Tokyo: Imperial Palace Shogun Historical Walking Tour
Overview
Available languages
2 hours
Mobile ticket
Step into Shogun’s world, where his ambition shaped the foundations of modern Japan!
See how Japan became the country it is today as you explore the Eastern Gardens with our English speaking guide!
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‘s Included
Great Photo Spots!
Guided walking tour Explaining the History of Japan
Beautiful Garden
One of a kind Royal Koi Fish
Guide who can help with other travel tips (should you need)
Bamboo Forrest
Interactive and friendly English Speaking Guide
Access to the Inner Palace (note: not open to the public)
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 :)
Options
Tokyo: Imperial Palace // A Walk Through Japanese History
Reviews
110 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Great experience!
asintas,
Aug 7, 2025
- Viator
5.00Lakki was a great guide with incredible knowledge of history and the palace. Great experience and we learned and saw a lot!
Good walking tour and guide!
Scott F,
Jul 27, 2025
- Viator
5.00Good tour off the east side of the imperial palace grounds. For those not familiar with the palace the place is huge (so walking in the summer heat or cold are not recommened for the unprepared) and split into east and west sides AND the private residence of the emperor and his family are not open to the public. So taking that into account and your want tp learn about Japanese and the palace's history this is a good 2 hour+ walking tour through the grounds and gardens. You'll see both original and reconstructed structures and get a sense of the long and impressive history of Japan. Our guide Lakki was awesome too. He went the extra mile from greating us via Whats App before the tour, tips to prepare for the hot day, extra videos and information before and after the tour, friendly personality and very knowledgable. He provide the extra context needed to understand what we were seeing to leading us to great spots for pictures and taking group pictures for those that don't like doing selfies. Overall a good experience and I recommend this tour as a way to see the east side highlight of the palace. 2 hours was a good length especially given the summer heat and Lakki also new good spots to cool off or stay in the shade. I asked him what's the best time to visit and he said it depends, Summer is hot but its also the least crowded and it can get very crowded with long lines at the gates when its cooler. If you can manage the heat (bring an umbrella and good fan) its nicer to have the place to yourselves.
Tour of the East Imperial Gardens - Japanese historical knowledge must do!
Birgitte A,
Jun 26, 2025
- Viator
5.00Excellent tour through the east Imperial Garden. Our wonderful guide Natsumi explained the Japanese history of the Edo era and how the Shoguns and Emperors influenced modern Japan. She tied this in with the past use of the property. She brought photos and diagrams to illustrate imperial lineage and architectural details which were useful in understanding various aspects of what we were seeing. She was extremely knowledgeable and was able to answer all our questions and could provide interesting detail about the background of historical events. She really brought the past to life for us. She also spoke beautiful English and at the end of the tour provided us with recommendations for other things we should look into during our trip to Japan. She made the tour very special.
Very nice gardens! Also...
Bernard L,
Jun 13, 2025
- Viator
5.00Very nice gardens! Also some practical information about castle defenses if you think you'll be under siege someday.
Imperial palace grounds tour
Julianna L,
Jun 10, 2025
- Viator
5.00We had an excellent historical tour of rhe imperial palace grounds. Mika our guide shared images and maps to help us understand what we were seeing along to better understand the historical significance.
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