Inui Street Autumn Walk 2026: A Complete Guide

I love the Imperial Palace. It might be my favorite place in Tokyo. Luckily, a few events each year allow me (and you) inside. The Emperor’s birthday and his New Year greetings are two of the most popular. My favorite is the autumn Inui Street walk. What’s that, you ask?

Heads-up for 2026 visitors: The official dates for the autumn 2026 public opening of Inui Street have not been announced yet. I will update this post the moment they become available, so be sure to bookmark this page!

The Inui Street experience

Each autumn, for a few special days, the Imperial Household Agency opens Inui Street, a 750-meter path that cuts through the heart of the Imperial Palace grounds. This strictly one-way route begins at the stately Sakashita-mon Gate and ends at the Inui-mon Gate. You take a journey through land once home to the powerful Tokugawa Shoguns. While security is present to ensure the experience remains serene and everyone stays on the path, the walk itself is a rare privilege.

When I visited on 6 December 2024, the trees were just past their peak but still stunning. Some ginkgos had dropped their golden leaves, and the maples were a mix of deep crimson and bright orange, vibrant against the stone palace walls. To avoid the biggest crowds, I recommend visiting on a weekday if your schedule allows.

The best Inui Street photo

For me, the most memorable photo opportunity isn’t a tree—it’s the view of Fujimi Keep. This watchtower, which once served the Shoguns after a fire destroyed the donjon in 1657, now stands against the backdrop of the modern Marunouchi skyscrapers. Frame your shot with the branches of a nearby crimson maple, and you have the perfect picture of Tokyo: a seamless blend of ancient history and sleek modernity.

Inui Street Walk tips

Beat the Crowds: If you can, visit on a weekday. Weekends can be busy.
Facilities: Don’t worry, toilets are available along the route.
Carry as little baggage as possible to get through security quickly.
Never backtrack on Inui Street. The route is strictly one-way.

Planning your visit: Access & key tips

The autumn walk is a well-organized event, but knowing these details will make your visit smooth and stress-free.

How to get there

The entrance for the walk is the Sakashita-mon Gate. The closest stations are:

Otemachi Station (multiple subway lines): Approx. 10-minute walk.
Nijubashi-mae Station (Chiyoda Line): Approx. 10-minute walk.
Tokyo Station (JR & Marunouchi Lines): Approx. 15-minute walk from the Marunouchi Central Exit.

The Exit: You exit from the Inui-mon Gate, which is closest to Takebashi Station (Tozai Line).

Key information

Cost: Admission is completely free.
When is it? When the official date is published, we’ll let you know here.
Hours: From 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. (last entry).
Duration: The walk itself takes about 30-45 minutes.
Expect a security check at the entrance. Travel light to pass through quickly.
For the latest information, consult the official Imperial House Agency website.

For a more detailed look at the history of the Imperial Palace and information on visiting the other public areas like the East Garden, read my complete guide to the Tokyo Imperial Palace.

Conclusion

The Inui Street autumn opening is a fleeting but unforgettable Tokyo experience. It’s a rare chance to step inside the historic Imperial Palace grounds and see the city’s past and present collide in the most beautiful way. I hope these tips help you plan your own visit to capture the stunning colors and unique views.