An estimated 28,000 people thronged the Imperial Palace's Inui Road for the second annual viewing of the autumn leaves on Saturday, the first day of the event, which will remain open to public until Wednesday.
By 10 a.m., some 2,500 people had formed a line, prompting the opening of the palace gates 30 minutes early.
"It was pretty. The weather was nice too," said Nagako Kawaguchi, 62, from Yokohama. "I'd like to come back in the spring to look at the cherry blossoms."
Inui Road was first opened to the public last year in recognition of the Emperor's 80th birthday, which took place in 2013.
After more than 300,000 people showed up for openings in April and December, the Imperial Household Agency decided to make the occasions annual events.
The Imperial Palace's Inui Road will be open to the public from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. until Wednesday.