Tokyo Castle & Imperial PalaceーShogun Walking Tour

Overview

Available languages

English

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.

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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.

20 minutes • Admission Not Applicable

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.

10 minutes • Admission Not Applicable

What‘s Included

Guided walking tour

Options

Tokyo Castle & Imperial PalaceーShogun Walking Tour

Reviews

4.95

1,019 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

981

Imperial Palace
knapog,Apr 20, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Kodai was a great tour guy: fun and knowledgeable
Beautiful contrast between history and modern world
German A C,Apr 20, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Kodai was great! Very knowledgeable aid friendly
Informative experience
O184MNcathyn,Apr 20, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Airi was very knowledgeable and very friendly!
Franky super guide
sabrinanR435TW,Apr 20, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Fantastic experience, Franky the guide very prepared and friendly, really an experience to do
Good experience with a knowledgeable guide
tong0128,Apr 20, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
It was a good experience to visit the Tokyo Imperial Palace to learn about this historical site, the imperial family and the Edo shogunate. The guide, Koyo, has done a great job providing explanation about the shogun during the Edo period and comparison between the Edo Castle during the Edo period and the current Tokyo Imperial Palace.
Super !
I8136JE,Apr 20, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Total process was excellent and performed best guidance. Thank you!
Η κυρία Καικο η πιο γλυκιά ξεναγός
sotiriam926,Apr 19, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Our tour guide was Mrs. Kaiko She was very kind, smiling, gave a very good presentation and tour, answered all our questions, made us feel at home, and had a very good knowledge of English To sum up, she was the sweetest tour guide I have ever met
Great tour
fluffcorg-milan,Apr 19, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Helen is FANTASTIC! The tour is extremely informative and she gave the right level of information.
Friends trip
H1772XNjop,Apr 18, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
We did the shogun imperial palace tour. Our guide was Tomo. He was very knowledgeable of Japanese history, and made the tour fun.
Wonderful walking tour!
kims640,Apr 18, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Tomorrow was an excellent guide! Informative, professional, and very friendly. We truly enjoyed the tour and introduction into the history of Japan.