Tokyo Castle & Imperial Palace - Shogun Walking Tour
Description
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.
Tour Options
Itinerary
You can see a surviving turret from the Edo period and learn about the security systems that still protect the Imperial Palace today.
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.
A small guardhouse once used by lower-ranking samurai. This is where we talk about who they were and why this spot was important.
A large guardhouse where many samurai were stationed. This is where we talk about their role in castle security.
A central guardhouse near the inner gate. Here, we talk about the samurai of higher rank and their duties.
An old watchtower overlooking the area. This is where we talk about its role and what made it special in the past.
You can see a scale model of the former Edo Castle and visit a souvenir shop with palace-related goods.
This is the former site of Edo Castle’s main tower. We talk here about why it’s no longer standing and what remains today.
A traditional Japanese garden with seasonal plants and a pond with koi. This is where we enjoy the peaceful side of the former castle grounds.
We will conclude the tour in front of the ginkgo-lined avenue stretching out before Tokyo Station.
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- 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.
Reviews(1,297)
Naz was a phantastic guide and has explained everything in a very understandable and sometimes humorous way. Thank you for this incredible experience.
Naz was great. Got to learn quite a few things
Miho was our guide and was very informative with her picture book and historic knowledge. Worth it to fully understand the significance of this beautiful setting.
Our tour guide Miho was very informative and nice, and she answered our questions about the history very well. She told us all about the history during the multiple eras that the castle was a part of.
Had a great time on the "Tokyo Castle & Imperial Palace - Shogun Walking Tour" with guide Ai. She was very knowledgeable and good at explaining the history of the site.
Jun was a very knowledgeful and fcinating guide. He really brought us back in time here, all the way to the Shogun!
Amazing experience and very interesting. Jun was a great tour guide and very knowledgeable.
Yoshi was absolutely incredible! Yoshi was very kind, patient and so incredibly interesting. He answered all our questions without making us feel silly and taught us so much about the history of Japan. Yoshi also wrote our names in Japanese and taught us the meanings! Best tour guide ever.
So let me tell you about this experience. Hands down, this was one of the best tours we’ve ever taken, especially if it’s your first time visiting Tokyo. From the moment Airi greeted us at the meeting point, we knew we were in good hands. She led our fearless crew through the Imperial Palace with confidence, humor, and a level of knowledge that honestly blew us away. What made Airi stand out wasn’t just that she knew the history. It was how she brought it to life. Every question, no matter how random or detailed, was answered with patience, grace, and genuine passion. You could tell she loves what she does, and that energy made the entire experience feel personal instead of scripted. Her personality was the perfect mix of warm, funny, and incredibly wise. She has a way of making everyone feel comfortable while sharing stories and insights that gave us a much deeper appreciation for Japan, its culture, and its history. If you’re looking for a tour where you leave feeling informed instead of overwhelmed, this is it. If you’re lucky enough to get Airi as your guide, you’ve already won. She didn’t just show us the Palace. She gave us an experience we’ll be talking about long after we get home. Would we do it again? In a heartbeat. If Airi ever starts giving tours to the grocery store, we’d probably sign up for that too.
We had the loveliest tour with the loveliest tour guide Airi Chan! Domo arigato gozaimasu!
