Inui Street Autumn Walk 2026: Tokyo Photography Guide

The Inui Street Autumn Walk is a seasonal public opening at the Tokyo Imperial Palace, occurring in late November or early December. For 2026, photographers can access a 750-meter restricted path from Sakashita-mon Gate to Inui-mon Gate, offering rare views of fall foliage and the historic Fujimi Keep.

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Crowds stroll past red and golden trees under a bright blue sky on an Inui Street autumn walk.

I love the Imperial Palace. It might be my favorite place in Tokyo. Luckily, a few events each year allow me (and you) inside. The Emperor’s birthday and his New Year greetings are two of the most popular. My favorite is the autumn Inui Street walk. What’s that, you ask?

Brilliant yellow ginkgo trees emerge from a canopy of green pines against a deep blue sky.

Heads-up for 2026 visitors: The official dates for the autumn 2026 public opening of Inui Street have not been announced yet. I will update this post the moment they become available, so be sure to bookmark this page!

Sunlight illuminates deep red maple leaves on an Inui Street autumn walk, casting dramatic shadows.

What to expect during the autumn walk

Each autumn, for a few special days, the Imperial Household Agency opens Inui Street, a 750-meter path that cuts through the heart of the Imperial Palace grounds. This strictly one-way route begins at the stately Sakashita-mon Gate and ends at the Inui-mon Gate. You take a journey through land once home to the powerful Tokugawa Shoguns. While security is present to ensure the experience remains serene and everyone stays on the path, the walk itself is a rare privilege.

A bright yellow ginkgo tree in full autumn foliage, framed by dark pine needles and supported by wooden poles.

I recommend visiting on a weekday if your schedule allows. That will give you a more relaxed shooting experience. Weekends are often crowded and that extends the amount of time it takes getting through the gate security checks.

Wooden bridge atop a stone wall, framed by red maple leaves and pine branches in autumn sunlight.

My favorite Inui Street photo

For me, the most memorable photo opportunity isn’t a tree, it’s the view of Fujimi Keep. This watchtower, which once served the Shoguns after a fire destroyed the donjon in 1657, now stands against the backdrop of the modern Marunouchi skyscrapers. Frame your shot with the branches of a nearby crimson maple, and you have the perfect picture of Tokyo: a seamless blend of ancient history and sleek modernity.

Red maple leaves frame a traditional Japanese castle turret, contrasting with modern skyscrapers in the background. — *Fujimi Keep looks over the Marunouchi skyscrapers in autumn.*

There is another old defensive tower on the walk, the Fujimi-Tamon Defense House. It’s about halfway along Inui Street. While not as impressive as Fujimi Keep, it offers a glimpse into how the Shogunate defended its seat of power.

Blurred golden autumn leaves frame the Fujimi-Tamon Defense House sitting atop a dark stone foundation. — *The building is the Fujimi-Tamon Defense House*

Photography and visitor tips

Beat the crowds: If you can, visit on a weekday. Weekends can be busy.
Facilities: Don’t worry, toilets are available along the route.
Carry as little baggage as possible to get through security quickly. Big camera bags will need to be opened and checked slowing your entry into the palace.
Never backtrack on Inui Street. The route is strictly one-way.
Don’t stand in one place too long as security will ask you to move on.
Lenses: Considering security keeps everyone moving, keep yourself limited to one lens.
If you like cherry blossoms, Inui Street also opens in spring for those flowers.

Deep red Japanese maple leaves in sharp focus against a blurred backdrop of bare trees and a city building.

Planning your visit: Access & key tips

The autumn walk is a well-organized event, but knowing these details will make your visit smooth and stress-free.

How to get there

The entrance for the walk is the Sakashita-mon Gate. The closest stations are:
- Otemachi Station (multiple subway lines): Approx. 10-minute walk.
- Nijubashi-mae Station (Chiyoda Line): Approx. 10-minute walk.
- Tokyo Station (JR & Marunouchi Lines): Approx. 15-minute walk from the Marunouchi Central Exit.
The exit: You will exit from the Inui-mon Gate, which is closest to Takebashi Station (Tozai Line).

Bright red and orange Japanese maple leaves set against a clear, solid blue sky.

Key event information

When is it? When the official date is published, we’ll let you know here.
Cost: Admission is free.
Hours: Check the official announcement, but hours are typically from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. (last entry).
Duration: The walk itself takes about 30-45 minutes.
Expect a security check at the entrance. Travel light to pass through quickly.
For a more detailed look at the history of the Imperial Palace and information on visiting the other public areas like the East Garden, be sure to read my guide to the Tokyo Imperial Palace.
Here is Inui Street on Google Maps:

Is the Inui Street autumn walk worth it?

The Inui Street autumn opening is a fleeting but unforgettable Tokyo experience. It’s a rare chance to step inside the historic Imperial Palace grounds and see the city’s past and present collide in the most beautiful way. I hope these tips help you plan your own visit to capture the stunning colors and unique views.