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The Imperial Palace

The Imperial Palace has served as the residential palace of the successive Emperors since 1868. It contains the Imperial Residence and the Imperial Palace Complex, where His Majesty the Emperor undertakes official duties. Various ceremonies and public activities are held there too. Other major buildings in the Palace include the building of the Imperial Household Agency and the Palace Sericulture Centre, where the successive Empresses have raised silkworms following the precedentt set in 1871 by Empress Dowager Shoken, Empress and consort of Emperor Meiji. The East Gardens of the Imperial Palace are located on the eastern part of the palace grounds and open to the public.

How to Apply
Facility Guide
Access

Tour Calendar

Two daily tours (morning and afternoon), except on dates below.

Suspended Dates

  • Sundays
  • Mondays
  • National holidays (except when the holiday falls on a Saturday)
  • Afternoons from July 1 to September 30
  • December 28 to January 4
  • Days or tours affected by Imperial Court events

January 2026

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat
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February 2026

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat
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No Tours		 2
No Tours		 3Morning & Afternoon Tours 4Morning & Afternoon Tours 5Morning & Afternoon Tours 6Morning & Afternoon Tours 7Morning & Afternoon Tours
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No Tours		 9
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No Morning Tour		 11
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No Tours		 24Morning & Afternoon Tours 25Morning & Afternoon Tours 26Morning & Afternoon Tours 27Morning & Afternoon Tours 28Morning & Afternoon Tours
  • Morning / Afternoon Tours
  • No Morning Tour
  • No Afternoon Tour
  • No Tours
Start Online Application

How to Apply

There are three ways to apply:
Advance applications can be made in two ways:
– Online
– In person at the Tour Office of the Imperial Household Agency
Same-day (walk-in) application:
Numbered tickets are distributed at Kikyo-mon Gate (one ticket per person).
Please note that this website accepts online applications only.

Application Overview

Capacity

  • Morning / afternoon, max 200 people per tour
  • Max 50 people per group

Application Period

  • 5.00 a.m. (JST) on the 1st day of the month before your visit - 11:59 p.m.（JST）, 4 days before the visit.

What to Bring

  • Valid form of ID: passport, driver's license, student ID
    (Photocopied ID is not accepted).
  • Permit Number provided in your Visit Permit

Important Notes

  • The tour route is about 2.2 km, one-hour walk with limited shade. Please take precautions against the heat.
  • Conducted in case of rain, but may be canceled in severe weather.
  • Visitors under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Students above junior high school may visit in groups up to 9 with the principal's permission. Please contact us by phone.
  • Visitors are subject to baggage inspection. Minimize your belongings and, if possible use coin lockers in advance to reduce congestion.
  • Bicycles and cars are not allowed inside the Imperial Palace.
  • Tour buses and other commercial vehicles, contact Kokyo Gaien National Garden (03-3231-5509).
  • Private cars, use nearby parking facilities.
  • Commercial sightseeing operators and related parties are not permitted.

  1. STEP 01Select Tour Month and Date

    Select the month and the date of your visit.

    Start Online Application

  2. STEP 02Enter Applicant (Group Representative) Information

    For group applications, the applicant serves as the group representative.
    Please enter nationality, name, email address, and age.

  3. STEP 03Enter Companion Information

    If you have companions, select a registration method.
    The method varies depending on the number of companions.

    • Enter the representative's information, then register companions' information.

      Enter each companion's nationality, name, and age on the entry screen.

      Enter companion information after completing the application.

      You must enter companion information within seven days of completing your application, using one of the following ways. Otherwise, your application will be invalid.

      • Download Companion List Sample, save it in CSV format, and upload it.
      • Enter companion information directly in your browser.

      Download Companion List Sample, save it in CSV format, and upload it.

      Download Companion List Sample, fill it out, and then upload it.
      You will need the application number provided in the confirmation email to upload the list.

      Enter companion information directly in your browser.

      You will need the application number provided in the confirmation email to upload the list.

    • Enter companion information after completing the application.

      Download Companion List Sample, fill it out, and then upload it.
      You will need the application number provided in the confirmation email to upload the list.
      You must enter companion information within seven days of completing your application.
      Otherwise, your application will be invalid.

  4. STEP 04Confirm Application

    Review your application before final submission.

    Please note that changes to the date, time, or participants will not be possible after completing your application. Only a reduction in the number of participants is allowed.

  5. STEP 05Application Complete

    You will receive a confirmation email. Please check your application details are correct.
    If you chose ""Enter Companion Information Later,"" proceed to STEP 06: Enter Companion Information.

    You will need to log in to enter companions or view your visit permit. Please refer to the confirmation email.

  6. STEP 06Enter Companion Information

    If you chose "Enter Companion Information Later," you can do it here.
    Download Companion List Sample, fill it out, and then upload it.
    You will need the application number provided in the confirmation email to upload the list.

    Please show the permit number to the officials on the day of the your visit.

  7. STEP 07View Your Visit Permit

    Enter the permit number from your confirmation email and your registered phone number to view your visit permit.
    Please keep a copy (print or screenshot) of the Permission Number for the day of your visit.

Facility Guide

Tour Map

Landmarks Along the Tour Route

Buildings and Sites within the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace

Access

Access to the Imperial Palace

Please gather at Kikyo-mon Gate on your Visit Day

Access to Kikyo-mon Gate

  • From Nijubashi-mae Station (Chiyoda Line), Exit 6: about 10 minutes on foot
  • From Otemachi Station (Mita Line), Exit D2: about 10 minutes on foot
  • From Tokyo Station (JR), Marunouchi Central Exit: about 15 minutes on foot

Contact Information

Imperial Palace Tour Office
Phone: 81-3-5223-8071 (direct)
Hours: 8:45 a.m. to 12 noon, 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.

  • Closed on Sundays, Mondays, holidays (excliding Saturdays), and New Year's holidays (Dec 29 to Jan 3)