Imperial Palace East Gardens: A Photographer’s Guide

The Imperial Palace East Gardens is an urban oasis in the middle of Tokyo.  Of course, it gets that name because the Emperor lives next door! It provides a quiet space to relax for anyone who needs a break in this busy city. It is a fantastic place to visit, not only because it is beautiful, but it also has some great views and history!

These gardens used to be within the palace grounds.  But, they became a public park in the 1960s. It has three distinct parts, the main entrance area, a large lawn area, and a lower garden. Unfortunately, few of the original buildings remain.

Near the main entrance is the Museum of the Imperial Collections. It showcases treasures that have come down through the ages. They change several times throughout the year. While it is small, it is currently being enlarged. Three guardhouses from the shoguns’ time are in the same area.  If you need a break, there is a kiosk.

East Gardens of the Imperial Palace lawn
The East Garden's lawn with the Marunouchi skyscrapers beyond.

Past the guardhouses and up the hill is the second area, the lawn. The lawn is the central area of the East Gardens. Here are the remains of the donjon of Edo castle. Walk its top, and enjoy amazing views of the Marunouchi district’s skyscrapers. In a way, it reminds me of the view from Shinjuku Gyoen’s English Traditional Garden. With the colorful Tokagakudo concert hall, the whole area is great for photos. If you need a place to relax, this is it.

Ninomaru Garden Japanese Iris, pond and bridge
Irises in the Ninomaru Garden.

Along the southern paths in this area is the site of Matsu-no-Oroka (the Great Pine Corridor). The Matsu-no-Oroka was a corridor within the castle. It was 50 meters long and covered in pine tree motifs. Daimyo Asano’s attack on Kira Yoshinaka in 1701 took place there. That event began the 47 Ronin story. Unfortunately, all that remains is a marker. There is also a plaque that gives the essential information.

Imperial Palace East Gardens 100-man guardhouse
The 100-man guardhouse.

The third area is the Ninomaru. It holds a beautiful garden, pond, and trees from every Japanese prefecture. There is also the beautiful Suwana-no-chaya teahouse that isn’t open to the public. This area is at the bottom of a hill, surrounded by walls and trees, and has a secluded feeling. It is the heart of the East Gardens. When the flowers bloom, it is colorful.

A brief history of the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace

During the post-war period, the government decided to create a new garden in Tokyo. The side would be the eastern part of the Imperial Palace. Construction started in 1964 and finished in September 1968. It opened to the public on October 1, 1968. In 2019, the gardens attracted more than three million people.

Tokagakudo concert hall with Marunouchi skyscrapers behind
The Tokagakudo concert hall.

Why do photographers like the East Gardens?

They like them because they are such a good place for photography. There is so much there to make anyone with a camera happy. It’s hard to make a definitive list, as there is much to see. But here are some of my favorites:

  • City views from the donjon remains. You can get great panoramic photos that include the lawn and Marunouchi skyscrapers.
  • Flowers for (almost) every season (including Japanese Irises)
  • Fujimi Tower (it’s fenced off, so you can only see it from the rear)
  • Fujimi defense house
  • Marker for Matsu-no-Oroka and 47 Ronin story.
  • Observation deck (it has views of the Marunouchi district).

Other photo spots near the East Gardens

Notes

  • The Fujimi defense house isn’t that interesting, BUT you can go inside.  Through the barred windows, you can get a restricted view of Inui-Dori (Inui Street) in the palace. The street is occasionally open to the public in spring and autumn.
  • The observation deck behind the souvenir shop isn’t great. Yes, you can get some nice shots of the Marunouchi area over the trees that look nice. But you can’t see much of the ground (i.e., too many trees!).
  • Tripods are not allowed.
Ninomaru Garden Suwa-no-cha-ya teahouse
The Ninomaru Garden 's Suwa-no-cha-ya teahouse.

When is the best time to go?

The East Gardens is seasonal. There are so many great flowers. Whenever you go you should find something of interest.

If I were to pick only one season, then I would say summer. Why? The lawn area has Satsuki Azalea blooms. And in the Ninomaru, there will be more of them and Japanese irises. It is such a colorful place.

Imperial Palace’s East Garden’s details

See the park’s admission fees, opening hours, and location on the (Imperial Household Agency) official website.

Wrapping up

The Imperial Palace East Gardens are gorgeous. Its flowers and views will keep you entertained for hours. History lovers will also enjoy it. Once you finish, other places are within easy walking distance. Please leave your questions and comments below.

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