Tokyo Castle & Imperial Palaceー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.
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.
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.
What‘s Included
Guided walking tour
Options
Tokyo Castle & Imperial PalaceーShogun Walking Tour
Reviews
790 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Well worth it!
Supersanborn,,Feb 23, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Anju was a fantastic and enthusiastic guide, sharing a lot of details about the grounds and history with us and providing a lot of interaction with the group.
See the grounds of the Imperial Palace
peterlP1560EG,,Feb 23, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00Interesting and informative tour of the Imperial Palace area in Tokyo - Janet was well prepared and obviously passionate about the tour. Struggled with some English words but generally good. Kept a reasonable pace - not hurried but not dawdling either
A peaceful and informative stroll through the palace!
biancasT5464CM,,Feb 22, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Had a lovely morning stroll with Janet at the Imperial Palace, where she shared lots of good history about the shogunate period and rise of the imperial family back to power. It definitely added context to have a guide while walking around the palace, and she was very receptive to questions. I recommend the morning tour (9 am) because the palace area was relatively peaceful without crowds.
Great Walking Tour
Michigan456,,Feb 21, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Shin (guide) and coordinator Aru were excellent hosts, both very personable and knowledgeable about the imperial castles grounds. It greatly enhanced the experience of visiting the grounds and gardens, would recommend.
Fun and informative!
Bea3z16,,Feb 21, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Friendly and knowledgeable guide! Fuma was understanding and accomodating of us running late. My husband and I enjoyed the experience and learned a lot! 🥰
Trip to Tokyo Palace
jsF1409IC,,Feb 21, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great personality and informative from Fuma :) very helpful too :)
Emperor palace tour
markuseI2561NH,,Feb 21, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Nice tour innEmperor palace!
Edo Castle visit
402mauricior,,Feb 21, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had the tour with Helen-san, she was very knowledgeable and super prepared. She gave us three surprises by giving us candy, plums and at the end a very special 5 yen coin which brings you good fortune. Very cool tour
Eco castle with Helen
iant507,,Feb 21, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Thank you Helen, for the wonderful tour !
Excellent
900mikelh,,Feb 21, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Very good experience the Shain guide was very friendly and I explain everything with good detail and interest, I would recommend the tour
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Operated by Local Guide Stars