Tokyo Castle & Imperial Palace – Samurai History Walking Tour

Overview

Available languages

English

2 hours

Mobile ticket

Edo Castle was the largest castle in Japan. Explore the Ruins of Tokyo Castle with a Local Guide. Learn About Samurai History and Japan’s 2,600-Year-Old Imperial System.

[Highlights]

・The Secret Behind Edo Castle's Impenetrable Defense

・Japan's 2,600-Year-Old Imperial System

・Visiting Yasukuni Shrine and Its Political Significance

・Visiting the Japanese Garden Admired by the Emperor

・Seasonal Beauty: Cherry Blossoms in Spring

・Wheelchairs are available and can be used inside the palace grounds, but please note that there are a few slopes and areas where guests will need to walk or go down on foot.

Additional Info

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Public transportation options are available nearby

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

There is a security check to enter the Imperial Palace. Please do not bring knives or alcohol.

The main castle was destroyed by fire and no longer exists.

The Emperor's residence is not open to the public.

There are no health restrictions, but please note that you will need to walk up steep slopes and stairs.

Cancellation Policy

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

What‘s Included

Guided walking tour

What To Expect

You can see a surviving turret from the Edo period and learn about the security systems that still protect the Imperial Palace today.

20 minutes • Admission Not Applicable

Kokyo Otemon Gate

You’ll see two massive gates and stone walls from the original castle. This is where we talk about how the design helped protect the shogun.

10 minutes • Admission Not Applicable

Options

Tokyo Castle & Imperial Palace – Samurai History Walking Tour

Reviews

4.94

510 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

489

Would recommend
64vinamras,
Nov 30, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Fuma was an excellent guide. Would recommend following him. Only cost was the guide company, Gardens and grounds are free. We spent about an hour and a half and walked a lot!
Beautiful, Fun, and Knowledgeable!
thekaseystewart,
Nov 30, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Fuma was excellent! Very knowledgeable and friendly. He definitely had fun with it. Answered all our questions and eve gave us other local food/activity recommendations. Absolutely recommend!
An amazing and educational experience from Anju
98pipers,
Nov 30, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Such and amazing experience. Had Anju as the tour guide, she was absolutely wonderful, welcoming and taught a lot of interesting facts about the place and its history. Thank you so much
A truly inspiring experience with Mr Yuuki
joraj863,
Nov 30, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
I had an absolutely amazing experience thanks to our tour guide Mr Yuuki. Would highly recommended it to anyone as Yuuki has a great depth of knowledge of the Castle and it's surrounding areas and was really helpful regarding other beautiful and memorable experiences in Tokyo. Highly recommend to anyone
A recommended experience of the Imperial Palace East Garden area.
syee88,
Nov 30, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Prior to our suggested arrival time our guide, Yuuki A., called us to make sure we knew how to get to the meeting point and he sent us a photo of himself so we could connect more easily. The tour was relaxed and very informative. We enjoyed our time with Yuuki and would recommend him as a guide.
Enjoyable and memorable tour
Orinoks,
Nov 30, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Our guided park and palace tour with Fuma was fantastic! He was incredibly friendly and shared so many interesting stories and insights that brought the history and surroundings to life. His passion and warm personality made the entire experience enjoyable and memorable. Thank you, Fuma, for such a wonderful tour — highly recommended!
An American in Tokyo
patsZ2118ZA,
Nov 30, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
I had a great experience with Tomo as my tour guide! He is very knowledgeable, fluent, and easy to understand. Would highly recommend him and the company he represents to anyone traveling to Japan in the future
A beautiful experience
kyliesE175LP,
Nov 30, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Very descriptive and informative. The guide knew what she was talking about and was very happy and approachable. We would recommend her. Anju
Imperial palace garden
931fl,
Nov 30, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Fantastic trip with Homo over imperial palace garden ........................................................
Information and fascinating
462vernw,
Nov 30, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Very intriguing and engaging, would highly recommend for anyone who has an interest in Japanese history. Very well paced.