Free tour

Tokyo Imperial Palace & Shogun Walking Tour

4.72

Good(161)

Tokyo

Duration: 2 hours

Languages: English

Guru: Local Guide Stars

PRO

Verified quality

Registered on 23 October 2024

Welcome to Japan! We are a Tokyo-based tour company, and we’re excited to welcome you, ensuring you take away great memories from this incredible country. We hope you’ll discover Japan’s many unique charms and fall in love with everything it has to offer.

Free reservation and cancellation

Pay-what-you-want tour, no set price, reservation and cancellation are free

Tour description

Edo Castle was once the largest castle in Japan and a place that shaped the nation’s history.

Your local guide will explain just how massive this fortress was and how its sophisticated defenses helped support the 260 years of peace during the samurai era. Today, this area is known as the Imperial Palace, the residence of Japan’s emperor.

The imperial system has continued for an astonishing 2,600 years—but how has it survived for so long? Join us as we uncover the secrets behind this enduring legacy.

Stroll through the vast palace grounds, explore carefully preserved moats and gates, and imagine daily life for the shogun and his retainers. Seasonal gardens, impressive stone walls, and open views offer countless photo opportunities throughout the walk.

This tour is offered in a small group of 10 guests or fewer, making it perfect for families, couples, friends, solo travelers, and even first-time visitors to Japan. The relaxed, friendly atmosphere makes it easy to ask questions and truly enjoy the experience!

Our local Japanese guide is happy to help not only during the tour, but also afterward—whether you’re looking for food recommendations, ideas for what to do next in Tokyo, or help with anything you’re curious about.

Please feel free to ask anything in our welcoming, home-like group setting.
Thank you for visiting Japan and for finding this tour, you are very lucky!　A local Japanese guide will do their very best to make this an unforgettable experience.

We truly look forward to welcoming you on the tour.　
Please note: This tour is conducted in English only. Japanese language support is not available.

Tour Highlights

Small group of up to 10 people
Discover the Hidden World of Edo Castle
Japan's 2,600-year imperial system
History of the Samurai and the Shogun
Visiting the Japanese Garden Admired by the Emperor

Important Notice

・There is a security check to enter the Imperial Palace. Please do not bring knives or alcohol.
・ Wheelchairs are available and can be used inside the palace grounds, but please note that there are a few slopes and areas where guests will need to walk or go down on foot.

・A good portion of the tour is outdoors; please dress appropriately for the weather.

Photography is encouraged, so bring your camera for beautiful shots!

Highlights

What will we see on this tour?

Meeting point:

3-1 Kōkyogaien, Chiyoda City, Tokyo 100-0002, Japan

Please arrive 15 minutes before the scheduled start time.As this is a group tour, we are unable to wait for late arrivals. The tour will begin on time, so please make sure not to be late. Starbucks Coffee Kōkyo Gaien Wadakura Fountain Park Store There will be a guide holding a sign that says "Local Guide Stars" https://maps.app.goo.gl/xvFvWnXyCmcjz7GNA

Outside visit

Sakurada Tatsumi Yagura

A rare surviving watchtower of Edo Castle, quietly guarding the moat for centuries—one of the best-preserved samurai-era structures.

Outside visit

The East Gardens of the Imperial Palace

It is a garden built on the former site of Edo Castle, offering a valuable opportunity to experience Japan's history and culture. As part of the original Edo Castle, it preserves remnants such as stone walls and the foundation of the castle tower, allowing visitors to enjoy the atmosphere of the Edo period.

Outside visit

Hujimiyagura

Once the tallest structure in Edo Castle, this watchtower was named for its view of Mt. Fuji—still standing with quiet dignity.

How much does this tour cost?

Free tours do not have a set price, instead, each person gives the guru at the end the amount they consider appropriate (amounts usually range from €15 to $50 depending on satisfaction with the tour).