Tokyo Castle & Imperial Palace - Shogun Walking Tour
Overview
Available languages
2 hours
Mobile ticket
Learn about samurai and the 2,600-year legacy of Japan's emperors in a small-group tour of up to 10. An expert guide will uncover the secrets of Edo Castle, Japan’s largest fortress, never breached.
[Highlights]
・Small group of up to 10 people
・The Secret Behind Edo Castle's Impenetrable Defense
・Japan's 2,600-year imperial system
・History of the Samurai and the Shogun
・Visiting the Japanese Garden Admired by the Emperor
Please note: This tour is conducted in English only, Japanese language support is not available.
Additional Info
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
There is a security check to enter the Imperial Palace. Please do not bring knives or alcohol.
The Emperor's residence is not open to the public.
There are no health restrictions, but please note that you will need to walk up steep slopes and stairs.
What To Expect
You can see a surviving turret from the Edo period and learn about the security systems that still protect the Imperial Palace today.
Kokyo Otemon Gate
You’ll see two massive gates and stone walls from the original castle. This is where we talk about how the design helped protect the shogun.
Options
Tokyo Castle & Imperial Palace - Shogun Walking Tour
What‘s Included
Guided walking tour
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
1,229 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
wonderful. provided great history that you could not have gotten by wanderingthrough on your own
jenniferhM5892TU,Jun 4, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Miho it was wonderful. She provided excellent history and tips for future travel in Japan.
Good experience
DanielT17031993,Jun 4, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The walk is quite beautiful and calm. Our guide was nice and funny and had good knowledge of the ancient history of japan. He takes us good photos as well. A must see walk
Super tour of palace and grounds!
Seaside46334376818,Jun 3, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00What a wonderful tour. Our guide, AI, was not only extremely professional but her knowledge of the grounds and garden were chock full of good and historical information. Worthy of my recommendation.
Great tour
Matthew H,Jun 3, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Our tour guide Ai A. Was brilliant. The tour was very informative and friendly
Walking tour
Helen L,Jun 3, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Very informative and Rico was very knowledgable
Book your tour with Airi!
B8916HEibrahimm,Jun 2, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Airi was amazing! She took the time to explain everything and answer all my questions, and she has such a lovely energy. Thank you so much for your time and effort
Historical Walkthrough
danieltT3703YY,Jun 2, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The tour was a wonderful experience and educational. My family and I had spectacular time learning about the Imperial Palace with our tour guide. She was very well educated and personable. We highly recommend her for future tours around Tokyo
Last minute GREAT decision!
S2359RFscottb,Jun 2, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Miho was a wonderful tour guide! We were able to book these last minute and it was a wonderful way to see the gardens. We had lots of questions answered and so much information. It was a great way to see the gardens for a few hours. Huge plus to see the Iris garden!
Great tour
Joshua V,Jun 1, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00It was a great tour, our guide, Ai, gave insightful information about the history, buildings, and plants. We really enjoyed it
Small, friendly tour
mateuszgY7146PA,Jun 1, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I strongly recommend that tour. Guide was really friendly, explaing everything, and group was so small that we have time to talk, and say our own trivia as well.
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Operated by Local Guide Stars