Guided Tours

Tokyo Imperial Palace Historical Small-Group Guided Walking Tour

Imperial Palace Tokyo with traditional architecture and gardens, highlighting Japan's historical heritage.

Imperial Palace Tokyo with traditional Japanese architecture and surrounding gardens.

Koi fish swimming in a pond at the Imperial Palace gardens, Tokyo.

Imperial Palace Tokyo with traditional Japanese architecture and gardens.

Uncover Japan’s rich history on a 2-hour guided walk through the Edo-era Imperial Palace ruins, exploring the scenic Eastern Gardens and historic landmarks.

Highlights

Discover Japan’s rich history on this guided walking tour of the Imperial Palace, perfect for history lovers and those curious about Japan’s culture.
Your expert guide will share fascinating stories, like why the Edo-era palace no longer stands, offering a deep dive into Japan's imperial past.
With a small group of 6, enjoy personalized insights as you explore Edo Castle’s former grounds, once home to over 1,000 samurai during the Edo period.
Stroll through the stunning Eastern Gardens, where centuries-old trees and vibrant koi fish make for incredible photo opportunities.
Fun fact: The Imperial Palace sits on the grounds of Edo Castle, which was once the largest fortress in the world!

Inclusions

2-hour guided walking tour of Tokyo Imperial Palace
Small group of up to 6 people
Expert English-speaking guide

Exclusions

Access to the Inner Palace

Cancellation policy

You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

Your experience

Step into Japan's imperial history

Meet your expert guide at Wadakuramon Fountain Park, where your historical journey begins. Together, stroll toward the grand main gate, Otemon, the majestic entrance to the Imperial Palace grounds. As you step through the gate, the vibrant pulse of Tokyo fades, revealing the serene beauty of the palace grounds, a tranquil oasis amidst the bustling city. The carefully manicured gardens are a living testament to Japan’s rich history, showcasing traditional Japanese landscape design with lush greenery, vibrant seasonal flowers, and elegant stone lanterns. As you explore, your guide shares captivating stories of how this site transformed from the center of power for the Tokugawa shogunate to a symbol of modern Japan, while a miniature structure depicts the palace’s former grandeur.

Uncover remnants of the past

Wander the expansive grounds, where history whispers from every corner. Explore the remnants of old soldier barracks, once bustling with samurai, and marvel at the impressive stone walls that protected the palace. Look closely to spot the vibrant koi fish swimming gracefully in the serene ponds, a unique breed found only here. As you stroll beneath the canopy of centuries-old trees, many of which hail from various prefectures across Japan, admire the cherry blossoms in spring or the vibrant foliage in autumn. Your final stop will be the old base of the castle that was constructed in 1457 and proudly watched over Japan until 1863.

Know before you go

What's not allowed

Keep in mind weapons, sharp objects, drones, alcohol, drugs, and skateboards are not allowed on this experience. Pack wisely!
Smoking is not allowed on this experience.

Accessibility

This experience is not accessible by wheelchair.
Choose safety and comfort: This experience is not the best fit for back issues, cardiac issues, mobility impairments, people with recent surgeries, people with low levels of fitness, and pregnant people.

Additional information

This tour does not include access to the inner palace.
Please dress according to the day's weather conditions.

My tickets

Your voucher will be emailed to you instantly.
Please arrive at the meeting point 15 mins before the scheduled time of your tour to avoid any delays.
Display the voucher on your mobile phone with a valid photo ID at the meeting point.

Meeting point

Meet your guide at Starbucks Coffee - Kokyo Gaien Wadakura Fountain Park.
Address: 3-1 Kokyogaien, Chiyoda City, Tokyo 100-0002, Japan.
Guide identifier: Your guide will be holding a sign with the logo "SUNRISE ADVENTURE" near the fountain.

Get directions to the meeting point