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
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 :)
Options
Tokyo: Imperial Palace // A Walk Through Japanese History
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)
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
399 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Imperial Palace tour
Shirley M,Jul 2, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Our guide, Mika, was terrific! She taught us a lot about Edo history. The gardens were beautiful. She was so accommodating with my elderly parents. We loved the little extra list of common Japanese phrases. Very helpful!
Perfect Intro to the Imperial Palace!
glorino,Jun 25, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Shin’s tour was relaxing and informative. He engaged us with stories, the purpose and meaning of the architecture, pointing out creatures and plants in the beautiful gardens, and reviewing historical highlights. He lived in Australia and the US for six years, so we had fun chatting about the states as well. Highly recommend! Thanks Shin!
Great tour
Y5822ORchrisw,Jun 25, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Jim was a wonderful guide and his deep knowledge and enthusiasm made the tour a memorable experience.
Great tour 10/10
Martin H,Jun 23, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Great tour, very informative. Would recommend to anyone who visits Tokyo. Definitely worth the money.
Imperial Pałace Tokyo
127pawe z,Jun 20, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Nice trip with a lot of explanation about palace, social behavior and manners in Japan. The guider was really communicative and provide all usefull informatorom before meeting
Wonderful Imperial Palace Tour!
rosiepT285NK,Jun 20, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had a really lovely visit. Our tour guide, Jim, was excellent. He gave us a lot of interesting history and was just friendly and interesting to talk to. I loved the descriptions of the ground and the history that he shared. The price was fair, it was easy to meet up, and the tour time was felt sufficient to explore and learn the history. It was a really wonderful experience and I highly advise anybody going on this trip to connect with Jim if possible!
Very interesting visit with top-notch entertainment! Thank you, Alexandre
O8977WTjessican,Jun 15, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Very interesting visit with top-notch entertainment! Thank you, Alexandre
Imperial Palace Tour - June 26
JFD1985,Jun 14, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00A fantastic tour from the deeply passionate and knowledgeable Jim. The pace, the level of interest and friendliness were all absolute highlights. Thank you so much.
Guide Jim
sofialA7026UA,Jun 14, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Super intresting to hear about Japans and Tokyos history and culture, aswell as certain particularities in the garden. Our guide Jim's deep knownledge and engaging, helpful and charismatic attitude really made the tour an unforgettable experience and so enjoyable!
Imperial Palace tour
870jamaala,Jun 14, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Amazing from Jim it was very informative and friendly
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Operated by Sunrise Adventure