Is the Imperial Palace Tour Worth It for Photographers?
For photographers in Tokyo, the Imperial Palace presents a tantalizing opportunity: a free tour that takes you inside the grounds of Japan’s most famous castle. It’s a landscape of massive stone gates, historic keeps, and sprawling courtyards. But with a guided tour, time is limited, and tripods are forbidden. So, is it actually a worthwhile trip for someone with a camera? After six visits, I can tell you exactly what shots to get and how to get them.
I took the photos for this article in June 2023. It was early summer. The weather was hot and sticky, but it wasn’t unbearable.
After arriving a little before noon, I was shocked. The line already had about 100 people! After completing some paperwork, we finally entered at 1:20 to go to the reception area for the tour briefing.
What to photograph on the tour
- Kikyo-mon (Chinese Bellflower) Gate – This is where you enter the castle. You can take your time photographing it before the tour starts.
2. Fujimi Keep – It looks the same from every angle, so it was also known as Happo-shomen-yagura [the all-sides guard keep]. It replaced the castle tower that the 1657 Meireki Fire destroyed. It’s said you can see Mount Fuji, though I doubt that’s now true.
Photo tip: The tour stops here so you can take time composing photos of the keep and the huge wall it sits upon. The clean background (no skyscrapers!) helps create a historic vibe.
3. Imperial Household Agency Building – Houses the Japanese government organization that manages the Imperial House. It handles the official duties of the Emperor and other members of the Imperial Family.
Photo tip: This is an impressive building, but it can be difficult to photograph well from the tour’s path due to its size and the viewing angle. This is a good spot for a quick reference shot rather than a carefully composed one.
4. Chowaden Hall – the Emperor appears on its enormous balcony for public events. The courtyard below it holds thousands of people.
Photo tip: The tour stops here. Use a wide-angle lens to capture the hall’s enormous facade. To emphasize that, place a person (like your guide or a friend) in the foreground of your shot.
5. The Main Event: The Niju Bridge Viewpoint
This is the stop everyone comes for. From your spot on the Niju Bridge (which is impressive in its own right—check out the beautiful 1888 metalwork and lamps), you get two of the palace’s most iconic views.
Megane Bridge (Spectacles Bridge)
This elegant stone bridge, officially named Seimon-ishibashi, sits below you. Its name comes from the perfect reflection its arches make in the water, resembling a pair of spectacles.
Photo Tip: Frame the stone arches to include the modern skyscrapers of Marunouchi in the background, creating a fantastic contrast between old and new Japan. A polarizing filter is a game-changer here, cutting the glare on the water to fully reveal the “spectacles” reflection.
Fushimi Keep – Once part of Fushimi Castle in Kyoto, this classic keep was moved here by the third Shogun, Iemitsu. It sits majestically on a stone-walled hill, creating a timeless, isolated image of feudal Japan.
Photo tip: Use a standard or short telephoto lens (around 70-100mm) to compress the scene and make the distant keep feel larger and more grand. The clean background (no skyscrapers!) helps create a truly historic atmosphere.
6. Yamashita-dori – one of the palace’s famous streets. This maple-lined street is beautiful in autumn.
Practical Tour Information
Are tour bookings necessary?
You can turn up on the day. But, there is a limit of 140 people for non-registered and 100 online registrations.
Imperial Palace tour times
- Twice a day, morning (from 10 a.m.) and afternoon (from 1:30 p.m.)
- No tours on Sunday and Monday.
- Palace events/bad weather can cause cancellations.
- Check the schedule before you go for sudden changes.
Is Japanese necessary?
No, it isn’t. There are English-speaking guides. I’ve also seen staff who speak Chinese, French, and Spanish. You can even download a smartphone app. It also gives information about the palace grounds and places.
How long does the tour take?
It takes about one hour and fifteen minutes. You’ll cover a distance of about two kilometers over mostly flat ground and a few very gentle slopes.
Tour tips
- If you go unregistered, go early for a spot. On my last tour, I saw people turned away.
- Tokyo’s summers are brutally hot; keep hydrated. Consider taking an umbrella to protect yourself from the sun.
- The tour keeps moving, so you won’t have time for careful photo compositions. But it stops at key locations.
- Travel light! I’d recommend one camera and one lens, a short zoom. A full-frame 24-105mm (crop about 17-70mm) should cover most situations. Tripods aren’t allowed.
- Toilets, lockers, and drink machines are available in the reception area.
Conclusion
While you won’t see the Emperor on the Imperial Palace Free Tour, you might get lucky. On one of my visits, I was treated to the sight of the royal horses and buggies out on a training run—a rare and memorable moment.
It’s these unexpected glimpses that make the tour special. The tour offers a structured, no-cost way to capture some of Japan’s most historic buildings. For lovers of history, royalty, and Japanese architecture, it’s an hour well spent. So, let’s answer the question, “Is the Imperial Palace Tour Worth It for Photographers?” I give a resounding yes.
Have you been on this tour? If you have, share your thoughts below.
Date of Photos: 27 June 2023
Rohan Gillett
Rohan has lived in Tokyo for 30+ years. He loves photography and plans to capture the entire city.
More Imperial Palace articles
External related articles
- Imperial Household Agency Visit Guide (official website)