Tokyo Castle, Imperial Palace, Shogun & Garden Walking Tour
Overview
Available languages
2 hours
Mobile ticket
Join one of Tokyo’s highest rated walking tours! Together we will explore the Imperial Palace and its beautiful Eastern Gardens with our super friendly local guide :) You won’t just hear about Japan’s history, you’ll feel it come alive through stories, humor, and moments that make this place unforgettable :) Our guides are known for their warmth, energy, and genuine passion for sharing Tokyo’s past, that’s why our guests keep calling this tour “the highlight of their trip!”
Additional Info
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
The East Gardens of the Imperial Palace - Edo Castle Ruin
Begin your walking tour by meeting your guide at starbucks in the Wadakuramon park! Together, stroll toward the grand main gate (otemon) of the Imperial Palace in Tokyo. As you step through, follow your guide on a captivating journey, circling the palace grounds/eastern garden! (The actual main castle does not exist anymore..BUT for a very good reason your guide will tell you all about on the tour! You will also get to see a miniature structure of how the palace used to look like in the past as well) Explore the history embedded in old soldier barracks, encounter special koi fish, and marvel at trees brought from various prefectures of Japan. Delight in the serenity of the palace while gaining insights into its past, including a visit to the old base where the palace once stood over 350 years ago. While the palace can be tricky to navigate, your guide will ensure you don’t get lost and help you take photos throughout the tour :)
Wadakura Fountain Park
Begin your walking tour by meeting your guide at starbucks in the Wadakuramon park! Together, stroll toward the grand main gate (otemon) of the Imperial Palace in Tokyo. As you step through, follow your guide on a captivating journey, circling the palace grounds/eastern garden! (The actual main castle does not exist anymore..BUT for a very good reason your guide will tell you all about on the tour! You will also get to see a miniature structure of how the palace used to look like in the past as well) Explore the history embedded in old soldier barracks, encounter special koi fish, and marvel at trees brought from various prefectures of Japan. Delight in the serenity of the palace while gaining insights into its past, including a visit to the old base where the palace once stood over 350 years ago. While the palace can be tricky to navigate, your guide will ensure you don’t get lost and help you take photos throughout the tour :)
What‘s Included
Small group for a more exclusive experience
Learn Japan’s history while having fun!
No dress code, tattoos welcome
Guided walking tour of the Imperial Palace grounds with a friendly local guide
Visit to Ōtemon Gate, guardhouse ruins and Ninomaru Garden
We know the best photo spots (just ask your guide)
Stories from guide about Edo history, samurai era and modern Tokyo
Access to the Inner Palace (note: not open to the public)
Options
Tokyo: Imperial Palace // A Walk Through Japanese History
Reviews
314 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Incredible Experience at the Imperial Palace
Aslıhan P,Apr 22, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I absolutely loved the scenery here. Walking through the East Gardens was so relaxing, especially with our guide Jim. It’s the perfect spot to take photos and learn about Japan’s imperial history.
Inspiring historical walk with Yu
Kiki M,Apr 21, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Yu was friendly and highly informative with both the history and gardens
Guide tour Imperial Palace
Q471TEjuliad,Apr 21, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great past experience with Alexander who was very friendly!!!!
Visit Gardens is Imperial Palace Tokyo
jeremylF548LM,Apr 20, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Very informative visit, Alexander was very pedagogical and dynamic.
Amazing tour and experiencr
N7268WXjessew,Apr 19, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Fantastic! 10/10. Amazing experience
Jim is amazing
580denisi,Apr 19, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had our tour with Jim and he was a fantastic guide. He was knowledgeable and accommodating. Definitely recommend booking tours with him.
Imperial Palace Garden Tour
eerie91,Apr 19, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00Jim explained both the history of the Imperial Palace gardens and some curiosities about Japanese society, the tour was quite interesting
Very good!
johern,Apr 18, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Very positive with a cultural perspective combined with facts. Highly recommended.
Excellent tour!
davidrG1014YJ,Apr 18, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great tour with Jim! Lots of fun Japanese history
Amazing guide with a wealth of knowledge
William B,Apr 17, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Jim made this tour exceptional with his extensive knowledge and deep understanding of history. We learned so much about Japan and truly appreciated the way he presented everything—it was clear, engaging, and easy to follow. Without him, we wouldn’t have fully understood what we were seeing. If you want to actually learn the history behind the sites, this tour is absolutely worth it. Highly recommend—and definitely ask for Jim. He’s a great guide.
From ¥4,800
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