Tokyo Imperial Palace Ninomaru Gardens（東御苑の二の丸庭園）
A peaceful Japanese garden in the historic heart of Tokyo
The Tokyo Imperial Palace Ninomaru Gardens lie within the former second defensive circle of Edo Castle. Today, they are part of the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace, open to the public and easy to reach from Tokyo Station.
Historically, this area once held the most important palace buildings of the Edo Castle complex. From 1603 to 1867, it served as the residence of the Tokugawa shoguns. After the fall of the shogunate, Emperor Meiji also lived here before relocating to the modern Imperial Palace nearby.
Now, the Ninomaru Gardens offer a well-maintained and calm place to explore. Though the original palace structures no longer exist, visitors can enjoy lush lawns, historic stone walls, and a carefully designed Japanese garden that reflects the aesthetics of the early Edo period.
The garden features seasonal plants, including irises, camellias, and pine trees. Throughout the year, these create ever-changing views. Notably, the site includes a small pond, stone lanterns, and winding paths that evoke traditional stroll gardens.
Although the main palace grounds remain closed most of the year, you can access them on January 1st (New Year’s Day) and February 23rd (the Emperor’s Birthday). However, the East Gardens, including the Ninomaru Gardens, welcome visitors almost daily—offering an excellent alternative for those curious about Japan’s imperial history.
Read more in our eBook!
Tokyo Imperial Palace Garden Guide
The Tokyo Imperial Palace Ninomaru Gardens form part of the East Gardens of the old Edo Castle. Once the location of shogunate palaces, the site now features a traditional Japanese garden with seasonal beauty, stonework, and a small pond—easy to visit and rich with imperial history.
Learn more before your visit—or revisit from home.
Read more in our Blog:
Gallery
Directions
How to get to the garden
The closest station on the Yamanote line is Tokyo main station.
On the Tokyo Metro Line, the closest station is Otemachi.
Address
- EN: Tokyo, Chiyoda-Ku, Chiyoda 1-1
- JP: 東京都千代田区千代田1-1
Opening times
- April-August: 9:00 – 17:00
- September, October, March: 9:00 - 4:30
- November-February: 9:00 - 16:00
Closed on Mondays, Fridays and New Year (Dec 28 to Jan 3). On February 23 the East Gardens are closed due to the Emperor's Birthday. The garden is open on National Holidays. If a National Holiday is a Monday, the garden will be closed on the following Tuesday. Check the opening calender.
Admission fee
- The admission to the East Gardens is free.
Facilities & Accessibility
- The East Gardens are barrier free but the slopes are very steep and probably not accessible alone for wheelchair users.
- The Japanese Garden is not completely barrier free.
- Multipurpose toilet with ostomate is available.
- Museum of the Imperial Collections
- Shop
Best time to visit
- Mid April for Wisteria.
- May for Azalea.
- End of May - Mid June for Irises.
No Comments on “Tokyo Imperial Palace Ninomaru Gardens（東御苑の二の丸庭園）”
The comment section is closed.