Imperial Palace Plaza

Thursday, January 16, 2020 Updated

Tokyo Imperial Palace Plaza | Emperor's Residence

Recommended Experience during a Cherry Blossom Japan Tours.

The Imperial Palace Plaza is the residence for the Imperial Family, located in the center of Tokyo surrounded by trees, flowers, moats, and the natural scenery of Japan. Built on the grounds of Edo Castle, the Imperial Palace is only open twice a year during the New Year's Celebration and the Emperor's birthday. Guests looking to the see the inside of the Imperial Palace grounds are advised to book a tour, though even with the tour you won't see the inside of the Palace walls. There's still plenty to enjoy on the palace grounds, including the Lotus Moat and Nijuubashi (two bridges that form an entrance to the inner palace grounds).

Gorgeous Japanese Flowers & Cherry Blossoms

The inner grounds of the palace are not open to the public but visitors can witness the beautiful scenery of the palace and its surroundings. A large lawn with pine groves stretches from the road to the middle of the plaza. On the north side of the plaza stands a fountain commemorating the marriage of the Emperor and Empress. A bronze statue of Kusunoki Masashige, 14th century samurai loyal to the emperor, stands on the south size of the plaza. Although access to the Imperial Palace's inner grounds are restricted, the Kokyo Higashi Gyoen (Imperial Palace East Garden) and Kita No Maru Koen Park are open to the public everyday (except Mondays and Fridays). While walking through this garden, you may see some remnants of the former Edo Castle, including the a castle tower's foundation. The gardens also feature a wide range of plants ranging from cherry blossoms to sunflowers for bright colors to enjoy year-round. The cherry blossoms are especially popular during the spring season, when the Japanese flowers begin to bloom brighly during Japan's most popular season.

In addition to incredible gardens, the Imperial Palace Plaza also houses the Museum of Imperial Collections, a free museum that boasts one of the most extensive collections of traditional Japanese works. View some of Japan's finest kimono, paintings, and other rare artifacts. No matter what the reason, you can arrange a tour to see the inner grounds or enjoy the outer gardens with Japan Deluxe Tours when you plan your next Spring Japan vacation or Highlights of Japan Tour package with us for your next adventure!