Tokyo Castle, Imperial Palace, Shogun & Garden Walking Tour
Overview
Available languages
2 hours
Mobile ticket
Join one of Tokyo’s highest rated walking tours! Together we will explore the Imperial Palace and its beautiful Eastern Gardens with our super friendly local guide :) You won’t just hear about Japan’s history, you’ll feel it come alive through stories, humor, and moments that make this place unforgettable :) Our guides are known for their warmth, energy, and genuine passion for sharing Tokyo’s past, that’s why our guests keep calling this tour “the highlight of their trip!”
Additional Info
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
The East Gardens of the Imperial Palace - Edo Castle Ruin
Begin your walking tour by meeting your guide at starbucks in the Wadakuramon park! Together, stroll toward the grand main gate (otemon) of the Imperial Palace in Tokyo. As you step through, follow your guide on a captivating journey, circling the palace grounds/eastern garden! (The actual main castle does not exist anymore..BUT for a very good reason your guide will tell you all about on the tour! You will also get to see a miniature structure of how the palace used to look like in the past as well) Explore the history embedded in old soldier barracks, encounter special koi fish, and marvel at trees brought from various prefectures of Japan. Delight in the serenity of the palace while gaining insights into its past, including a visit to the old base where the palace once stood over 350 years ago. While the palace can be tricky to navigate, your guide will ensure you don’t get lost and help you take photos throughout the tour :)
Wadakura Fountain Park
Begin your walking tour by meeting your guide at starbucks in the Wadakuramon park! Together, stroll toward the grand main gate (otemon) of the Imperial Palace in Tokyo. As you step through, follow your guide on a captivating journey, circling the palace grounds/eastern garden! (The actual main castle does not exist anymore..BUT for a very good reason your guide will tell you all about on the tour! You will also get to see a miniature structure of how the palace used to look like in the past as well) Explore the history embedded in old soldier barracks, encounter special koi fish, and marvel at trees brought from various prefectures of Japan. Delight in the serenity of the palace while gaining insights into its past, including a visit to the old base where the palace once stood over 350 years ago. While the palace can be tricky to navigate, your guide will ensure you don’t get lost and help you take photos throughout the tour :)
What‘s Included
Small group for a more exclusive experience
Learn Japan’s history while having fun!
No dress code, tattoos welcome
Guided walking tour of the Imperial Palace grounds with a friendly local guide
Visit to Ōtemon Gate, guardhouse ruins and Ninomaru Garden
We know the best photo spots (just ask your guide)
Stories from guide about Edo history, samurai era and modern Tokyo
Access to the Inner Palace (note: not open to the public)
Options
Tokyo: Imperial Palace // A Walk Through Japanese History
Reviews
265 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Very knowledgeable guide....
Sharon J,Apr 2, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Very knowledgeable guide. Beautiful surroundings. Tranquil walking tour. A quiet space in the middle of a lively city.
Lovely stroll thru history
Dianne M,Apr 1, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Wonderful history, leisurely pace and lovely back and forth with tour group. Highly recommend as start to ur trip
Highly Recommend Shin and this tour
Pat B,Apr 1, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Google maps and iPhone maps a must! Meet up instructions were clear but a couple of tips...you are heading to the west side gate...look for Marunouchi side toward imperial palace. You cross the small bridge into the palace area and yes, there is Starbuck's in there. Shin was our guide and met us outside and took the time to get to know us before we started. He is a great guide, knowledgeable, personalable and worked with everyone in the group. He went above and beyond to keep us between the rain and made sure we saw the sights, including cherry blossoms. One of the top guides we have had. Thanks!
Must see Tokyo
Greg B,Mar 31, 2026
- Review from Viator
4.00Amazing gardens & history. Cherry blossoms at the moment are incredible. The guide had a wide knowledge of the palace
Great experience
marionmU43KS,Mar 29, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Nico our guide was excellent , very knowledgeable and informative and he had an excellent sense of humour allowing us to take frequent shots of the newly blossoming cherry trees as we winded our way around the imperial Palace Gardens I would certainly recommend many people to do this tour
Amazing tour guide!!
Jet11029979114,Mar 29, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I went with my family on a tour of the Imperial Palace. Our tour guide, Shin, was very friendly and informative. He speaks great English. I enjoyed learning from him rather than walking through the palace alone!
Fantastic experience on Imperial Garden tour
Moriancomer,Mar 27, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Shin did a fantastic job. We enjoyed the tour and learned a lot.
Excellent tour, amazing guide!
tealek2026,Mar 26, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Highly recommend this wonderful tour! We had an amazing time seeing the beautiful grounds and learning about the history of the Imperial Palace. Our tour guide Nicolas was phenomenal, incredibly knowledgable and kind. A must-see tour in Tokyo!
Excellent Tour Even on a Rainy Day
Global755602,Mar 26, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Our tour guide, Mika, was phenomenal! I did this tour with my dad. We thoroughly enjoyed it. It was raining the entire time unfortunately. Despite that we still had the best time seeing and learning the history about Japan and the Imperial Palace with the group who were also very friendly. By the end of the tour made friends! Definitely recommend this to add to your Tokyo trip!
Ichi go ichi e!
danieljU732YG,Mar 24, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Mika is a very friendly person. She arranged a very interesting trip. She chose important and historical spots and every detail she shared was meaningful and memorable including facts from the past and present. We would definitely book another trip with her! Thank you very much Mika! Best Regards Team Austria
From ¥4,800
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