May 31, 2016
Imperial Household Agency

The Imperial Household Agency has offered guided tour of the Imperial Palace to the public by prior registration. For the greater convenience of those who wish to visit the Imperial Palace, the Agency will further expand the availability of the guided tour, as follows.

Saturday, June 25, 2016

1. Increase in capacity

   The maximum number of participants per tour will be increased from about 300 to about 500.

2. Introduction of same-day registration

   In addition to prior registration, same-day registration will be made available as well.

3. Introduction of Saturday tours

   Currently conducted on weekdays, the tours will also be held on Saturdays, while they will no longer be given on Mondays.

4. Other information

   Other than the above, the times, duration, and specifications of the tour will remain unchanged.

1. Dates and times of tours

   Tours are generally conducted twice a day at 10:00 am and 1:30 pm.
   Each tour takes approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes.
   No tours are given on the following days and times:

   • Sundays, Mondays, and holidays designated by the National Holidays Law (except when the holiday falls on a Saturday)
   • At 1:30 pm from July 21 to August 31
   • From December 28 to January 4
   • Any day or time of day when Imperial Court functions are scheduled or other unavoidable circumstances occur
2. Capacity

   The total capacity for each tour will be about 500 (up to 50 persons per group).

   • Maximum number of places for same-day registration: About 300 per tour (on a first-come basis; numbered tickets will be issued)
   • Maximum number of places for prior registration: About 200 per tour

   Note: Due to renovations at the Someikan (Visitors’ House), tour sizes will be kept small from Tuesday, July 5, to Saturday, October 29, 2016, as follows:

   • Maximum number of places for same-day registration: 180 per tour (on a first-come basis; numbered tickets will be issued)
   • Prior registration will be suspended
3. Eligibility

   Anyone 18 years of age or older; those under 18 years old must be accompanied by an adult.

4. Directions for same-day registration
   • Where to register

     Outside the Kikyo-mon gate of the Imperial Palace
     Please form a single line in front of the sign written “Same-day Registration for Guided Tour of the Imperial Palace.”

     • Map of the Imperial Palace Grounds (PDF：102KB)
   • Registration times

     Morning tour: From 9:30 am to 10:00 am (numbered tickets will be distributed from 8:30 am)
     Afternoon tour: From 1:00 pm to 1:30 pm (numbered tickets will be distributed from 12:00 noon)
     For each tour, registration will close when capacity is reached.

   • Other notes
     • Participants will be asked to present a valid form of identification, such as a driver’s license—or, for foreign travellers, a passport—outside the Kikyo-mon gate of the Imperial Palace (by the sign written “Same-day Registration for Guided Tour of the Imperial Palace”).
       Persons without a valid form of identification will not be able to take part in the tour.
     • Following entry at the Kikyo-mon gate, participants will be asked to fill in an application form at the Someikan (Visitors’ House).
5. Directions for prior registration

   General directions remain unchanged. Note, however, that telephone and Tour Office hours are from 8:45 am to 12:00 noon and from 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm on the days given above in Ⅲ. 1. Dates and times of tours.
   For details, visit the page given below.

   • Imperial Palace Visit Guide
6. About the tour route

   Both preregistered visitors and those who have made same-day registrations will participate together in the guided tour. The tour route is as follows:
   Kikyo-mon Gate (entry) - Someikan (Visitors’ House) - Fujimi-yagura (“Mt. Fuji View” Keep) – Kyuden Totei Plaza - Seimon-tetsu-bashi bridge (walk across and back) - Yamashita-dori street - Imperial Household Agency Building – Kikyo-mon Gate (exit)

   • Imperial Palace Tour Course Map （PDF：73.4KB）
7. Changes to and cancellation of tours

   Tours, including their time, frequency, and routes, are subject to change or cancellation due to official Court functions or other unavoidable circumstances.

8. Additional notes
   • Those ineligible to participate
     • Persons who fail to present a valid form of identification, refuse to fill in the application form, or otherwise do not follow instructions
     • Persons deemed to potentially cause discomfort or nuisance to others due to heavy intoxication or other reasons
     • Persons accompanied by animals (excluding assistance dogs for persons with disabilities)
     • Persons carrying dangerous articles, small unmanned aircraft systems, or other objects that may cause harm to other visitors
   • Notes
     • Explanations and instructions by staff will be given in Japanese only.
     • Participants should not stray from staff supervision or turn back midway through the tour.
     • For your own safety and those of others, taking photographs while walking is forbidden.
     • Please note that members of the Imperial Guard may conduct baggage inspections or frisk searches as needed.
     • In addition to the above, persons who engage in behavior that disrupts the order of the Imperial Palace Grounds, cause a hindrance to the tour, or do not follow instructions may be asked to leave.

For inquiries regarding the above, please contact the following:
Administration Division, Maintenance and Works Department, Imperial Household Agency
Phone: +81-(0)3-5223-8071