Tokyo Imperial Palace And Around

The Tokyo Imperial Palace Park is a huge expanse of green that lies right in the center of the city. Surrounding the palace are some great shrines, parks and museums.

[Seimon Ishibashi stone bridge]

The Imperial Palace marks the center of Tokyo and the symbolic heart of Japan. You can walk around the outside of the Imperial Palace and enjoy views of the lovely moats, bridges and walls of the Palace (this is also Tokyo’s most popular jogging course). You can also enter the Imperial Palace East Garden, which is a fine escape from the crowds and concrete of the city. And, if you’re interested in WWII history, do not miss the controversial Yasukuni-jinja Shrine, where several Class A war criminals are enshrined, and the adjoining Yushukan Museum, which presents the nationalist view of Japan’s wartime history.

Tokyo Holiday Essentials

Imperial Palace Area Highlights

• Imperial Palace East Garden
• Yasukuni-jinja Shrine/Yushukan Museum
• Koishikawa Koraku-en Garden

[Imperial Palace East Garden: MichaelBK / Shutterstock.com]

Things To Do And See Around The Tokyo Imperial Palace

There are several fine attractions surrounding the Imperial Palace, many of which can be combined into a good half-day of sightseeing. I list the Imperial Palace here first as a reference point. The sights that follow are listed in order of preference.

• Imperial Palace/Kokyo (palace)
  The Imperial Palace, or Kokyo in Japanese, is the center of Tokyo and, in some ways, the heart of Japan. The general public can enter the grounds on 23 December (the Emperor’s birthday), and on 2 January, when the Imperial Family delivers their annual New Year’s greeting. Otherwise, you can only enter as part of a private tour (apply to the Imperial Household Agency). For most people, the best you can do is snatch some views from a distance, usually across the moats that surround it or from various vantage points in the high buildings nearby (my favorite view is from the Idemitsu Museum of Arts in the Tokyo Station Area).
• Imperial Palace East Garden (garden)
  This spacious garden on the east side of the Imperial Palace is probably better described as a park. There aren’t many specific sights to see here, but a stroll through the place is a relaxing way to escape the concrete of Tokyo. Just walking through gives you a sense of the scale of the Imperial Palace and surrounding areas, as well as the power of Japan. It’s not the best garden in Tokyo but it’s well worth a visit when exploring near Tokyo Station. In the summer, bring a hat or parasol.

[Yasukuni-jinja Shrine/Yushukan Museum: Maminami / Shutterstock.com]

• Yasukuni-jinja Shrine/Yushukan Museum (Shinto shrine/war museum)
  If you’re interested in Japanese history, this is one of the most fascinating sights in Japan. Yasukuni-jinja is where 14 of Japan’s Class A war criminals from WWII are enshrined. The shrine itself is beautiful and exudes a mysterious feeling of power. But the most interesting part is the adjoining Yushukan Museum, which presents the Japanese nationalist version of 19th and 20th century history, focusing on WWII history. However you feel about the war, it’s well worth touring the exhibits. There is enough English signage to get the gist.
• Kitanomaru-koen Park (park)
  This park north of the Imperial Palace is a nice place for a stroll. I suggest pairing it with a visit to the Imperial Palace East Garden and Yasukuni-jinja (since it lies between them). It’s not the best park in Tokyo but the greenery is pleasant. Along the way, you will pass the Nippon Budokan, immortalized by the Cheap Trick Album “Live at Budokan” (when you pass, you can just about hear an echo of Robin Zander announcing “I want you to want me!”).

[Koishikawa Koraku-en Garden: Mistervlad / Shutterstock.com]

• Koishikawa Koraku-en Garden (garden)
  This fine garden beside Tokyo Dome City (near Iidabashi and Suidobashi stations) is one of my favorite places for a stroll in Tokyo. It’s an oasis of calm and it’s highly recommended.
• Showa-kan Museum (museum)
  Located at the north side of Kitanomaru-koen Park and a short walk from Yasukuni-jinja Shrine, this museum houses exhibits on daily life in Japan during and after WWII. It’s a small but interesting collection. It’s a good counterpoint to the Yushukan Museum at Yasukuni-jinja because it shows the effect of Japan’s nationalist policies on the lives of ordinary Japanese.
• Zenkoku-ji Temple (Buddhist temple)
  A bit of a hike from the Imperial Palace area, this superb temple up in the Iidabashi/Kagurazaka area is well worth the trip. The halls and gardens are serene and lovely. Highly recommended.
• Hibiya-koen Park (park)
  This is a compact but beautiful park is located a short walk north from Ginza, Yurakucho and Tokyo Station. It’s a great place for a break or a picnic lunch while exploring central Tokyo. Grab some takeaway food at one of the department store food floors in Ginza and have a picnic.
• JCII Camera Museum (museum)
  This small but interesting camera museum in the Hanzomon area (just west of the Imperial Palace) is a good destination for serious fans of cameras.
• Tokyo Dome City
  Tokyo Dome City is an entertainment, shopping and dining complex in the center of Tokyo that includes an amusement park, spa land, baseball stadium and a good variety of shops and restaurants.

Places To Eat In The Tokyo Imperial Palace Area

When you’re exploring the Imperial Palace Area, it’s necessary to head to one of the nearby business and shopping areas to get a meal. Of course, you can always buy some food at Tokyo Station or one of the nearby department stores and have a picnic in the parks or gardens of the area.

• Canal Café (café)
  This outdoor café on a canal in Iidabashi, northwest of the Imperial Palace, is a nice place for a light meal on a sunny day. It’s not worth a special trip, but it’s a decent choice if you’re in the area.
• Katakura Izakaya (izakaya)
  This traditional izakaya in Iidabashi is a good dinner choice for those who crave excellent sake and some good Japanese pub grub to wash it down with. There’s no English sign, so look for the bottles and the wooden door.
• Unagi Akimoto (unagi)
  It’s easy to miss Unagi Akimoto in Kojimachi if you aren’t looking for it. But behind the unassuming wooden doors is some of the best broiled eel in Tokyo.
• Janoshin (sushi)
  Looking for a no-fuss neighborhood sushi joint that’s also good value for money? The quiet and unassuming Janoshin in Kojimachi might be right up your alley.
• Soranoiro Japanese Soup Noodle Free Style Honten (noodle soup)
  Vegan or vegetarian ramen may sound like an oxymoron, but Soranoiro’s bright, flavorful bowls will convert any skeptics to this cause. The original Special Veggie Soba at their main Kojimachi branch is sure to win over both veggie and non-veggie lovers alike.
• Nihonbashi Kaisendon Tsujihan Kagurazakaten (sashimi rice bowl)
  Tsujihan serves one of the most iconic and beloved bowls of kaisendon or sashimi rice bowl in Tokyo. Their shop in Kagurazaka replicates the winning formula of the original shop in Nihonbashi - go on weekdays for a relatively fast turnover.
• Momijiya (okonomiyaki pancakes)
  Momijiya in Iidabashi is well-loved for its delicious Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki pancakes, packed with plenty of vegetables, meat, and noodles. Whether it’s the best in Tokyo is debatable, but it’s always packed - which should tell you plenty.
• IBUKI Tsukemen Dining (curry noodles)
  Can’t decide between curry or ramen? At IBUKI Tsukemen Dining in Kojimachi, your an have both when you order their gut-busting, meaty bowl of curry dipping noodles.
• Agezuki (tonkatsu)
  Can’t decide between curry or ramen? At IBUKI Tsukemen Dining in Kojimachi, your an have both when you order their gut-busting, meaty bowl of curry dipping noodles.

Luxury Hotels Near The Tokyo Imperial Palace

• Imperial Hotel Tokyo
  (View on Booking.com or Agoda.com)
  The Imperial Hotel Tokyo is a large old-school hotel overlooking beautiful Hibiya Park.

Mid-Range Hotels Near The Tokyo Imperial Palace

• Hotel Monterey Hanzomon
  (View on Booking.com or Agoda.com)
  Located in Hanzomon, over on the west side of the Imperial Palace, the Hotel Monterey Hanzomon is a smart little business hotel that offers incredible value to travelers who don’t mind being away from the big centers.
• Hotel Grand Arc Hanzomon
  (View on Booking.com or Agoda.com)
  On the west side of the Imperial Palace, the Hotel Grand Arc Hanzomon is a good business hotel that offers extremely reasonable rates and small but clean rooms.

Budget Hotels Near The Tokyo Imperial Palace

• Unplan Kagurazaka
  (View on Booking.com or Agoda.com)
  If you’re looking for a sociable hostel with both private and dorm rooms in a great neighborhood, then you should consider Unplan Kagurazaka. It’s located in the fashionable and reasonably central Kagurazaka district.

Where Are These Places Located?

• Open the Tokyo map
• You will see the list of places on the left hand side. (Click the 3-line icon in the top left corner if not). Scroll down or use the map search (the magnifying glass icon) to find the place you want.
• Click the name of the place in the list. Its location pin will be highlighted on the map.
• Map pins are color coded - BLUE: Hotels / Ryokan / Guesthouses | VIOLET: Ryokan | PINK: Places to Eat | GREEN: Shops | YELLOW: Things to See and Do
• If you’re using the map on your phone, open the map and then search for the name of the place. The map will then zoom in on its location.

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