Tokyo Imperial Palace Walking Tour with Expert Guide
Step into the heart of Tokyo and uncover the rich legacy of the Imperial Palace on this 2-hour immersive walking tour. Led by a professional guide, this experience takes you through the serene Imperial Palace East Gardens, once part of the historic Edo Castle, the stronghold of the Tokugawa shogunate.
Walk along beautifully maintained paths, past stone ruins, ancient gates, and iconic landmarks like the Tatsumi Yagura Watchtower. Along the way, discover captivating stories of Japanese emperors, samurai warriors, and the political power that shaped Japan’s past.
Highlights:
- 2-hour guided walking tour of the Tokyo Imperial Palace East Gardens
- Explore historic remnants of Edo Castle, including the Tenshudai and Tatsumi Yagura
- Small group setting for a more personal and interactive experience
- Learn about samurai culture, imperial history, and Tokyo’s evolution through expert commentary
Options
Tokyo Imperial Palace Walking Tour with Expert Guide
What's included in Tokyo Imperial Palace Walking Tour with Expert Guide
(Subject to Option Inclusions)Itinerary
Tatsumi Yagura, also known as Sakurada Nijū Yagura, is a historic two-story watchtower located in the Imperial Palace grounds in Tokyo. Built during the Edo period, it is one of the few surviving structures of the original Edo Castle, reflecting Japan’s feudal past. Positioned at the southeast corner of the old inner moat, it once served both symbolic and defensive roles. Though the interior is closed to the public, the tower can be viewed from nearby paths in the Imperial Palace East Gardens—a favorite for photographers and history lovers exploring Tokyo sightseeing spots.
Two-tiered Bridge (Ni-ju Bashi)
One of the most iconic views of the Imperial Palace, the double-arched Nijūbashi Bridge gracefully spans the moat and serves as the main approach to the inner grounds. Beloved for its elegant stone structure and photogenic scenery, it is a must-see highlight for visitors exploring central Tokyo.
The East Gardens of the Imperial Palace - Edo Castle Ruin
The Imperial Palace East Gardens, open to the public, sit on the former grounds of Edo Castle in Tokyo. The area features stone walls, gates, seasonal flowers, and traditional Japanese landscaping. A key highlight is the Tenshudai (castle keep foundation), offering views of the gardens and a sense of the shogunate’s historic scale. Visitors can also see preserved sites like Otemon Gate and Hyakunin-bansho. Perfect for Tokyo sightseeing, the East Gardens provide a peaceful escape for history lovers and nature enthusiasts alike.
Inclusions
- Insights into the history of the samurai and the development of Tokyo
- View a miniature reconstruction of the former Edo Castle palace
- Guided walking tour within the Imperial Palace grounds and the East Gardens
- Encounter unique koi from different regions of Japan and a variety of trees
- 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
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Meet
Pickup and Dropoff
You will make your own way to the meeting points
Meeting / End Points
- Our guide is standing in front of Starbucks. They are holding a signboard for our inbound tour service “YURAGI,” so please use that as a reference point to meet up. If you have trouble finding them, you can contact the guide directly via WhatsApp or phone.
