Tokyo Imperial Palace walking Tour with expert longtime resident

5.0
(25 reviews)
Tokyo, Japan

2 hours (approximately)
Offered in: English

Learn how the dynamics of Japanese culture have shaped its history over the past 600 years as an expert English-language guide reveals the historic and cultural mysteries of the Imperial Palace East Gardens, where the nation's last feudal dynasty ruled from 1603 to 1869 and laid the foundations for modern Japan.

Learn Japan's culture and group dynamics preserve a peaceful and respectful society that conceals its paradoxical inner turmoil and chaos.

What's Included

Expert knowledge from longtime Japan resident
Gratuities

Meeting and pickup

Meeting point

Near the terrace adjacent to the Starbucks, we meet in front of the large tree next to the old castle wall.

End point

We finish the tour inside the East Garden, a five-minute walk from the Otemon gate where we enter.

Itinerary

Duration: 2 hours (approximately)
  • 1
    Wadakura Fountain Park

    Learn what a park built to celebrate the marriage of an imperial crown prince tells us about Japanese culture.

    10 minutes Admission ticket included
  • 2
    Kokyo Otemon Gate

    Enter the ruins of ancient Edo Castle through the restored 17th-century Otemon gate, and learn about castle architecture, and the origins of Japan's last feudal government.

    15 minutes Admission ticket included
  • 3
    Hyakunin Bansho Guardhouse

    Learn how visitors to the shogun's massive fortress were greeted. See the miracle trees that survived the world's first atomic bombing and learn how feudal Japan forged the culture of craftsmanship that thrives to this.

    15 minutes Admission ticket included
  • 4
    The East Gardens of the Imperial Palace - Edo Castle Ruin

    Stroll through the gardens on the site where Japan's last feudal rulers' palace once stood, and where the remains of Japan's largest castle tower still stand. Learn how Japanese culture contributed to sealing the country off from the rest of the world and how the Japan rallied behind an emperor in the 19th century only to be destroyed in the 20th.

    40 minutes Admission ticket included
  • 5

    Immerse yourself in the tranquil beauty of the Ninomaru Garden, originally built by the Tokugawa Shoguns and learn how Japan embraces a culture of respect and peace in an otherwise chaotic world.

    30 minutes Admission ticket included

Additional info

  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
  • All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Supplied by Jim's Tokyo Tours

Tags

Private and Luxury
Cultural Tours
Historical Tours
Walking Tours
Seasonal
Small Group
Excellent Quality
Short term availability

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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Rating

5.0 Based on 25 25 reviews
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