We do not have any half day tours. However, we recommend our private transfer service. Our driver speaks simple English speaking, and can assist you with reservation and ticket purchase.

If you wish to go inside the palace and visit the inner gardens and buildings, an appointment needs to be arranged in advance. You do not need an appointment to see the outer part of the palace, such as the East Garden and the Outer Gardens. The Outer Gardens is open all year round, and the East Garden is open from Monday to Friday. There are two ways to make an appointment: 1) on the official website (https://sankan.kunaicho.go.jp/register/place?locale=en) 2) contact the Imperial Household Agency by phone (03-5223-8071). All appointments have limited availability.

If you don't have an appointment, you can see the Nijubashi Bridge from outside.

Children under age of 18 will have to be accompanied by an adult, who will be the principle applicant when reserving an appointment.

For foreign visitors, a phone number will be required when reserving an appointment. The phone number does not necessarily have to be your phone number. Instead, it can be your hotel phone number. Once your appointment is completed, an confirmation will be emailed to you.

In addition to advance appointment online, at-door registration is also availability to visitors for a same day visit starting 6/25/2016. To enter the palace, simply register and get a number at the Kikyomon Gate during the designated time.

The open time is Tue to Sat at 10AM and 1PM (number will be passed out at 8:30AM and 12PM respectively). Please gather by the Kikyomon Gate before the visit time. Afternoon visits for Mondays, Sundays, and national holidays, 12/28-1/4, 7/21-8/31 are not available.

1 Mar to 14 Apr 9:00AM-16:30PM (Last admission at 16:00PM)
15 Apr to 31 Aug 9:00AM-17:30PM (Last admission at 16:30PM)
1 Sep to 30 Oct 9:00AM-16:30PM (Last admission at 16:00PM)
11 Nov to 28 Feb 9:00AM-16:00PM (Last admission at 15:30PM)
Mondays, Fridays, 28 Dec to 3 Jan, are not open for visit.
Entrance: by the Otemon Gate, Kikyomon Gate, and Hirakawa Gate.

Wadakura Fountain Park, located in the Outer Garden, is built in 1961 to celebrate the marriage of Emperor Akihito. The park has a gorgeous fountain, which water soaring as high as 8.5 feet into the air. The park is illuminated everyday starting twilight.

The fastest and most convenient way is to take the Tokyo Metro. Take the Chiyoda Line and get off at the Nijubashi Station by Exit 2 or B6. Or take the Hibiya Line and get off by at the Hibiya Station by Exit B6 or 2, and you will reach the destination in a 2 min walk. You can also take the Yurakucho Line get off at the Sakuradamon Station by Exit 3, you will reach the destination in a 8 min walk.