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
242 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Great historical tour.
arnold N,Mar 12, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Great history tour. The place was beautiful and the garden was peaceful and zen like. Nikko was fantastic.
A great way to pass time in Tokyo
179evelinal,Mar 11, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Amazing how walking around with a knowledgeable guide makes the experience so much more fulfilling! History comes to life and places you would've walked past on your own suddenly have a deeper meaning. Alex is a wonderful guide, so eager to share his knowledge and experience. Definitely recommended!
Lovely walking tour!
rebeccadC192NL,Mar 8, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Had a lovely tour with Mayu! She was very welcoming to the group and was great with all our questions. A good price for a 2 hour walk :)
Imperial Grounds Tour
dionej655,Mar 7, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Mayu was great! I learned so much from her of the history of the shoguns and emperors. She was easy to understand and made the tour fun. Great walking tour!
Fantastic experience
yosninan,Mar 4, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had an excellent experience. Our tour guide Shin was very friendly and enthusiastic. Very interesting tour. Fully recommend taking it.
An amazing tour :)
alicemU9405NL,Mar 3, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The tour was amazing, Nico was such a good guide also answering pop culture questions and joking with us. The historic part was well explained, informative and cool to hear. Thanks for the amazing time.
Great.
Voyage34766699912,Mar 1, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great experience with Nicolas! A passionate guide, kind and attentive to his audience: we were able to browse the gardens of the Imperial Palace at our own pace and get to know the stories of the Edo era and the Meiji era as we went along. What's more, he gave us some tips to recognize plum blossoms from those of cherry trees 🌸
Best experience ever!
663alessiao,Feb 28, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Mayu is a star! We appreciated her kindness, thoughtfulness, and professionalism a lot! We had a great time together, her job in showing us around was outstanding. She also suggested local food spots to enjoy. Amazing!
Bringing the Past to Life
Babelnomore,Feb 26, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This tour offered a wonderful balance of history, culture, and architecture. Our tour guide, Fei, provided fascinating insights that made the former palace and its environs come to life. I will look up Sunrise Adventures on my next trip to Tokyo.
Superb guide, really necessary for the imperial castle
ErikB3076,Feb 25, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Shin was an excellent guide, and I cannot recommend him enough. I learned a lot about the history of Shoguns and I will never forget what ninjas were actually doing, and not what I learned through movies. Shin also graciously gave tips afterwards and showed me a great lunch place. For the Imperial castle, I think you gain so much by having a guide with you.
Related Experiences
![[June Only] Busan BTS Army Pilgrimage: 13Y Magic and Family Cafe](https://media-cdn.tripadvisor.com/media/attractions-splice-spp-720x480/r/32/a9/5f/a9/caption.jpg)
Operated by Sunrise Adventure