The Museum of the Imperial Collections, Sannomaru Shozokan
The Museum of the Imperial Collections, Sannomaru Shozokan traces its origins to the Imperial Household Agency’s Sannomaru Shozokan, which opened in 1993 to preserve, research, and exhibit artworks donated to the state by the Imperial Family in 1989.
The museum’s name “Shōzō” means “to preserve treasured objects with great care,” and it was named “Sannomaru Shōzōkan” because it was built on the site of the former third bailey of Edo Castle.
The collection spans diverse fields including calligraphy, paintings, and crafts, encompassing works from ancient times through the modern era. It contains many masterpieces representative of their respective periods.
In 2019, the Museum temporarily closed to expand its exhibition rooms and storage spaces as well as to construct new facilities for a broader range of initiatives. In October 2023, management and operations were transferred from the Imperial Household Agency to the National Institutes for Cultural Heritage. The facility partially opened on November 3 of that year under the name “Kōkyo Sannomaru Shōzōkan” (Imperial Palace Sannomaru Treasure Repository). Due to ongoing construction work, the facility temporarily closed in May 2025 before reopening fully in November 2026.
Click here for the link to the Museum of the Imperial Collections, Sannomaru Shozokan
Imperial Palace Visitor Center
The East Gardens of the Imperial Palace offer visitors a place to relax featuring a café, a giftshop, and exhibitions that introduce the history of the Imperial Family and the Imperial Palace, as well as Japan’s four seasons, traditional culture, and natural environment.
Foods and drinks are permitted inside the facility. Visitors can enjoy exhibitions while drinking beverages purchased at the café, or browse the gift shop where you can find mementos of your visit to the Imperial Palace.
In the lush greenery of the Imperial Palace grounds, we invite you to relax while experiencing the rich culture and natural beauty of Japan.
Floor Map
Opening Days and Hours
The opening days and hours generally follow those of the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace.
However, even when the East Gardens are closed, the Imperial Palace Visitor Center is available during the Museum’s opening hours only to visitors with reservations for the Museum.
Exhibition Contents
| Theme Name | Item, etc. | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 The Beauty of Japan ～Highlights of the Season～ |
Beautiful seasonal landscapes | |
| 2 Japan’s Traditional Culture ～A Mosaic of Regional Customs and Practices～ |
Introducing traditional cultures from across Japan | |
| 3 Japan’s Natural World ～Diverse Seasonal Landscapes～ |
Introducing the beauty of nature from across Japan | |
| 4 The Imperial Family and the Palace ～The History and Culture of the Court～ |
||
| History and Culture of the Imperial Family and the Imperial Palace（Large LED Display） | （1）Introduction to the Imperial Family | ①Activities of the Imperial Family |
| ②The Imperial Family, History, and Culture | ||
| （2）Introduction to the Imperial Palace | ①History and Historic Sites of the Imperial Palace | |
| ②History and Function of the the Imperial Palace | ||
| （3）Kyoto Imperial Palases and Villas Introductions of Kyoto Imperial Palace, Kyoto Sento Imperial Palace, Katsura Imperial Villa, and Shugakuin Imperial Villa |
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Announcements
The area around Ote-mon Gate is expected to be busy immediately after opening, as well as on Saturdays and Sundays.
Please consider using the Hirakawa-mon Gate or Kitahanebashi-mon Gate as well.
