Imperial Palace East Garden and Edo Castle Walking Tour in Tokyo
Description
Embark on a captivating journey through both ancient and modern Tokyo with our Walking Tour of the Imperial Palace. Discover the historic residence of the Shogun, now home to the Emperor of Japan. Delve into the rich history of the Samurai as you stroll through lush gardens adorned with seasonal flowers. Please note, while we won't enter the Imperial Palace, this tour promises a fascinating exploration of its surroundings.
Tour Options
Itinerary
Wadakura Fountain Park, located near the Imperial Palace in Tokyo, Japan, is a beautifully designed public space known for its tranquil atmosphere and stunning water features. Originally constructed in 1961 to commemorate the royal wedding of Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko, the park was redesigned and reopened in 1995 to celebrate the wedding of the Crown Prince Naruhito and Crown Princess Masako.
Sakurada Tatsumi Yagura is a three-story watchtower located at the southeast corner of the former Edo Castle. It overlooks the moat and was an important part of the castle's defense system, allowing guards to monitor the surrounding area. The present tower dates from the Edo period and was damaged during the Great Kanto Earthquake of 1923. It was carefully restored to its original appearance soon afterward. Today, it remains one of the few surviving watchtowers of Edo Castle, showcasing the castle's impressive military architecture.
Ote-mon Gate is the main entrance to the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace. During the Edo period, it served as the principal gate of Edo Castle, where only authorized samurai and officials could enter. The massive stone walls and sturdy wooden gate were designed for defense as well as prestige. Today, visitors pass through the same historic entrance to explore the peaceful gardens, offering a glimpse into Japan's feudal past and the legacy of the Tokugawa shoguns.
The East Gardens of the Imperial Palace in Tokyo are a serene escape from the city. Once part of Edo Castle, they feature lush gardens, ponds, and historic ruins. Highlights include the Honmaru area with castle remnants and the Ninomaru Garden for traditional Japanese scenery. Visitors can stroll among cherry blossoms in spring and colorful foliage in autumn, immersing themselves in Japan's feudal history and tranquil beauty.
Suwa no Chaya tea house was built by order of Emperor Meiji in 1912, in the Fukiage Gardens in the western part of the Imperial Palace grounds. The teahouse was moved to its current location in 1968. The name Suwa Teahouse refers to the Shinto deity Suwa, to whom there was a small shrine near the teahouse’s original location.
Ninomaru Garden is a traditional Japanese strolling garden located within the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace. It was reconstructed in the 1960s based on historical drawings from the reign of the ninth Tokugawa shogun, Tokugawa Ieshige, preserving the style of the Edo period. The garden features a peaceful pond, seasonal flowers, carefully arranged stones, and elegant trees. It is also home to long-fin koi, an elegant variety of ornamental carp known for their graceful, flowing fins.
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Please note: This tour does not go inside the Imperial Palace buildings, as entry is not permitted to the public. The experience includes the Imperial Palace East Gardens and surrounding grounds, with historical insights and great photo opportunities.
Reviews(682)
Miyuki was simply the best guide we had in Japan. Super informative and accurate. Answered all our questions, even when these were not related to the tour, but more with japanese daily life or culture. Absolutely the best!
Our guide Kei was so nice and very knowledgeable. She was very well prepared to answer all kinds of questions. We walked at a very comfortable pace even though it was hot and humid. She had many laminated aids to demonstrate some of the history of the castle and the gardens. This would be good tour for families, couples, and friends.
Very informative tour to learn about the history of Tokyo. Our tour guide is knowledgable. The tempura restaurant he recommended for lunch was really really good.
It was very interesting and our guide was excellent She was welcoming and offered short breaks and made sure we sat in the shade which is great for older folls
Very nice lady, she knew a lot about the history of the monument and made it a very enjoyable time.
Our tour guide was very informative and helpful with info! Very open to questions!
Kei was very knowledgeable. Very pretty grounds. Bring water.
I had a wonderful tour with Mei, so fun and informative, cultural and great conversation. It was a hot day, and Mei made sure I was comfortable. The tour flew by. Her depth of knowledge is so impressive and she's a great storyteller of historical events and a lovely person. Very open and delighted with your questions. I highly recommend this tour! It's great value for money and I wish now I had done other tours with Mei of important Tokyo sites. Next trip!
We took advantage of two Tokyo Free Walking tours: Imperial Palace East Garden Walking Tour and Asakusa Walking Tour. Both guides were knowledgeable and able to add context to both areas that we would not have been able to get without their insight.
Excellent your with a very knowledgeable and friendly guide. Our guide, Kei, was so helpful and considerate to all I. The group. Really enjoyed the experience.
