Exploring the Imperial Palace (with the official free tour)

Want to explore the old castle grounds a bit? Why don't you visit the Imperial Place in Marunouchi? You’ll need to book a free tour in advance if you want to get into the restricted areas, but it’s not so difficult and well-worth the effort. Though you don’t need a full day in Marunouchi, you can see the main sights

1) If you’re planning on doing the free Castle Tour we recommend booking your place online in advance. If not, you can try buying the tickets on the same day, and even if you can’t get in you can still enjoy much of the grounds on your own.

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2) Head out of Tokyo Station towards Kikyomon Gate to to get there for the tour (usually 9 AM), and check-in at the office. You’ll likely be with a large group, but it’s not such an imposing experience.

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3) You’ll get a guided tour of the interior gardens. There’s no need to feel led-around, as the purpose of booking the tour is mostly to get you into areas that you can’t normally access.

4) When the tour is over, head over to the Otemon (main gate) and check out the East Gardens, complete with original guardhouses for the shogun. This is where the current day security is based as well, so there’s a long history of defending this place! The path will take up onto high ground which is where the shogun lived, far in the back of the garden you’ll see the huge foundations of the castle tower.

Imperial Palace East Garden

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Palace Hotel Tokyo

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5) If you have the energy, it’s worth checking out Hibiya Park. Aside from its beautiful gardens, on the weekends you’ll most likely find some kind of food or drink festival going on any time of year, often featuring local dishes from all around Japan.

Hibiya Park

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The Peninsula Tokyo

1-8-1 Yurakucho, Chiyoda-ku Tokyo

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6) When you’re done with the castle, head back towards Tokyo Station. You can stop at any number of restaurants or cafes, but also check out the Mitsubishi Ichigokan Museum if you still have the energy, and grab a coffee or a bite to eat at the cafe inside. There are many more restaurants under Tokyo Station, as well as in the nearby Shin-Marunouchi Building.

Mitsubishi Ichigokan Museum

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Four Seasons Hotel Tokyo at Marunouchi

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7) Before you leave completely, Tokyo Station itself is a marvel in itself, having been restored after the war, and now recently having had a total makeover, preserving its original design. It’s one of the biggest hubs in Tokyo, so you can see bullet trains arriving and departing towards western and northern Japan.

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Welcome Suica with JR Lines 1-Day Pass

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Update date：2024/04/26

The Tokyo Station Hotel

1-9-1 Marunouchi, Chiyoda-ku Tokyo

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