The whole place is super quiet, like an oasis in the city. Walking in and seeing those stone walls and the moat is really impressive!
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Kokyo Gaien National Garden
A Park Boasting the Beautiful Contrast of City Buildings and Nature.
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This park is located in the area outside the Main Gate to Japan’s Imperial Palace. At the center is the Garden Plaza, where green lawns are dotted with about 2,000 black Kuromatsu pine trees.
From the Gaien (“Outer Garden” in Japanese), take in views of Nijubashi, a bridge of historical value. In addition, there are many other sights to see in these gardens, such as Sakurada-mon, a gate designated as an Important Cultural Asset of Japan.
There is also an impressive statue of the samurai Kusunoki Masashige in this park.
In the moat surrounding the Imperial Palace, graceful swans can be seen swimming, and in the winter, many migratory birds fly in for a visit.
Within the grounds, there is Wadakura Fountain Park. Outfitted with a fountain and a 30-meter-wide waterfall, it is known as an oasis in the city.
Highlights
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Enjoy the nature of all four seasons in the middle of Tokyo.
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Observe historical structures situated in the gardens.
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The contrast of nature with urban office buildings is beautiful.
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Jogging is popular along the 5 km path around the Imperial Palace.
Photos
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Nijubashi Bridge
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Kokyo Gaien National Garden
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Statue of Kusunoki Masashige
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Sakurada-mon Gate
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Spring Sakura Cherry Trees
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Wadakura Fountain Park
Official FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions have been vetted and answered directly by each listing.
Q
Do you have signs or pamphlets in foreign languages? (If you do, which languages are available?)
A
English, Chinese and Korean are available.
Q
Is free Wi-Fi available in the area?
A
No free Wi-Fi available.
Reviews
10
Some reviews are AI-translated.
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Getting to this spot is super convenient. The nearest subway stations are Otemachi and Tokyo Station, and it's just a short walk from there.
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The huge lawn is filled with lots of black pine trees, which really stand out against the surrounding buildings. It feels like an oasis in the middle of a desert.
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The moat, the castle, and the lawns make this a great spot to heal your soul.
Highly recommend coming alone to quietly take photos and enjoy the scenery. -
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The whole area feels really solemn and dignified. It's a shame you can't go inside the Imperial Palace.
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Details
- Name in Japanese
- 皇居外苑
- Postal Code
- 100-0002
- Address
- 1-1 Kokyogaien, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
- Telephone
- 03-3213-0095
- Closed
- Open every day
- Hours
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Open every day
*Entrance may be restricted for national events. - Admission
- Free
- Access
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1) About 2 minutes on foot from Exits 2 or B6 of Nijubashimae Station on the Tokyo Metro Chiyoda line
2) About 10 minutes on foot from Tokyo Station on the JR Chuo or Yamanote lines - Official Website
- Official Website (English)