Imperial Palace Grounds

If you come to Japan on specific days, entering the secret imperial gardens is a possibility. However, for most of the year a walk around the palace grounds East Gardens, with the remains of Edo Castle,will have to suffice.
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Located in the center of Tokyo, devoid of any subway lines below its hallowed grounds (although apparently this wasn’t deliberate in the beginning), the Imperial Palace and its public East Gardens, are a moderate walk from Tokyo station, and accessible via a number of gates close to subway stations. While not the most exciting day you could possible plan in Tokyo, a walk around the gardens combined with attractions close to two of the gates (exit and entrance) will find you will little time in change from a full day.

The photo moment in all the guides
What it really looks like

Here is a map with gates and locations around the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace, which is the only public area all year round. Further down the page is a map of these locations with a recommended walking order, which will allow you to head to the kid-friendly Science Museum and kid-boring Yasukuni Shrine afterwards, heading home via Kudanshita Station.

The only gates you can use to enter are 2, 4 and 8. Other gates are closed to the public. Point 3 is the famous photo spot where tourists congregate (see photos above). The palace grounds (the big tree filled area on the right side) is closed to the public as it contains the official imperial residences. The public can walk from Sakashita Gate down Unui Street (map) during certain periods (guaranteed heaving crowds). The public can also apply for visits inside a small section of the Imperial Palace grounds (map of tour here), but you will have to book a few months in advance.