (JST) · Nippon Budokan (Tokyo) · ¥11,000〜
- **[THE ALFEE 2026 Autumn Budokan](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/the-alfee-2026-autumn-budokan)** — Wed, Dec 23, 2026 18:00 – Thu, Dec 24, 2026 (JST) · Nippon Budokan (Tokyo) · ¥9,900〜
- **[HOTEI 45th CELEBRATION GIGS "STAY WILD TOUR" - THE LAST STAND -](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/hotei-45th-celebration-gigs-stay-wild-tour-the-last-stand)** — Wed, Dec 30, 2026 18:00 – Thu, Dec 31, 2026 (JST) · Nippon Budokan (Tokyo) · price on the official site
- **[Ryoko Moriyama 60th Anniversary "Budokan wo Utau"](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/ryoko-moriyama-60th-anniversary-budokan-wo-utau)** — Thu, Jan 7, 2027 17:00 (JST) · Nippon Budokan (Tokyo) · ¥11,000〜
- **[aiko Live Tour "Love Like Pop vol.26"](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/aiko-live-tour-love-like-pop-vol26)** — Fri, Jan 29, 2027 18:30 – Sat, Jan 30, 2027 (JST) · Nippon Budokan (Tokyo) · ¥11,000〜
- **[Tokyo Ska Paradise Orchestra Budokan concert](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/tokyo-ska-paradise-orchestra-budokan-concert)** — Thu, Feb 11, 2027 18:00 – Fri, Feb 12, 2027 (JST) · Nippon Budokan (Tokyo) · ¥9,900〜
- **[aiko Live Tour "Love Like Pop vol.26" (additional shows)](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/aiko-live-tour-love-like-pop-vol26-additional-shows)** — Wed, Feb 17, 2027 18:30 – Thu, Feb 18, 2027 (JST) · Nippon Budokan (Tokyo) · ¥10,200〜
- **[Aile The Shota Oneman Live 2027 in Nippon Budokan](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/aile-the-shota-oneman-live-2027-in-nippon-budokan)** — Sat, Mar 13, 2027 18:00 (JST) · Nippon Budokan (Tokyo) · ¥8,800〜
- **[Anison Premium Live: Isao Sasaki × Mitsuko Horie × Hironobu Kageyama × Masaaki Endoh](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/anison-premium-live)** — Sun, Dec 13, 2026 17:00 (JST) · Tokyo Electron Hall Miyagi (Sendai) · ¥7,000
- **[MEGADETH (Additional Show)](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/megadeth)** — Thu, Feb 25, 2027 19:00 (JST) · Nippon Budokan (Tokyo) · price on the official site
- **[Little Glee Monster](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/little-glee-monster)** — Sun, Nov 1, 2026 17:00 (JST) · Tokyo Electron Hall Miyagi (Sendai) · ¥9,350
- **[RED WARRIORS](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/red-warriors)** — Sun, Mar 14, 2027 17:30 (JST) · Nippon Budokan (Tokyo) · ¥5,500–¥39,600
- **[Koji Tamaki](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/koji-tamaki)** — Wed, Nov 4, 2026 18:00 – Thu, Nov 5, 2026 (JST) · Nippon Budokan (Tokyo) · ¥13,000
- **[Autumn Foliage at the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/autumn-foliage-at-the-east-gardens-of-the)** — Wed, Nov 11, 2026 – Sun, Dec 20, 2026 (JST) · Imperial Palace East Garden (Chiyoda) · Free entry
- **[BEYOOOOONDS](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/beyooooonds)** — Wed, Nov 11, 2026 18:00 (JST) · Nippon Budokan (Tokyo) · ¥9,300〜
- **[Original Love](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/original-love)** — Mon, Nov 23, 2026 17:00 (JST) · Nippon Budokan (Tokyo) · ¥11,000
- **[Happy Birthday to Us: Masumi Asano & Yui Horie's Big Thank-You Festival 2026](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/happy-birthday-happy2026)** — Sat, Dec 5, 2026 14:00 (JST) · Science Hall, Science Museum (Chiyoda) · ¥6,600
- **[Rockon Social Club (Additional Show)](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/rockon-social-club)** — Sat, Dec 26, 2026 16:00 (JST) · Tokyo Electron Hall Miyagi (Sendai) · ¥13,500
- **[Tani Yuuki](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/tani-yuuki)** — Sat, Jan 9, 2027 18:00 (JST) · Tokyo Electron Hall Miyagi (Sendai) · price on the official site
- **[Love Live! Hasunosora Girls' Academy School Idol Club Link Live Dream: 106th Class New Member Welcome Performance](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/link-live-dream-106)** — Fri, Jan 22, 2027 17:00 (JST) · Nippon Budokan (Tokyo) · ¥6,500–¥13,000
- **[never young beach](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/never-young-beach)** — Fri, Feb 5, 2027 18:30 (JST) · Nippon Budokan (Tokyo) · ¥9,000〜¥10,000
- **[LA-PPISCH 40th Anniversary Concert: Wind Speed of 40 Meters per Second](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/la-ppisch-40-wind-speed-of-40-meters-per-second)** — Mon, May 3, 2027 17:30 (JST) · Nippon Budokan (Tokyo) · ¥8,800〜
- **[Tsubaki Factory (Camellia Factory - Pop Idol Group)](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/tsubaki-factory-camellia-factory-pop-idol-group)** — Mon, Oct 26, 2026 18:00 (JST) · Nippon Budokan (Tokyo) · ¥9,800
- **[🎃🌙 Halloween Night Special: Imperial Palace Yoga × Night Run × Asakusa Lights 🌙🎃](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/halloween-night-special-yoga-night-run-lights)** — Sat, Oct 31, 2026 16:45 (JST) · Imperial Palace (Chiyoda) · Free entry

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## Questions people ask

**Can you go inside the Imperial Palace?**
The palace buildings are not open, but the free guided tour takes you through the inner grounds, and the East Gardens and the outer plaza are open to everyone.

**Is the Imperial Palace free?**
Yes. The East Gardens, the Outer Garden, the guided tour, the Inui-dori openings and the public greetings are all free.

**Do you need a reservation for the East Gardens?**
No. Walk in through Otemon, [Hirakawamon](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=%E7%9A%87%E5%B1%85%E6%9D%B1%E5%BE%A1%E8%8B%91%20%E5%B9%B3%E5%B7%9D%E9%96%80%20%E6%9D%B1%E4%BA%AC%E9%83%BD%E5%8D%83%E4%BB%A3%E7%94%B0%E5%8C%BA%E5%8D%83%E4%BB%A3%E7%94%B01) or [Kitahanebashimon](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=%E7%9A%87%E5%B1%85%E6%9D%B1%E5%BE%A1%E8%8B%91%20%E5%8C%97%E6%A1%94%E6%A9%8B%E9%96%80%20%E6%9D%B1%E4%BA%AC%E9%83%BD%E5%8D%83%E4%BB%A3%E7%94%B0%E5%8C%BA%E5%8D%83%E4%BB%A3%E7%94%B01-1). They are closed on Mondays and Fridays.

**How do I join the guided palace tour?**
Book online on the [Imperial Household Agency's visit site](https://sankan.kunaicho.go.jp/english/guide/koukyo.html), or queue at Kikyomon gate for a same-day ticket. Bring photo ID.

**How long is the Imperial Palace running loop?**
About 5 km. Run anticlockwise and keep left.

**When are the cherry blossoms at the Imperial Palace?**
Usually late March to early April, at Chidorigafuchi, in the East Gardens and on Inui-dori during its spring opening.

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Tokyo Events: https://eventstokyo.com/en/guides/imperial-palace