The Imperial Palace Tokyo (皇居 Kokyo) is the home of the Emperor of Japan (the Japanese head of state). The actual Imperial Palace building was part of the Edo Castle. It is surrounded by a moat and a high wall and occupies the most expensive square kilometre in the world. The Imperial Palace Tokyo is located within the Chiyoda ward.

The inner palace gardens and buildings are closed to the public except on January 2 and December 23, when the imperial family makes a public appearance; foreigners can also apply online to join a guided tour at other times, but you must book in advance. Depending on demand, you sometimes can get in at relative short notice. Expect to share your tour with hundreds of other tourists. Tours are conducted in Japanese, but English audio guide is provided free of charge. There is no charge for this tour.

The Imperial Palace Tokyo was destroyed by allied bombing during World War II, even though it was not supposed to be targeted. It was rebuilt in the same style in 1968. It is the fact that the building is relatively new and does not display the beauty one may expect from a royal residence after seeing so many wonderful temples and shrines throughout Japan. While the gardens are beautiful in sections, the best gardens are definitely in the Imperial Palace East Gardens.

Is it worth see the inner Imperial Palace? Yes, for what it represents, but not for its gardens or architecture. If you want to see a beautiful garden, see the Imperial Palace East Gardens.

The Imperial Palace East Gardens, however, are open to the public daily except Mondays and Fridays. Kept in impeccable shape, the gardens are particularly beautiful during the March and April plum and cherry blossom seasons. Entrance is free through a number of gates; most visitors use the Otemachi gate near the subway station of the same name.