A walk in Tokyo

Palace gardens and moats

皇居東御苑と千鳥ヶ淵

Best in the morning · Moat cherries: late March, early April

3.7 km, about 2.5 h, 7 stops from Tokyo Station, Marunouchi Central Exit. Every stop with its Japanese name and what to look for.

Start Tokyo Station, Marunouchi Central Exit

Gyōkō-dōri行幸通り
Look back at the red-brick station, restored in 2012. The ginkgos turn yellow in autumn.
Ōtemon Gate大手門
The way into the East Gardens. Entry is free; closed Mondays and Fridays.
Ninomaru Garden二の丸庭園
A strolling garden with a pond, on ground that once belonged to Edo Castle.
Tenshudai天守台
The stone base of the old castle keep. Walk up the ramp for a view over the lawn.
Kitahanebashi Gate北桔橋門
Leave the gardens by the north gate, over a deep moat.
Kitanomaru Park北の丸公園
Free lawns and woods on old castle ground, open at all hours.
Chidorigafuchi千鳥ヶ淵
A path above the moat under old cherry trees. Rowing boats go out from the pier in season.

Paths can be steep or slippery, and places close or change their hours. Check before you go.

Plan the rest

Sources

Our summary of the sources below, checked Nov 9, 2026