A Night Stroll Through Tokyo’s Hidden Gem: The Illuminated Akasaka Palace
Hi, I’m Koromi — sharing tips and hidden gems for travelers visiting Japan!
Today, I’d like to show you what it was like during a special, limited-time night opening of Akasaka Palace, held for just three days.
Normally, Akasaka Palace is open to the public during the day when not hosting state guests, but a few times a year, it’s also open at night — with access to the interior available until 8 PM.
I’ll be covering the daytime experience and highlights of the interior in a separate post, so for now, let’s take a closer look at the magical nighttime atmosphere.
Just a 7-Minute Walk from Yotsuya—Then, a Grand Space Unfolds
One of the best things about Akasaka Palace is how easily accessible it is—just a 7 to 8-minute walk from Yotsuya Station.
Since this was my third visit, I quickly passed through the interior and the main garden, and headed straight to the front garden, the centerpiece of the night illumination.
Compared to my previous visits, the crowd was definitely the largest this time—likely because of the holiday period. 🚶♀️
Even so, the grounds are so vast that you hardly feel the crowd. It’s hard to believe you’re still in the heart of Tokyo. ✨
Gospel Music Filled the Garden Tonight
During the night opening, special events are sometimes held in the front garden.
On this evening, there were two gospel performances—one just before and one just after the 6:30 PM illumination.
All the benches near the stage were taken,
with people standing around to listen 🎶,
or enjoying the music and atmosphere from farther away 🎼.
Luckily, I found a seat on a bench at the edge of the garden. From there, I could soak in the soulful gospel melodies and the majestic backdrop of Akasaka Palace 🤩.
The spacious front garden, paved with granite and designed with elegant symmetry, was inspired by the Palace of Versailles.
For a moment, it really didn’t feel like Japan 🇫🇷
6:30 PM – A Gradual Glow Creating an Enchanting Atmosphere
As the clock struck 6:30, I expected the lights to turn on all at once, but instead, the soft glow gradually spread, creating a beautifully subtle effect 💡
The lighting begins while there’s still some daylight, but as it gets darker, the palace becomes more and more distinct, taking on a magical quality.
During this time, the atmosphere shifts subtly, with each passing moment bringing a new expression to the building.
The play of light and shadow emphasizes the architectural details, making the structure look even more beautiful with every passing minute.
Behind the palace, you can’t see any high-rise buildings, so it feels like stepping into another world 🏰
How to Enjoy the Front Garden
During the special night opening, you’ll find around 4 to 5 food trucks in the front garden. (On regular days, I believe there’s usually just one offering afternoon tea.) 🚐
You can buy drinks—including alcoholic beverages—and light meals, but don’t expect a wide variety.
If you’re visiting with kids, it’s a good idea to either eat beforehand or bring something along.
Most first-time visitors spend their time touring the main building, and that alone is already quite impressive. 👀
Everything you see inside is extravagantly ornate, and after taking it all in, you may feel totally spent by the time you step outside.
There are a few seats in the garden, but considering how spacious the grounds are, they’re relatively limited.
It’s best to keep an eye out for seats—especially the benches on the sides—as they gradually free up after people finish looking around. ⛱️
As the sky darkens, the building slowly becomes more dramatic and defined. ✨
You’ll also notice how the celestial globe and the pair of armored warrior statues stand out beautifully under the lighting.
I even captured a photo of the moon shining above the east side of the palace. 🌕
The buildings are symmetrically curved around the garden, following an architectural trend of the era.
The granite pavement has a distinct texture that adds to the atmosphere.
Once you reach the main gate, you’ll finally be able to take in the full view of the palace—it’s truly magnificent.
No matter how many times I visit, it always leaves me in awe. 😍
And by the way, just visiting the front garden costs only 300 yen, letting you experience a grand, still-functioning historic site.
Even better, no reservations are needed—even for the main building—making it a great, low-pressure outing.
If you’re hoping to avoid the daytime crowds during busy holidays, this makes for the perfect nighttime stroll.
Time to head home!
The view of the palace framed by the perfectly symmetrical pine trees near the front gate is a breathtaking finale.
A Hidden Oasis in the City — Effortless Escape into the Extraordinary
During the day, the Akasaka Palace has a formal, dignified atmosphere that makes you instinctively straighten your posture.
But at night, under the soft glow of the lights, it feels more relaxed and approachable.
With alcohol available in the front garden, the vibe is almost like a park in Europe—casual and laid-back.
Some people enjoy drinks while listening to music, others take photos with the illuminated palace as their backdrop. Everyone finds their own way to spend the evening.
It’s amazing how this kind of extraordinary space exists right in the heart of Tokyo—
a place where you can casually step into a different world for a night.
It was such a special spot that I’m already looking forward to quietly slipping back for the next nighttime opening.
