Nijubashi is one of the most recognizable views of the Tokyo Imperial Palace. From the large plaza in front of the palace, visitors can see the stone bridge, the Main Gate, the iron bridge behind it and Fushimi-yagura watchtower in the distance.
Although many people use the name Nijubashi for the entire view, it properly refers to the iron bridge located behind the stone bridge. The bridges are not normally open to general visitors, but the viewpoint in front of them can be visited throughout the year.
The Main Gate and the Nijubashi Bridge
This gate is the main, formal entrance to the Imperial Palace grounds. It is used only when the Emperor leaves the Palace for important State occasions, for the official visits to the Palace by State guests, or when ambassadors present their credentials to the Emperor. Ambassadors are given the choice of arriving at the Palace in a horse-drawn carriage. The Main Gate to the Palace is open to the public on January 2nd and for the Emperor’s Birthday.Visitors to the Palace entering through the Main Gate cross two bridges, the Main Gate Stone Bridge and the Main Gate Iron Bridge. The Nijubashi Bridge refers to the Iron Bridge, not the two bridges. During the Edo period (1603-1867), because of its height above the moat, the Nijubashi Bridge was a wooden bridge reinforced underneath with a further wooden bridge, hence the name. The Palace buildings are hidden behind trees to the right of the Nijubashi Bridge.The most popular portrayal of the Imperial Palace is this view of the Stone Bridge with the Main Gate on the left, the Iron Double Bridge behind it, and the Fushimi watchtower in the distance.
Did you notice anything when you looked at the photo?
Yes, the guard is inside the small building.
The small police lookout post is an interesting detail that many visitors overlook when photographing Nijubashi.
How to Get to Nijubashi from Tokyo Station
Nijubashi is located on the Marunouchi side of Tokyo Station. Leave through the Marunouchi Central Exit and walk straight toward the Imperial Palace. The walk takes approximately 15 to 20 minutes.
Tokyo Station has several exits on opposite sides of the building. Make sure you use the Marunouchi side, not the Yaesu side.
Continue Walking Around the Imperial Palace
Nijubashi is one of the highlights of the Imperial Palace area, but it is only one part of the route. You can continue walking past the palace moats, historic gates, Sakuradamon, Chidorigafuchi and Kitanomaru Park before returning to Tokyo Station.
Our step-by-step guide follows the complete 5 km route with photographs taken along the way.
Want to Enter Part of the Imperial Palace Grounds?
Visitors cannot normally cross Nijubashi or enter the inner palace grounds. However, the Imperial Palace East Gardens are open to the public on designated days. There, you can walk through former Edo Castle grounds and see stone walls, historic gates and the remains of the castle tower.
Visit Kitanomaru National Garden
On the northern side of the Imperial Palace, Kitanomaru National Garden offers spacious lawns, wooded paths and historic remains of Edo Castle. It is a peaceful place to rest during a longer walk around the palace.
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