




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.
From the operator’s live schedule on Viator, checked Oct 29.
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.
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For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Tokyo Castle & Imperial Palace - Shogun Walking Tour lasts about 2 hours. The itinerary has 10 stops.
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.
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.
Yes. Cancel at least 1 day before the start for a full refund. Later cancellations are non-refundable.
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.
The experience is available in EN.
It is a small-group experience with a maximum of 60 participants.
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Yes, bookings are confirmed instantly.
Travellers rate it 5.0 out of 5 across 2,048 reviews on Viator and Tripadvisor; it is run by Japan Guide Star.
Reviews collected by Viator and Tripadvisor
| Tour | Duration | Rating | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Tokyo Castle & Imperial Palace - Shogun Walking Tour | 2 hours | 5.0 (2,048) | $13 | |
Tokyo Private Tour: Imperial Palace East Gardens, Edo Castle Site | 2 hours | 4.9 (176) | $43 | View |
Tokyo: Imperial Palace and Shogun Storytelling Walk | 2 hours | 5.0 (221) | $39 | View |
Imperial Palace, Meiji Shrine & Shogun Temple Special-Access Tour | 3h 30min | 5.0 (6) | $78 | View |
Tokyo Imperial East Gardens Walking and Shogun History Tour | 2 hours | 4.8 (17) | $36 | View |
Imperial Palace Tour: Discover Samurai History with a Local Guide | 1h 30min | 5.0 (51) | $23 | View |
Imperial Palace or Edo Castle Time Trip Learning Walking Tour | 3 hours | 5.0 (5) | $37 | View |