Tours/Tokyo/Tokyo Castle, Imperial Palace, Shogun & Garden Walking Tour
Viator · group up to 10 pax

Tokyo Castle, Imperial Palace, Shogun & Garden Walking Tour

4.9(432)Tokyo1 hour
VIATOR4.8(76)TRIPADVISOR5.0(356)

Description

Join one of Tokyo’s highest rated walking tours! Together we will explore the Imperial Palace and its beautiful Eastern Gardens with our super friendly local guide :)
You won’t just hear about Japan’s history, you’ll feel it come alive through stories, humor, and moments that make this place unforgettable :)
Our guides are known for their warmth, energy, and genuine passion for sharing Tokyo’s past, that’s why our guests keep calling this tour “the highlight of their trip!”

Tour Options

Tokyo: Imperial Palace // A Walk Through Japanese History

Itinerary

120 min

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 :)

Pass by

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 :)

Pass by

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 :)

Pass by

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 :)

Pass by

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 :)

Pass by

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 :)

Pass by

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 :)

Pass by

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 :)

Pass by

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 :)

Pass by

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 :)

Pass by

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 :)

Pass by

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 :)

Pass by

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 :)

Pass by

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 :)

Pass by

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 :)

Pass by

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 :)

Highlights

Small group for a more exclusive experience
Learn Japan’s history while having fun!
No dress code, tattoos welcome
Guided walking tour of the Imperial Palace grounds with a friendly local guide
Visit to Ōtemon Gate, guardhouse ruins and Ninomaru Garden
We know the best photo spots (just ask your guide)
Stories from guide about Edo history, samurai era and modern Tokyo

What's included

Included
Small group for a more exclusive experience
Learn Japan’s history while having fun!
No dress code, tattoos welcome
Guided walking tour of the Imperial Palace grounds with a friendly local guide
Visit to Ōtemon Gate, guardhouse ruins and Ninomaru Garden
We know the best photo spots (just ask your guide)
Stories from guide about Edo history, samurai era and modern Tokyo
Not included
Access to the Inner Palace (note: not open to the public)

Traveller Ratings

4.9
432 reviews
5
410
4
19
3
2
2
0
1
1

Important Information

  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Reviews(432)

D
davidmF9891GI
August 18, 2026
Palace Tour

Our tour guide Yu took us on the tour even though it was only the two of us and it was swelteringly hot. There's lot to learn about the history of Japan's Edo period on this tour. You don't get to see the whole palace, just the area that is open to visitors, which isn't too large. The tour took about 2 hours to finish.

1 people found this helpful
Operator response

Thank you for this review :) So glad Yu kept the tour going for you both even in that heat! Great that you got to dive into so much of the Edo period's history along the way. Hope to welcome you back to Tokyo :)

A
Alexandrina_B
August 16, 2026
History, wealth, and power

Grant was knowledgeable, considerate answering all questions. Very patient with eat member of the group.

Operator response

Thank you for this review :) So glad Grant came across as knowledgeable and considerate, taking the time to answer every question and be patient with each member of the group. Hope to welcome you back to Tokyo :)

D
derekhJ7729NI
August 16, 2026
Friendly and knowledgeable.

Great tour, Jim. Thanks!!!!!

1 people found this helpful
Operator response

Thank you :) So glad Jim gave you a great tour. Hope to welcome you back to Tokyo :)

1
183rachidam
August 15, 2026
Worth the time

Jim was so much fun! He had a lot to say and was very receptive to questions and inquiries. He has a passion for history and it was evident. If you’re a history buff or love learning things you wouldn’t normally get elsewhere, this is the trip for you!

1 people found this helpful
Operator response

Thank you for this fun review :) So glad Jim came across as receptive to all your questions, and that his passion for history was so evident throughout. Lovely that it felt like the kind of experience history buffs would love. Hope to welcome you back to Tokyo :)

S
steffenmaximh
August 15, 2026
Historic walk through the palace gardens

Jim did a great job explaining during the tour! You can feel that he is very passionate about history.

1 people found this helpful
Operator response

Thank you for this review :) So glad Jim's explanations stood out during the tour, and that his passion for history came through so clearly. Hope to welcome you back to Tokyo :)

S
shawnmW2114NM
August 15, 2026
Great Shogun tour experience

I had a great tour with my guide, Jim who was very knowledgeable and fun to walk around with. The length of the tour was perfect and we spent no time waiting in lines.

1 people found this helpful
Operator response

Thank you for this great review :) So glad Jim came across as knowledgeable and fun to walk around with, and that the tour length and pace felt just right with no time lost in lines. Hope to welcome you back to Tokyo :)

7
745julior
August 15, 2026
Jim the Best

Jim was great, he messaged us beforehand with pictures of the meeting spot and history bullet points. During the tour, he gave us hidden clues of Japanese history and significance of different structures. Very thoughtful and charismatic!

1 people found this helpful
Operator response

Thank you for this wonderful review :) So glad Jim's message before the tour, with the meeting spot photos and history points, helped set things up so smoothly. Lovely that the hidden clues about Japanese history and the different structures came across as thoughtful and charismatic. Hope to welcome you back to Tokyo :)

H
HJMA01
August 10, 2026
Exploring Tokyo’s Imperial History with Shin

I had such a lovely tour with Shin! He was incredibly kind, friendly, attentive and knowledgeable, and made the whole experience really enjoyable and easygoing. I learned a lot about the Imperial Palace, the shoguns and Japanese history along the way. He also was patient enough to help me take some really nice pictures, which I especially appreciated as I was travelling on my own. A great experience and a lovely way to discover this part of Tokyo. Thank you, Shin!

1 people found this helpful
Operator response

Thank you so much for this lovely review :) So glad Shin came across as kind, attentive and easygoing, and that the history of the Imperial Palace and the shoguns came alive for you along the way. Wonderful that he was patient enough to help with photos too, especially travelling on your own. Hope to welcome you back to Tokyo :)

C
CliffV_13
August 9, 2026
GREAT Imperial castle/gardens tour!

Corina (if I spell poorly, She's from Bulgaria!) was a fantastic guide, personable and VERY informed. She's a professional, with great education and wonderful people skills. We learned a lot about the castle and the beautiful gardens, so much more than if we had gone on our own. I would gladly tour with Corina again!

1 people found this helpful
Operator response

Thanks for this wonderful review :) So glad Karina's warmth, education, and people skills made the Imperial Palace tour so informative, and that you learned so much more than you would have on your own. Thanks for sharing that you'd gladly tour with her again :)

K
K7151IEtomi
August 8, 2026
A must do

It was a very good tour and very educational, the views were beautiful and the stories were really good

1 people found this helpful
Operator response

Thanks for this great review :) So glad the tour felt so educational, with beautiful views and stories along the way. Thanks for calling it a must do :)

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