Kokyo Gaien National Garden
A sprawling green space by Tokyo Station and the Imperial Palace
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Kokyo Gaien National Garden is the broad, open “front yard” of the Imperial Palace, and one of the easiest green spaces to dip into when you’re near Tokyo Station or Marunouchi. Spread across roughly 45 hectares, it’s less a flower garden and more an enormous plaza of lawns and black pine trees, framed by moats, stone walls and the city’s office towers.
Most people start near Nijubashimae Station or from the Marunouchi side of Tokyo Station and walk toward the famous Nijubashi Bridge, the classic postcard view of the palace. You can’t enter the main palace from here, but the approach – water-filled moats, watchtowers and imposing walls – gives a strong sense of the old Edo Castle. Pause by the bronze statue of samurai Kusunoki Masashige, a popular meeting point and photo stop.
The experience is mainly about space and atmosphere. On weekdays you’ll see office workers strolling or jogging the 5-kilometre loop around the palace; early morning and late afternoon are especially pleasant in summer. On clear days, the contrast between the meticulously clipped kuromatsu pines and the glass towers of Marunouchi is striking, and in late March/early April nearby Chidorigafuchi and the East Gardens add cherry blossoms to the mix.
Entry is free and the grounds are effectively open all day, though certain areas may close for imperial events, so it’s worth checking the official site before you go. If you have extra time, wander over to Wadakura Fountain Park on the eastern side, then finish with coffee or a meal in the Marunouchi Building or nearby KITTE, both a short walk away.
Essential Information
Hours: Open access 24/7
Tickets: Free
Transport: Tokyo Station
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