Tokyo: Imperial Palace Japanese History Walking Tour

Top rated
4.8963485 out of 5 stars
4.9
4.8963485 out of 5 stars
849 reviews
Media collage
Media collage
Media collage
Media collage
Tokyo: Imperial Palace Japanese History Walking Tour
Top rated
4.8963485 out of 5 stars
4.9
4.8963485 out of 5 stars
849 reviews

Step into Shogun’s world, where his ambition shaped the foundations of modern Japan. See how Japan became the country it is today as you explore the Eastern Gardens with our English-speaking guide.

About this activity

Free cancellation
Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund
Reserve now & pay later
Keep your travel plans flexible — book your spot and pay nothing today.
Duration 2 hours
Check availability to see starting times
Live tour guide
English, French
Small group available

Highlighted reviews from other travelers

D
David – United States

Our tour guide, Natsumi, was so knowledgeable! She is such a great storyteller and we learned so much about the Edo period of Japan, the ingenious designs of the palace complex, the iconography of the architecture, and so much history. The tour itself had a great pace, not too fast, not too slow. Can’t recommend this tour enough. It was a great first day activity for our visit to Tokyo. Our tour guide even took time to make some recommendations as to where would be convenient to get lunch afterwards. Five stars across the board!

L
Lyudmila – United States

Our tour guide Arief is very knowledgeable and friendly. We enjoyed every bit of the walk around the palace grounds.

Select participants and date

Itinerary

  • Timeline stop icon

    Starting location:

    Wadakura Fountain Park

  • Timeline stop icon

    Wadakura Moat

    Photo stop, Visit, Guided tour, Sightseeing, Walk (5 minutes)

  • Timeline stop icon

    Ōte-mon Gate

    Visit, Guided tour, Sightseeing, Walk (10 minutes)

  • Timeline stop icon

    Ote-San'no Gate Ruins

    Photo stop, Visit, Guided tour, Sightseeing, Walk (10 minutes)

  • Timeline stop icon

    Hyakunin Bansho Guardhouse

    Photo stop, Visit, Guided tour, Sightseeing, Walk (10 minutes)

  • Timeline stop icon

    Ninomaru Garden

    Photo stop, Visit, Guided tour, Sightseeing, Walk (10 minutes)

  • Timeline stop icon

    諏訪の茶屋

    Photo stop, Visit, Guided tour, Sightseeing, Walk (10 minutes)

  • Timeline stop icon

    都道府県の木

    Photo stop, Visit, Guided tour, Sightseeing, Walk (10 minutes)

  • Timeline stop icon

    Bairinzaka (Plum Tree Hill)

    Photo stop, Visit, Guided tour, Sightseeing, Walk (10 minutes)

  • Timeline stop icon

    Edo Castle Ruins

    Photo stop, Visit, Guided tour, Sightseeing, Walk (15 minutes)

  • Timeline stop icon

    Stone Hut Imperial Palace East Gardens

    Photo stop, Visit, Guided tour, Sightseeing, Walk (10 minutes)

  • Timeline stop icon

    Fujimi-tamon Defense House

    Photo stop, Visit, Guided tour, Sightseeing, Walk (10 minutes)

  • Timeline stop icon

    Fujimi-yagura

    Photo stop, Visit, Guided tour, Sightseeing, Walk (10 minutes)

  • Timeline stop icon

    Edo Castle keep restoration model

    Photo stop, Visit, Guided tour, Sightseeing, Walk (10 minutes)

  • Timeline stop icon

    Site of Edo Castle Honmaru (Main Hall)

    Photo stop, Visit, Guided tour, Sightseeing, Walk (10 minutes)

  • Arrive back at:

    Wadakura Fountain Park

Main stop

For reference only. Itineraries are subject to change.

Highlights

  • Interactive and friendly English Speaking Guide
  • Guided walking tour Explaining the History of Japan
  • Walk in the Shoguns footsteps
  • Step into the Shogun’s world, where his castle transformed to Emperor’s palace
  • Uncover the old ranking system from; Farmer - Samurai - Daimyo - Shogun

Full description

Start by meeting your guide at Starbucks close to the palace (see the "meeting point" section for more details).

Let’s walk together toward the grand Otemon Gate of the Imperial Palace in Tokyo. As we step through, your guide will lead you on an engaging journey around the palace grounds. The original castle isn’t there anymore—but there’s a fascinating story behind that, which you’ll hear all about on the tour! You’ll also see a miniature model showing what it looked like in the past.

Along the way, we’ll explore old samurai house, spot some royal koi fish, and admire trees from all over Japan that was gifted to the emperor many years ago.
It’s a peaceful place with a rich history, including the site where Edo Castle once stood over 350 years ago.

This tour is perfect for anyone interested in history or wanting to get a deeper understanding of how Japan became the country it is today :)

Includes

  • Great photo spots
  • Beautiful garden
  • Bamboo forest
  • One-of-a-kind Royal Koi Fish
  • Guide who can help with other travel tips (should you need them)
  • Access to the Inner Palace (note: not open to the public)

Not suitable for

  • Pregnant women
  • People with back problems
  • People with mobility impairments
  • People with heart problems
  • Wheelchair users
  • People with recent surgeries
  • People with low level of fitness

Meeting point

Take the train to Tokyo station or the Otemachi Station, from there it is only a 5-10 minute walk to the Wadakuramon fountain park. In the park, head to the Starbucks where your guide will be waiting for you near the fountain. Your guide will be holding a sign with our logo: "SUNRISE ADVENTURE".

Open in Google Maps

Important information

Not allowed

  • Weapons or sharp objects
  • Smoking
  • Drones
  • Alcohol and drugs
  • Skateboards
  • Making fire

Know before you go

  • Please wear clothes fitting for the weather. This tour will take place rain or shine
  • This tour does not include visiting the inner palace.

Customer reviews

Overall rating

4.9 /5

based on 849 reviews

Review summary

  • Guide
    5/5
  • Value for money
    4.7/5

Customer photos

Media collage
Media collage
Media collage
Media collage
Media collage
+168
Filter
By star rating
Sort by:
D
David – United StatesJune 15, 2025 – Verified booking
Our tour guide, Natsumi, was so knowledgeable! She is such a great storyteller and we learned so much about the Edo period of Japan, the ingenious designs of the palace complex, the iconography of the architecture, and so much history. The tour itself had a great pace, not too fast, not too slow. Can’t recommend this tour enough. It was a great first day activity for our visit to Tokyo. Our tour guide even took time to make some recommendations as to where would be convenient to get lunch afterwards. Five stars across the board!
L
Lyudmila – United StatesJune 15, 2025 – Verified booking
Our tour guide Arief is very knowledgeable and friendly. We enjoyed every bit of the walk around the palace grounds.
J
Jill – United StatesJune 14, 2025 – Verified booking
Great tour! Informative guide, nice intro the the Edo period and the imperial gardens!

Product ID: 594718

Activity provider:Sunrise Adventure

Top Attractions in Tokyo

Experiences in Tokyo

Tours in Japan

Things to do in Japan

Top destinations

Top attraction categories

Popular Attractions