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
349 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
A lovely tour in the Imperial Palace and Garden.
EricvanderPoel,May 12, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Our guide Yu did a very good job in explaining us (a group of 8 people from the UK, Germany and Holland) all the ins and outs of the Imperial Palace and its wonderful Garden ! She was also very helpful (and talented) in making beautiful photos of us. Somehow she did it much better than we did it ourselves ! We would advise to ask specifically for Yu when you want to make this guided tour in the Imperial Palace/Garden !
Great tour
Daniel D,May 10, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00We had Shin for our tour guide and he was fantastic. He gave us all the history related to the imperial palace making everything we saw more impressive. I would recommend booking this tour.
Superb walking tour.
Curious20636847652,May 10, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Alex was a superb guide. Informative and friendly. Great walk for the guest day in Japan.
Wow! That’s a lot of history!
Explore588808,May 10, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Jim was a fantastic guide! He has an incredible wealth of knowledge. He was able to explain thousands of years of history in an interesting way. Highly recommend!
A must see
Julie S,May 10, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Jim was very informative and very interesting g in describing the history of Japan
Imperial Palace tour
BobJ810,May 10, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great tour and very informative. Jim was very friendly and engaging.
Excellent historical tour
Quest653612,May 9, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I enjoyed the thoughtful and deep Japanese history that Jim told. Excellent tour!
Great palace garden overview.
474ross,May 9, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Jim was a great guide with a wealth of historical knowledge. It was a fun and beautiful afternoon in the garden.
Imperial Palace Tour with Jim
williamcI2099KJ,May 9, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Thank you Jim! Appreciated the pieces of history that so many tour guides before couldn’t possibly hit. Very good attitude.
Easygoing and engaging tour
neddye2021,May 9, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00Jim led a very fun and informal tour. He shared anecdotes and tidbits I wouldn’t have been able to learn from reading online, or going to a museum.
From ¥6,000
Want a private experience? Upgrade to a private tour
Related Experiences
Operated by Sunrise Adventure