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
229 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Worth it!
samantharO1109ZT,,Feb 24, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Yu was a great tour guide! We toured the gardens which was a lovely way to spend the afternoon.
Amazing Tour Guide!
395ley,,Feb 21, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Nicolas was such an amazing guide! Truly passionate for Japanese history and so informative - one of the best guides so far.
Ask for Fei she’s the coolest!
jlaivsr,,Feb 20, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Fei was AWESOME. She offered a really rich perspective on the history surrounding the palace and how it echoes in modern Japan. Her highly relevant education and lived experience give her a fascinating perspective that brought the tour to life. I highly recommend this tour!
Great tour
V1174WBmariaa,,Feb 20, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Shin gave us a great tour of the palace. He mixed both current and historical facts about Japan. He was friendly, professional and service minded.
Loved our guide and...
Alya P,,Feb 19, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Loved our guide and learned so much history about the place. The tour definitely made me appreciate the place a lot more!
You should ask for Yu!
Dan McG Slidell,,Feb 19, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had 4 people on the walking tour this morning, Thursday 19 February 2026 with Sunrise Adventure and MS. Yu as our tour guide. All of our group thoroughly enjoyed the tour and Yu's presentation. We recommend you ask for her!
Imperial palace and garden tour with Yu
Freedom27008033964,,Feb 18, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This was a very great tour! The garden was very beautiful, and there were a lot of great places to see. Our tour guide, Yu, was fantastic! She was very knowledgeable of eveeything, and was very kind and easy to talk to. The best thing about her was her energy, she was very funny, friendly, and her energy was contagious!
BEST tour ever!!!
rowanz760,,Feb 17, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Shin was an amazing tour guide and was very well educated!
MISLEADING AND DISAPPOINTING
dannyaU444JK,,Feb 17, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
1.00MISLEADING. Imperial Palace, Shogun & Garden Walking Tour. This tour only visits the Shogun grounds and Garden. Never toured the Imperial Palace as suggested in the title. A waste of money. VERY DISAPPOINTING.
To do!
Odyssey62451428090,,Feb 17, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Alexander introduced us to the gardens of Edo Castle with an exciting introduction to Japanese history. Glad to have taken this time on my stay. Curiosity about the rest of the trip.
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Operated by Sunrise Adventure