Imperial Palace Photo Guide
Tokyo Imperial Palace was once home to the Tokugawa Shoguns. It was the seat of their power for nearly for nearly three hundred years. Today it is home to an Emperor. Most people won’t see him there, but you can take photos of his castle. You can even get inside for certain events. It is one of the city’s top tourist spots.
Let me put a caveat on that. Yes, many people head to the palace. It’s great for tourists. But, I wouldn’t call it a “must” for photographers unless they have something specific in mind. Its walls are too high, so almost nothing of the interior is visible.
The majority of visitors will see only the bridges and a few buildings. Still, they go in droves. The palace’s history and significance pull them. I must admit though, it has a few cool spots, but you have to search for them.
Maybe it’s like going to Buckingham Palace to photograph the seat of the British monarchy. And it is a pleasant place to walk around or jog if you are into that. By the way, some of the views are good. They won’t blow you away, but they are enjoyable and worthy of pictures.
And, you won’t get any pictures of the Emperor (but you knew that already!). Yes, he lives at the palace, but you’ll never see him there. It is impossible to get a photo of him on most days of the year. You have to be extremely lucky to get a glimpse of him. I’ve seen him twice. Both times he was in a quick-moving limousine. And both times, I couldn’t get my camera up quickly enough!
There are two chances to see him: January 2 (his New Year Greetings) and February 23 (his birthday). On those days, the gates open to the public. He speaks to them from the balcony of Chowaden Hall with his family in attendance. Those events are over in the blink of an eye.
After making a brief speech, he disappears inside again. The process usually repeats itself several times per day. They are his only regular appearances at the palace that I know. Events such as pandemics can interfere with these. Always check the official website before you go.
Tokyo Imperial Palace – A Brief History
- An Edo Clan samurai, Shigetsugu Edo, built his residence in the Honmaru and Ninomaru. That was at the end of the Heian or the beginning of the Kamakura period. Dōkan Ōta took over the area in 1457 and built his castle there.
- In 1525 control passed to the Hōjō clan, which lost it in 1590. Ieyasu Tokugawa took it over after Hideyoshi offered eight provinces along with it. With him becoming Shogun in 1603, Edo Castle became the center of his administration.
- Ieyasu’s grandson, Iemitsu completed construction in 1638. There were thirty-eight gates, and ramparts about twenty meters high. Outer walls were up to twelve meters. Moats provided more protection, and they went as far as Ichigaya and Yotsuya.
- When the Tokugawa era ended in 1867, they surrendered their home. It then became Tokyo Castle. In October 1868, the name changed to Imperial Castle. Finally, in 1869, the emperor moved in and has been there ever since.
Tokyo Imperial Palace occupies a smaller area than it once did. It is a historic site that the government hopes to restore and preserve. Tourists flock to its Main Gate and Eyeglasses Bridge to take photos in front of them. The castle is now one of the city’s most popular sightseeing spots.
Photography at Tokyo Imperial Palace
Other than moats and walls, there are:
- Buildings: Fushimi, Fujimi, and Tatsumi wall turrets.
- Imperial Household Agency at Sakishita Gate.
- Cherry blossoms in spring.
- Ginkgo tree along some moats. They are beautiful with their yellow leaves in autumn.
- Joggers: As per the rules, they run counterclockwise around the walls. There are many of them.
- Statue of Masashige Kusunoki. This is in the Kokyo Gaien National Garden, a short distance from the palace.
- The area near Main Gate and Main Gate Iron Bridge is off-limits after 5 PM.
- Bird photography! Believe it or not, birding is possible at the palace. Take a long lens with you. Check this guide before you go.
Where are the popular spots for photos?
- Hibiya Moat: In autumn, the ginkgo tree leaves are stunning. Against the Marunouchi skyscrapers, they make a scene of beautiful contrast.
- Main Gate (正門): Two Imperial guards will be on duty. Meganebashi (Eyeglasses Bridge) is in the foreground with Niju Bridge and Fushimi turret behind. It is the most popular spot at the palace. But for something special, go in winter (more on this below).
- Tatsumi turret (巽櫓): This turret is the closest part of the palace to Tokyo Station. With correct positioning, the Kikyo Gate and Fujimi turret will be in the rear. For a bonus tip, go in winter (see more below).
My favorite spots for pictures
- Go outside the Sakurada gate on the bridge. Look over the moat up the hill towards the Diet building. It’s a great view, especially in the morning or at sunset.
- About 150 meters up the hill from the gate, look back towards it. You will overlook the moat, with the Sakurada gate on the left. Beyond that are the Marunouchi skyscrapers. The view is fantastic.
- Hibiya Moat with its ginkgo trees in autumn.
- The huge palace ramparts (embankments). There are a few around the palace. A worker on them looks so small! It’s a great chance for minimalist photography.
Other things to photograph at the palace
There are some events. Japan loves its Emperor and people jump at any chance to see him. The crowds are huge. But, it is also good to include the police on duty and the crowds. Those environmental-type elements can make the lining up and wait worth it.
Best times to photograph Imperial Palace
- Spring is good. At that time, you’ll see cherry blossoms (Yes, I know. No pictures of them in this article at the moment) and azaleas. The grounds are beautiful. Inui Street will open in many years to allow the public in to enjoy the cherry blossoms.
- Autumn is good. There are many ginkgo and maple trees in and around the palace. This is another season when Inui Street opens for the public.
- If you want a particular recommendation for a time of day, I’d choose dawn or sunset. That is when the light is at its best, and there is activity around the palace.
- I like to visit the palace on partially cloudy days. Clouds always add a little drama and interest to any photograph, and this place needs the help.
- Winter is great for night photography. For about two weeks parts of the palace will be illuminated. Those areas include:
Seimon (Main Gate)
Sakishitamon (Sakishita Gate)
Otemon (Otemon Gate) at the East Gardens
Fujimi Keep
Tatsumi Keep
Photo spots near the Palace
- East Gardens of the Imperial Palace (literally, over the wall)
- Kitanomaru Park
- Tokyo Station (great ceilings to photograph)
- Wadakura Fountain Park
Where is the Imperial Palace?
Address: 1-1 Chiyoda, Chiyoda City, Tokyo 100-8111
It’s about a ten-minute walk from Tokyo Station.
Here it is on a Google map:
Can you enter Tokyo Imperial Palace?
Yes, but you can’t just walk in. The palace is open for the following events:
- Autumn leaves on Inui Street
- Emperor Akihito’s Birthday
- Emperor’s New Year Greeting
- Imperial Palace Free Tour
These events can be canceled or changed without notice. Before going check for changes on the Imperial Household Agency website.
Conclusion
The Imperial Palace isn’t a must-see Tokyo photo spot for most people. However, it is an opportunity to get pictures of a famous historic place. But if you search around, you will find a few gems.
Most people would find twenty or thirty minutes at the palace enough. They get photos around Main Gate and then move to the next destination. But, if you like jogging, there is that! And that’s okay.
But for something special, brave the cold and go in winter. Eyeglasses Bridge and Fushimi Keep look great under lights. Throw in Tatsumi Keep as a bonus! I’ll go out on a limb and say they are awesome. Leave questions and comments below.
Rohan Gillett
Rohan has lived in Tokyo for 30+ years. He loves photography and okonomiyaki. Rohan walks the city in his free time.
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External related websites:
- Edo Castle on Jcastle
- Imperial Household Agency (official website)
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2 thoughts on “Imperial Palace Photo Guide”
Amazing pictures!
Thank you, Lilia. I’m glad you enjoyed them!