Tokyo: Imperial Palace and Shogun Historical Walking Tour

Overview

Available languages

English

2 hours

Mobile ticket

Step back in time on this immersive walking tour through the Imperial Palace East Gardens — the former grounds of Edo Castle, once the largest and most fortified castle in Japan. With a knowledgeable English-Speaking guide, explore the ruins of Tokyo Castle, admire beautifully preserved gardens, and gain a deeper understanding of Japan’s 2,600-year-old imperial legacy.

Additional Info

Wheelchair accessible

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Public transportation options are available nearby

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Transportation options are wheelchair accessible

All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Cancellation Policy

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

What‘s Included

Historical Insights into Imperial Family

English Speaking Guide

What To Expect

The East Gardens of the Imperial Palace - Edo Castle Ruin

On this guided tour, you’ll walk through majestic stone gates, past remnants of towering castle walls, and into elegant gardens that reflect the grace and power of Japan’s samurai and imperial eras. Stand atop the foundation of the once-mighty castle keep and imagine life during the time of shoguns and feudal lords. Wander through Ninomaru Garden, where seasonal flowers and tranquil ponds showcase the refined artistry of the Edo period.

1 hour 30 minutes • Admission Included

Options

Tokyo: Imperial Palace and Shogun Historical Walking Tour

Reviews

4.96

1,730 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

1672

Worth it!
Odyssey34591197976,
Nov 13, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Very interesting and informative tour! Thank you, Lasse! A good tour rounds the grounds of the palace and the foundations of Edo castle.
Jim was the best guide! Very informative tour
Daydream68306343295,
Nov 13, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Jim Allen was very informative and friendly! He gave us so many helpful information about the Japanese people and the history of the country. He was very accommodating of the group and moved slow for us as well as took pictures of everyone that asked. This tour was great!!!
5 stars all around
brandonmH9962HI,
Nov 13, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Jim was a wonderful tour guide, he was very knowledgeable, warm and enthusiastic about the subjects. He encouraged all the guests to ask questions and even took pictures for us
Great Tour with Jim
Alberto d,
Nov 13, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Jim made the experience great and enjoyable, great tour, worth it! We’ve learnt thanks to him a lot of insights and would definitively recommend it!
A well paced tour
trb0007,
Nov 12, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Very peaceful and informative tour, would recommend. Small groups with eager guide (Izzy) who is very knowledgeable and eager to share little tidbits along the way.
Lovely two hours in Tokyo gardens
838liama,
Nov 12, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Amazing experience! Perfect balance of history and enjoyment. Not rushed, really good commentary from Izzy and overall just super pleasant. Nice way to spend two hours
A must visit in Tokyo
michaelrN8313KB,
Nov 12, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
An excellent tour with a wonderful guide that helped me learn a lot about Japanese history and culture. The Imperial Palace Garden is one of the most beautiful places I've visited.
Great imperial palace tour
DaylesfordRecords,
Nov 12, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Great tour! Educational and enjoyable. Great to hear the history. Two great tour guides Lassie and a great new guide Blake!
Imperial palace tour
485iv nv,
Nov 12, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Pretty cool Miguel was awesome and the tour pretty informative and I would recommend it heartily and hope you enjoy it as I did
Makes touring grounds much more interesting
Megreviewer14,
Nov 12, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Awesome and knowledgeable guide. Highly recommend. Grounds fairly bare but with guide you appreciate everything. Good way to make it more lively and enteraining.