Tokyo: Edo Castle and Imperial Palace Walking Tour
While it’s certainly possible to explore Edo Castle and the Imperial Palace on your own, a guided tour will help you learn much more about each landmark’s historical significance. On this walking tour, discover 2,600 years of Japanese history as you learn about the Emperors that shaped the country, samurai, and the shoguns.
Highlights
- ✓A chance to relax in the castle’s traditional Japanese garden
- ✓Walking tours help you spot details you’d otherwise miss
- ✓A great opportunity to pick up some souvenirs at the palace gift shop
- ✓Your guide will point out the best spots for photos of the castle and palace
What you'll see & do
- ✓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.
What's included
- ✓Guided walking tour
Good to know
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 policy
- •A full refund will apply if you cancel more than 24 hours before the activity start time.
- •No refund is possible if you cancel less than 24 hours before the activity start time.
Tokyo: Edo Castle and Imperial Palace Walking Tour
While it’s certainly possible to explore Edo Castle and the Imperial Palace on your own, a guided tour will help you learn much more about each landmark’s historical significance. On this walking tour, discover 2,600 years of Japanese history as you learn about the Emperors that shaped the country, samurai, and the shoguns.
Highlights
- ✓A chance to relax in the castle’s traditional Japanese garden
- ✓Walking tours help you spot details you’d otherwise miss
- ✓A great opportunity to pick up some souvenirs at the palace gift shop
- ✓Your guide will point out the best spots for photos of the castle and palace
What you'll see & do
- ✓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.
What's included
- ✓Guided walking tour
Good to know
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 policy
- •A full refund will apply if you cancel more than 24 hours before the activity start time.
- •No refund is possible if you cancel less than 24 hours before the activity start time.