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Tours/Tokyo/Tokyo Castle & Imperial Palace - Shogun Walking Tour
Tokyo travel guide: tickets, best time & real costs

Tokyo Castle & Imperial Palace - Shogun Walking Tour

5.0(2,048)Tokyo2 hours
VIATOR4.7(79)TRIPADVISOR5.0(1,969)
Tokyo Castle & Imperial Palace - Shogun Walking Tour
Tokyo Castle & Imperial Palace - Shogun Walking Tour
Tokyo Castle & Imperial Palace - Shogun Walking Tour
Tokyo Castle & Imperial Palace - Shogun Walking Tour
Tokyo Castle & Imperial Palace - Shogun Walking Tour
+16 photos
Tokyo Castle & Imperial Palace - Shogun Walking Tour
Tokyo Castle & Imperial Palace - Shogun Walking Tour
Tokyo Castle & Imperial Palace - Shogun Walking Tour
Tokyo Castle & Imperial Palace - Shogun Walking Tour
Tokyo Castle & Imperial Palace - Shogun Walking Tour
Tokyo Castle & Imperial Palace - Shogun Walking Tour
Tokyo Castle & Imperial Palace - Shogun Walking Tour
Tokyo Castle & Imperial Palace - Shogun Walking Tour
Tokyo Castle & Imperial Palace - Shogun Walking Tour
Tokyo Castle & Imperial Palace - Shogun Walking Tour
Tokyo Castle & Imperial Palace - Shogun Walking Tour
Tokyo Castle & Imperial Palace - Shogun Walking Tour
Tokyo Castle & Imperial Palace - Shogun Walking Tour
Tokyo Castle & Imperial Palace - Shogun Walking Tour
Tokyo Castle & Imperial Palace - Shogun Walking Tour
Tokyo Castle & Imperial Palace - Shogun Walking Tour
Tokyo Castle & Imperial Palace - Shogun Walking Tour
Tokyo Castle & Imperial Palace - Shogun Walking Tour
Tokyo Castle & Imperial Palace - Shogun Walking Tour
Tokyo Castle & Imperial Palace - Shogun Walking Tour

At a glance

Duration
2 hours
Price from
$13 / person
Location
Tokyo, Japan
Rating
5.0 / 5 · 2,048 reviews
Languages
EN
Group
Up to 60 people
Cancellation
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
Confirmation
Instant
Ticket
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Operator
Japan Guide Star
Meeting point
Meet in front of Starbucks Coffee Kōkyo Gaien Wadakura Fountain Park Store.There will be a guide holding a sign that says "Local Guide Stars"Address:3-1 Kōkyo Gaien, Chiyoda City, Tokyohttps://maps.app.goo.gl/Caab3X6fhK6yaU4QA

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.

Schedule & prices

Runs
Tue, Wed, Thu, Sat, and Sun
Start times
9:00 AM, 10:00 AM, 10:30 AM, 12:00 PM, 1:30 PM, and 2:30 PM
Next available
Sat, Oct 31
Adult (ages 13+)
$13
Infant (ages 0–12)
$10

From the operator’s live schedule on Viator, checked Oct 29.

Tour Options

Tokyo Castle & Imperial Palace - Shogun Walking Tour

Itinerary

20 min

You can see a surviving turret from the Edo period and learn about the security systems that still protect the Imperial Palace today.

Kokyo Otemon Gate
10 min

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.

10 min

A small guardhouse once used by lower-ranking samurai. This is where we talk about who they were and why this spot was important.

10 min

A large guardhouse where many samurai were stationed. This is where we talk about their role in castle security.

10 min

A central guardhouse near the inner gate. Here, we talk about the samurai of higher rank and their duties.

10 min

An old watchtower overlooking the area. This is where we talk about its role and what made it special in the past.

Kokyo Sannomaru Shozokan
10 min

You can see a scale model of the former Edo Castle and visit a souvenir shop with palace-related goods.

The East Gardens of the Imperial Palace - Edo Castle Ruin
15 min

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.

Ninomaru Garden
15 min

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.

Tokyo Central Railway Station
Pass by

We will conclude the tour in front of the ginkgo-lined avenue stretching out before Tokyo Station.

What's included

Included
Guided walking tour

Traveller Ratings

Reviews collected by Viator and Tripadvisor

5.0
2,048 reviews
5
1,968
4
68
3
6
2
2
1
4

How it compares in Tokyo

  • No. 22 by number of reviews among 4,172 tours in Tokyo
  • Starting price $13 is 84% below the typical $79 for tours of similar length in Tokyo
  • Price unchanged over the last 27 days

Excurgo comparison of 4,172 Viator tours, recalculated daily.

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.

Cancellation

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

1+ days before100% refund
0–1 days before0% refund

Frequently asked questions

How long does Tokyo Castle & Imperial Palace - Shogun Walking Tour take?

Tokyo Castle & Imperial Palace - Shogun Walking Tour lasts about 2 hours. The itinerary has 10 stops.

How much does Tokyo Castle & Imperial Palace - Shogun Walking Tour cost?

Prices start at $13 per person for this Tokyo experience, booked through Viator with the price shown before checkout. There is 1 booking option, so the final price depends on the option you choose.

What days does Tokyo Castle & Imperial Palace - Shogun Walking Tour run?

According to the operator’s current schedule, it runs on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays, starting at 9:00 AM, 10:00 AM, 10:30 AM, 12:00 PM, 1:30 PM, and 2:30 PM.

Can I cancel Tokyo Castle & Imperial Palace - Shogun Walking Tour for free?

Yes. Cancel at least 1 day before the start for a full refund. Later cancellations are non-refundable.

Where does the tour start?

The meeting point is Meet in front of Starbucks Coffee Kōkyo Gaien Wadakura Fountain Park Store. There will be a guide holding a sign that says "Local Guide Stars". Address:. 3-1 Kōkyo Gaien, Chiyoda City, Tokyo. https://maps.app.goo.gl/Caab3X6fhK6yaU4QA. Hotel pickup is not part of this experience.

What languages is Tokyo Castle & Imperial Palace - Shogun Walking Tour offered in?

The experience is available in EN.

Is this a private or a group tour?

It is a small-group experience with a maximum of 60 participants.

Is the tour suitable for children?

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Will my booking be confirmed immediately?

Yes, bookings are confirmed instantly.

Is Tokyo Castle & Imperial Palace - Shogun Walking Tour worth it?

Travellers rate it 5.0 out of 5 across 2,048 reviews on Viator and Tripadvisor; it is run by Japan Guide Star.

Reviews(2,048)

Reviews collected by Viator and Tripadvisor

$13/ person
5.0(2,048)
Duration2 hours
LanguagesEN
ConfirmationInstant
Check availability on Viator →
Booked and paid on Viator.com
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

No booking fees from Excurgo
Payment and confirmation are handled by Viator
Excurgo support

Excurgo earns a commission from Viator when you book through this link, at no extra cost to you.

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from$13
5.0(2,048) Free cancellation
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