Tokyo’s Imperial Palace opens hidden street to the public for autumn foliage season — and travellers are rushing in

Step into Tokyo’s most exclusive autumn moment — a hidden Imperial Palace walkway lined with fiery maple leaves, open to the public for just nine magical days.

Every November, Tokyo transforms into a canvas of fiery reds and warm golds. But this year, the city’s autumn season feels even more magical. The Imperial Palace — Japan’s most iconic and closely guarded landmark — has opened its hidden Inui-dori walkway to the public, offering a rare chance to wander through one of the capital’s most exclusive fall foliage spots.

For just nine days, from November 29 to December 7, 2025, visitors can step inside a part of the palace grounds that remains closed for most of the year. The opening has drawn thousands of domestic and international travellers, all eager to stroll beneath the 70 maple trees that line this historic 750-metre stretch.

A Fall Experience You Won’t Find Anywhere Else in Tokyo

From 9 a.m. on opening day, crowds poured through Sakashita-mon Gate — families, photographers, solo travellers, and leaf-peepers arriving from across the world. Inside, the mood shifts instantly. The noise of central Tokyo melts away, replaced by quiet paths, crisp autumn air, and a tunnel of maple leaves in brilliant orange, yellow, and crimson.

The contrast is striking: the serenity of imperial grounds set against the pulse of one of the world’s busiest capitals. It’s the kind of autumn moment that makes you stop, breathe, and take everything in.

(Image: Canva)

A Glimpse Into Japan’s Imperial Heritage

The Imperial Palace is one of Japan’s most historically significant sites, yet most of its grounds remain strictly off-limits. That’s what makes occasions like this so special.

While the palace itself doesn’t open to visitors, you can still explore:

• The East Gardens, open throughout the year.
• The foundations of Edo Castle, once home to the Tokugawa shoguns.
• Traditional Japanese landscape gardens that feel frozen in time.

The seasonal opening of Inui-dori began in 2014 to mark the 80th birthday of Emperor Akihito and has since become a cherished tradition. Its limited access only heightens the sense of exclusivity — a fleeting glimpse into imperial Japan.

Tokyo in Autumn: Nature, Culture, and Colour in Perfect Harmony

Autumn in Tokyo always feels celebratory. Popular spots like Shinjuku Gyoen, Ueno Park, and Meiji Shrine attract huge crowds, but the Imperial Palace offers something deeper — a blend of nature, history, and cultural heritage all in one frame.

Along Inui-dori, the Japanese maple and trident maple trees create a natural canopy that glows in the afternoon sun. Whether you’re a photographer chasing golden-hour magic or a traveller seeking a quiet space to pause, this walkway delivers the perfect autumn mood.

Visitors often linger here to capture:

• Dreamy fall foliage shots.
• Peaceful corners ideal for reflection.
• The rare juxtaposition of imperial architecture and peak-season colour.

A Seasonal Event That’s Capturing Global Attention

Japan has long promoted itself as a must-visit autumn destination, and this year is no exception. Travel agencies and JNTO campaigns have spotlighted the Imperial Palace opening, drawing overseas tourists who want to pair sightseeing with cultural immersion.

From autumn festivals to traditional performances and special exhibitions across Tokyo, the city becomes a playground for travellers wanting to experience the season at its cultural best.

Why This Opening Matters

Because Inui-dori is open only twice a year — once for cherry blossoms and once for autumn — planning a visit feels like being part of an insider tradition. The brief window makes it one of Tokyo’s most anticipated seasonal events.

It also reflects a broader initiative by the Japanese government and the Imperial Household Agency to allow the public limited access to the palace’s cultural assets, while preserving its sanctity and heritage.

A Must-See Autumn Experience in Japan

If you’re in Tokyo this week, the Inui-dori opening at the Imperial Palace is one of the most unforgettable experiences you can have. It’s where history meets nature, where centuries-old traditions blend seamlessly with the rhythm of modern Tokyo.

A walk down this maple-lined path isn’t just a seasonal activity — it’s a moment that captures the essence of Japan in autumn: peaceful, poetic, and deeply rooted in culture.