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
211 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Great time
X3562QYserged,,Jan 24, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great visit today with Mayu. So interesting to learn about Shogun, Samourai and Emperor history. Mayu took the time for me and my son. Answer all question and gave us recommendations on further places to see. Very good guide/person - i can only recommend
Awesome tour - fantastic guide
sophiakL528WU,,Jan 20, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Shin was absolutely amazing!! Told us unbelievable stories and really made the palace feel alive. Exceptional tour and really wonderful guide. I can’t thank him and recommend this tour enough.
Wonderful tour
pastoa71,,Jan 18, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Our guide, Mayu, was very friendly and knowledgeable. Her English was impecable. She also took the time to give us food and restaurant recommendations. A wonderful experience overall!
IMPERIAL PALACE HISTORY WALKING TOUR
dianaaZ7920JB,,Jan 18, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I thoroughly enjoyed Lakki's account of Japan's history as it relates to the tour. I appreciate the recommendations before and after tour. I can say after the tour I know more about the very interesting history of Japan and Shoguns. Lakki took me around the beautiful garden and pointed out the hybrid Koi fish. Such a beautiful fish! He had visuals which helped understand the events and linked people, events and history. I look forward to booking more tours with this company.
Wonderful stroll with a wealth of knowledge from the wonderful guide Nicolas.
conort954,,Jan 18, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Superb tour of the grounds with Nicolas. He was utterly wonderful with a wealth of knowledge. Had some wonderful chats with him. Could not recommend more.
Great history
tamikan2026,,Jan 16, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great experience and lots of information provided throughout the tour. Shin provided very personalised recommendations for us.
Great tour! (For a second trip to Tokyo)
Thomas B,,Jan 15, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00The tour was excellent. The tour guide was very knowledgeable, spoke excellent English, and had great answers to many of our questions. The only hesitation I have is that there just isn't much to see, because they never rebuilt after it was destroyed. So while an excellent tour, perhaps not a top priority for your first time in tokyo
Great and educational
barnabasb2026,,Jan 13, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Alexandre was an excellent guide. He gave a brief but inclusive history of Japan and its evolution. I recommend his tour.
Great tour guide and a wonderful experience
K5126GLlims,,Jan 12, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Me and my family had a great experience on this tour - our guide Mika was very knowledgeable and came prepared with visual aids. She answered all our questions and even helped us to take lovely photos! Very thankful for the experience.
Sunrise Adventures Friendly and knowledgeable guide.
aimaltbym,,Jan 10, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Mika was excellent, friendly and knowledgeable. The tour was pleasantly paced. Mika went above and beyond answering Tokyo questions we had that were not specific to the tours focus. Mika was generous and answered all our questions. Ichi-Go ichi-e it was lovely spending this moment with her.
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Operated by Sunrise Adventure