Tokyo: Imperial Palace the history of Japan (FRENCH GUIDE)
Overview
Available languages
2 hours
Mobile ticket
Discover the Imperial Palace Walking Tour, where you'll explore the historic heart of Tokyo and uncover its rich heritage. Immerse yourself in the serene beauty of the Imperial Palace East Gardens, stroll through scenic pathways, and gain insider insights into Japan's imperial history. Perfect for history enthusiasts and cultural explorers seeking an authentic Tokyo experience, this tour offers a peaceful retreat in the bustling metropolis!
(Access to the inner palace is not included)
Additional Info
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Public transportation options are available nearby
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What‘s Included
Learn about Japans History and how it became the country it is today
Enjoy a relaxing walk through beautiful gardens and Palace remains
See a special breed of Koi fish that you can only find here
We know the best photospots, so you will also get a chance to take good photos!
Access to the "Inner Garden" where the emperor lives, cause it is not open to the public
The actual "Imperial Palace" does not exist, but for a good reason your guide will tell you about!
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
9 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Very Positive Experience
776carolynb,
Oct 22, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Very positive experience with Nico as our Guide. He was deeply interested in Japan and its history. The tour was informative and interesting and we came away with a much better understanding of the Palace.
Amazing tour!
657kaylinb,
Oct 15, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This was a fantastic tour to kick off our vacation in Japan! Alexandre was a great guide; very knowledgeable and fun. I felt like I truly learned the history of Japan through his storytelling. I would recommend this tour to start off your trip in Tokyo if you are new to the country and culture!
Extraordinary visit
laurentbS361TG,
Oct 2, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great experience. The guide was perfect in all its explanations: history, past and present Japanese society, .... Very good advice for the rest of our stay. Very professional. I highly recommend this visit. Everything was perfect. Thank you again.
Walk through beautiful palace grounds with knowledgeable guide
142georginat,
Sep 27, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Nico was a wonderful guide, which made this walk one of the standout experiences of my solo trip to Tokyo. He was very knowledgeable about the Imperial Palace and the history of the city, and told our small group many interesting details about Japanese culture and mythology. I especially liked the chat we had about Zen Buddhism and the tea ceremony. I was also impressed that he prepared with a little gift of a collection of Japanese phrases that we could take with us at the end of the tour, like a little travel dictionary. Great tour, I can definitely recommend others to book this walk with Sunrise Adventure!
Imperial Palace gardens and philosophy
dotm251,
Sep 20, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Niko was a great guide for our family carefully explaining the history of the area and transition in power and also cultural philosophy. The walk was very pleasant. Pleased we took the early tour as it was getting hot when we left. A great way to start our holiday in Japan
An unforgettable experience
P9946AAm lanieg,
Aug 31, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Incredible visit with our Franco-Japanese guide Nicolas. He revealed all the little park secrets and answered many questions about Japanese mythology, Japan in general, language etc. We were able to share with him on many topics. We were a small group of 5 people which facilitated the exchanges and made the experience very friendly. We even had the opportunity to spend time and eat together after the visit so much the power went well! The history of the place and the imperial family was very well explained and was very interesting! I highly recommend this experience and would definitely resume a visit with sunrise adventure on a future trip to Japan! We were offered a small fan to withstand the heat as well as a sheet with the main words/phrases that could be useful in Japan to slip into our bag for the rest of the trip! Thank you Nicolas and sunrise adventure for this experience. 🫰🏻
We had a great time, the visit was exciting
K4470ZVsophiem,
Jul 29, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had an exciting tour thanks to our guide, Alexander, who explained and taught us a lot about the history of Japan (its settlement, the different periods of its history, elements of sociology about Japan and its system of thought). He was able to answer clearly and precisely the various questions posed by the members of the group. Exciting and passionate, Alexander is a very friendly guide who is not miserly of his time. I highly recommend taking a guided tour with him, it is a very rewarding experience. A big thank you!:-D
Great, a must!!!
62dorisd,
Jun 5, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The tour is pleasant and easy on foot Our guide Alexander was great and shared a lot of information. I recommend!!!
French visit
faxeur,
Mar 27, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00It was a great experience. Hugo was perfect guide with high respect on Tokyo. I recommend him for your visit to the city with your family or friends
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