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Home - Travel - Sightseeing Guide - Kanto - Tokyo - Central Tokyo
Imperial Palace East Gardens	# 16   of 60 most visited sights in Tokyo
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The Imperial Palace East Gardens (皇居東御苑, Kōkyo Higashi Gyoen) are a part of the inner palace area and are open to the public. They are the former site of Edo Castle's innermost circles of defense, the honmaru ("main circle") and ninomaru ("secondary circle"). None of the main buildings remain today, but the moats, walls, entrance gates and several guardhouses still exist. Edo Castle was the residence of the Tokugawa shogun who ruled Japan from 1603 to 1867. Emperor Meiji also resided there from 1868 to 1888 before moving to the newly constructed Imperial Palace. The foundation of the former castle tower A wide lawn and the remaining foundation of the former castle tower can be found on top of the hill, where the castle's innermost buildings once stood. The castle tower was completed in 1638 as the tallest castle tower in Japan's history. But only a few years later in 1657, it was destroyed by citywide fires and has not been rebuilt ever since. In place of the former buildings in the secondary circle of defense (ninomaru) at the foot of the hill, a nice Japanese style garden has been created. Ninomaru Japanese garden Any Questions? Ask them in our question forum.

How to get there

The Otemon entrance to the East Gardens is a short walk from Otemachi Station on the Chiyoda, Tozai, Marunouchi, Hanzomon and Mita Subway Lines. It can also be reached in a 10-15 minute walk from Tokyo Station. Orientation in Tokyo

Hours and Fees

Hours: 9:00 to 16:30 (until 17:00 from mid April through August; until 16:00 from November through February). Entry possible until 30 minutes before closing. Closed: Mondays, Fridays, New Year (Dec 28 to Jan 3) and some special occasions. If Monday or Friday is a national holiday, the gardens are closed on the following day instead. Admission: Free

Hotels and Ryokan

The Tokyo Station area is obviously a very convenient place to stay. Thanks to its central location, it is a convenient base to explore the entire city and offers easy access to/from Narita Airport. As the terminal station of multiple shinkansen lines, it also is the perfect base for long distance day trips. Several four and five star hotels are located adjacent to or in the close vicinity of the station, but low budget options are not available. Read more in our Tokyo Hotel Guide

Recommended Hotels around Tokyo Station - with lowest rates by selected hotel reservation websites Four Seasons Hotel Tokyo at Marunouchi 5-star hotel just a few steps south of Tokyo Station. Hotel Metropolitan Marunouchi Adjacent to Tokyo Station, this is one of the city's most convenient and comfortable hotels. Agoda from $259 (1 person) from $259 (2 persons) Imperial Hotel Tokyo This leading Japanese 5-star hotel is located a 5 minute walk from Yurakucho Station. Agoda from $360 (1 person) from $361 (2 persons) Mandarin Oriental Tokyo By many considered Tokyo's finest hotel. Marunouchi Hotel Tokyo A 4-star hotel just across the street from Tokyo Station. Agoda from $303 (1 person) from $363 (2 persons) Shangri-La Hotel Adjacent to Tokyo Station, this is the city's most conveniently located 5-star hotel. Agoda from $574 (1 person) from $576 (2 persons) The Peninsula Tokyo This 5-star hotel is located just a short walk from Yurakucho Station. Yaesu Fujiya Hotel The most affordable of the hotels in the close vicinity of Tokyo Station.

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News and Reports

December 13, 2011 Tokyo Autumn Color Report by schauwecker December 5, 2011 Tokyo Autumn Color Report by scott November 27, 2011 Tokyo Autumn Color Report by scott November 22, 2011 Tokyo Autumn Color Report by scott November 15, 2011 Tokyo Autumn Color Report by scott November 14, 2011 Christmas lights in Roppongi Hills Tokyo by aginorz October 24, 2011 Halloween in Tokyo by aginorz October 13, 2011 Tokyo Fall Colors? by schauwecker More reports...

Travel Community

Ratings for Imperial East Gardens: japan-guide.com Rating:   outstanding   User Rating (by 855 users): 82/100   recommended Popularity of Imperial East Gardens: Users who have been to Tokyo: 5873 Users who have been to Imperial East Gardens: 1554 16th of 60 most visited sights in Tokyo. 26th of 726 most visited sights nationwide. Have you been to Imperial East Gardens? No - I have not been there yetYes - no ratingYes - highly recommendedYes - recommendedYes - mildly interestingYes - nothing specialYes - not recommended User Feedback We strive to keep japan-guide.com up-to-date and accurate, and are always looking for ways to improve the user experience. If you have any updates, suggestions, corrections or opinions, please let us know:

Tours and Packages

Tokyo Tours Various tours and travel packages for Tokyo and surroundings.

English Links

Imperial Household Agency English version of the official website. Closing Day Calendar A calendar showing the dates when the East Gardens are closed.