Tokyo Imperial Palace Photo Guide

Illuminated stone bridge and traditional yagura at the Tokyo Imperial Palace at night, reflecting in the moat.
Seimon Ishibashi (Main Gate Stone Bridge or Eyeglasses Bridge) and Fushimi Keep in winter.

Most tourists leave Tokyo Imperial Palace with the same shot of the famous bridges. Savvy photographers know where to find the angles and light that bring this historic landmark to life. It’s a location that rewards patience and a little insider knowledge. This guide will show you how to move beyond the crowds and capture the majesty of this magnificent castle.

Tatsumi keep and moat evening
Tatsumi Keep.

The palace was once home to the Tokugawa Shoguns. It was the seat of their power for nearly three hundred years. Today, it is home to Japan’s Emperor. There is little chance of seeing 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’s look at it through my camera lens.

Historical context for photographers

An Edo Clan samurai, Shigetsugu Edo, built his residence in the Honmaru and Ninomaru at the end of the Heian period. In 1457, Ōta Dōkan took control of the area and constructed his castle. Control passed to the Hōjō clan in 1525, though they lost it in 1590. Eventually, Ieyasu Tokugawa took over after Hideyoshi offered him the eight Kanto provinces.

Under the Tokugawa Shogunate, the castle became a massive power base. Ieyasu’s grandson, Iemitsu, completed the construction in 1638, boasting thirty-eight gates, twenty-meter-high ramparts, and protective moats stretching as far as Ichigaya. When the Tokugawa era ended in 1867, the Shogunate surrendered its home. It was renamed the Imperial Castle in 1868, and the Emperor has resided there since 1869.

Tokyo Imperial Palace moat
Hanzo gate with the National Diet building behind.

Top photographic subjects at the Imperial Palace

Beyond the moats and walls, keep an eye out for these subjects:

  • Castle architecture: The Fushimi, Fujimi, and Tatsumi Keeps.
  • Seasonal flora: Cherry blossoms in East Garden (Spring) and Ginkgo trees along the moat (Autumn).
  • Runners: The 5km jogging course around the palace is popular. But it has a rule: you must run it counterclockwise.
  • Birding: Use a long lens to spot wildlife in the extensive greenery and in the moats.

Best photography spots & compositions

Hibiya Moat: Reflections & urban contrast

While the moat encircles the Tokyo Imperial Palace, the section between the grounds and Tokyo Station offers the best views. Here in autumn, the ginkgo tree leaves are stunning. Against the Marunouchi skyscrapers, they make a beautiful contrast.

Main Gate (Seimon): The classic composition

This is the Palace’s grand entrance. The famous Seimon Ishibashi (nicknamed Meganebashi or “Eyeglasses Bridge”) stands in the foreground, with the Iron Bridge (Nijubashi) and the Fushimi Keep rising behind it.

Illuminated stone bridge and guard tower reflecting in the calm moat of the Tokyo Imperial Palace at night
Eyeglasses Bridge and Fushimi Turret under lights in winter.

Two Imperial guards are always on duty here. While you generally cannot cross the bridges on a normal day, they form the “classic shot” of Tokyo: the stone bridge in front, the iron bridge behind, and the white castle watchtower towering above. For a truly special photo, visit on a winter night when the illuminations are active.

Tatsumi Keep (巽櫓)

This is the closest part of the palace to Tokyo Station. Here is a photo tip: Shoot from the corner near Wadakura Fountain Park. Frame the turret in the foreground with the Kikyo Gate and Fujimi Keep behind it. For a bonus tip, go in winter (more below).

Sakurada Gate: The sunset vantage point

Go outside the gate to the bridge. Look past the moat, up the hill towards the National Diet Building. It’s a great view, especially in the morning or at sunset.

Imperial Palace Sakurada gate and Marunouchi skyscrapers at sunset
A sunset for an emperor!

About 150 meters up the hill from the Sakurada gate, look back towards it. You will overlook the moat. It’s a tremendous contrast, soaring skyscrapers tower over the old castle.

Ramparts: Minimalist angles

There are a few of these around the palace. The workers on them look so small! It’s a great chance for minimalist photography.

police officer on moat wall
He needs to walk back up this embankment.

Photography rules & etiquette

Tokyo Imperial Palace has public events. That’s good because Japan loves its Emperor, and people jump at any chance to see him. If you join one, beware of the following:

  1. They are incredibly crowded. If you are taking small children, keep a firm hand on them.
  2. The use of tripods and selfie sticks is strictly prohibited. 
  3. You go through security checks, so travel light to avoid delays.

Best times to photograph Tokyo Imperial Palace

Spring cherry blossoms & autumn leaves

A few cherry blossom trees are outside the walls. The best idea is to walk along Inui Street when it is open to the public and enjoy an Imperial Hanami.

Autumn is spectacular. Many ginkgo and maple trees are in and around the palace. This is another season to enjoy Inui Street.

egret bird head
Egret at a moat

Golden hour vs. midday clouds

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.

Night photography

For about two weeks in winter, parts of the palace are illuminated. The areas include:

  • Seimon (Main Gate)
  • Sakishitamon (Sakishita Gate)
  • Otemon (Otemon Gate) at the East Gardens
  • Fujimi Keep
  • Tatsumi Keep
street ginkgo trees
Looking towards Tokyo Station in autumn.

Location & access

Address: 1-1 Chiyoda, Chiyoda City, Tokyo 100-8111

It’s about a ten-minute walk from Tokyo Station.

Click the image below to see the Imperial Palace on Google Maps:

tokyo imperial palace map
Map data: Google, Zenrin

Nearby photo walks

imperial palace moat ginkgo trees
Ginkgo trees on the outer moat in autumn.

Photographing the Emperor: Events & access

You can’t just walk in. The palace is open for the following events:

Photographing the Emperor during a public event at the palace can be challenging. He stands behind the glass windows of Chowaden Hall. Glare and shooting from within the crowd of 1000s can be problematic. Patience is a virtue.

People waiting to enter the palace on 2 January, 2025.
People waiting to enter the palace on 2 January, 2025.

Tokyo Imperial Palace FAQ

Who are the Imperial Guard?

They are police officers who protect the Emperor, Imperial Family, and Imperial Palace grounds. They are a division of the National Police Agency, serving as security and firefighters, and performing ceremonial duties.

It has nine.

His name is Naruhito. Note, the Japanese imperial family doesn’t have a family name.

Yes, he does. He lives in the Fukiage Palace in the Fukiage Gardens, which has been the home of Japan’s emperors since 1993. Naruhito and his immediate family (i.e., Empress Masako and Princess Aiko) have lived there since 2020.

It holds Japan’s national parliament.

Is Tokyo Imperial Palace worth it?

Don’t let the high walls of the palace fool you. It’s a location rich with photographic potential. Trade the crowded main gate for a sunset view from Sakurada. Go for the spectacular winter illuminations. Create images that stand far apart from the typical tourist snapshots. Exploration will reward you. Grab your camera and discover the hidden gems waiting for you.

If you are a history buff, remember to check out Masashige Kusonoki’s statue. It’s only a short walk away. He’s the samurai who died defending an ancient emperor. There is much in the area to photograph.

Picture of Rohan Gillett
Rohan Gillett

Rohan has photographed Tokyo since 2011. He shoots it with his Canon EOS R5. The project will take more than one lifetime to complete.

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