IMPERIAL PALACE EAST GARDEN

Apart of the inner palace, the Imperial Palace East Garden is the former site of the Edo Castle’s inner-most circle of defense. While the castle doesn’t remain to this day the East Garden features seasonal flowers and ancient gardens surrounded by moats, walls, gates and several old guardhouses. While you’re inside, you can also find the beautiful Suwano-Chaya teahouse, the Museum of Imperial Collections and Gakubu Music Hall. You’ll also see the former base of the Edo Castle that once stood there, which you can climb on top of for a view of the surrounding area.

The Edo Castle was once the tallest castle in Japan and was occupied by Tokugawa Shogun who ruled Japan from 1603-1868.

Entrance fee: Free

Photo credit: Japan Guide

Address: 1-1 Chiyoda, Chiyoda City, Tokyo 100-8111

Hours: Closed every Monday and Friday. *If national holiday is on Monday/Friday then it is open and closed the next day

9am - 5pm (March 1 to April 14 and all of September)

9am - 6pm (April 15 through August)
9am - 4:30pm (October)
9am - 4pm (November through February)

Website: https://www.kunaicho.go.jp/e-about/shisetsu/higashigyoen-map.html

How to get there: There are several gates to enter from, but the Otemon Gate is the main entrance. It is a 5 minute walk from the Otemachi Station on the Chiyoda, Tozai, Hanzomon, Marunouchi and Mita subway lines. It’s a 15 minute walk from Tokyo Station.