The East Gardens of the Imperial Palace, a frequent setting here, lie steps from Palaceside Building across Ote-bori via Taikobashi and Hirakawa-bashi through Hirakawa Gate. At 4.5 times Tokyo Dome's area, Honmaru lawn, Ninomaru's restored Enshu-style stroll garden, groves, bamboo, guard posts, and corridors offer an urban oasis for tourists and nearby office workers.
Open free except Mon/Fri, entry changed on the 22nd. Since the 2011 quake, as a designated shelter, visitors passed ticket booths at Ote, Hirakawa, and Kitahirakawa gates without tickets. From the 22nd, white plastic admission tickets returned after 438 days — surrender on exit.
The Imperial Household Agency said tickets resumed because preparations were complete — not timed to Skytree opening or any particular lucky day. The 22nd was "Taian" — perhaps overthinking to link them.