Picnic at Imperial Palace garden in Tokyo Japan

Many tourist visit Imperial palace everyday, but not many people know this is great spot for picnic.
Although most of area of Imperial Palace are restricted area of course.
There are two spots you are allowed to get into the lawn.

Contents

1, Outer garden of Imperial palace

Around “Kusunoki masashige statue“, there is beautiful lawn area you can step in.
Lawn is so clean that most of people think it’s restricted area!
We often visit at beautiful day just to lay down or play with beautiful autumn leaf.
I think it’s quiet, peaceful, safe, cleanest lawn in Tokyo.

Address: 1-1, Kokyo-Gaien, Chiyoda, Tokyo, 101-0002 (Link to Google MAP)

Nearest station : Hibiya station or Nijubashi-mae station

[Tips]

*There are no convenience store or restaurant around here. Better prepare food and drinks beforehand.
*There is one small restaurant called “Nanko-rest-house” (owned by Chiyoda-ward government) and toilet near Kusunoki stature. (Tourist Bus parking area)
*No alcohol drink in the garden

2, The East Garden of the Imperial Palace (Higashi-Gyoen)

This area is part of Edo-castle ruins garden – visiter entrance is controlled. (Date and opening time is limited, please check official website)

There are 3 entrance point.
You can walk around clean garden freely, big lawn area in center is widely open.
This lawn area was exactly where Edo Shogunate’s house stands, and the center of the Japanese politics in 1603-1868.

If you walk around with small kids it might take about 1 or 2 hour. Baby stroller is easy to go through.
It seems no problem to bring lunch box or snack here for picnic. (Official does not say not allowed to have picnic here) –I do often have lunch with kids here.

Just have to be aware it’s close on Monday and Friday.

[Tips]

*There are no food shops or restaurant inside East garden.
*No alcohol.
*No Pet, No bicycle entry allowed.
*Please check opening hours before you go. Monday and Friday is always closed.

The East Garden of the Imperial Palace “Higashi-Gyoen” Link to official website
Address : 1-1, Chiyoda, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo (Link to Google MAP)

Toilet at park

→Jogging/walking around Imperial Palace Tokyo

→Rental Bike in Tokyo

→Cozy Marunouchi Street near Imperial Palace

→Next to Imperial Palace – Hibiya Park

→Souvenir shopping at Tokyo Station

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