TokyoAdd a date2 adults
Help Plan my trip

Imperial Palace & Edo Castle: Small-Group Walking Tour

Small group Tokyo, Japan2.5 hoursGuided in English

Walk the walls, gates and gardens of the shoguns' old castle with a local guide who brings the samurai era to life. A small group keeps it relaxed and easy to ask questions.

2.5 hoursExplore at your own pace
Small groupKeeps the experience personal
EnglishLive guide or host
CancellationNon-refundable: tickets are issued for your chosen date and time

Highlights

  • Local guide focused on Edo and samurai history
  • Castle walls, moats and gatehouses
  • The East Gardens and keep foundations
  • Views of the Nijubashi bridge area
  • Small group for a personal feel

Full description

Long before it was the emperor’s home, this site was Edo Castle, the seat of the Tokugawa shoguns who ruled Japan for more than 250 years. On this walk your guide leads you past the moats and giant stone walls, through old guard gates and into the East Gardens, where the foundations of the main keep still stand.

Along the way you will hear how the castle shaped the city around it, what happened when power passed back to the emperor, and how the gardens are cared for today. The route is outdoors and mostly on gravel paths.

Itinerary

  1. Meet near Tokyo Station

    Meet your guide and get an overview of Edo in the age of the shoguns.

  2. Moats and outer gates

    Walk the outer defences and see how the castle was protected.

  3. East Gardens

    Enter the gardens and stand on the base of the former castle keep.

  4. Palace plaza

    Finish near the bridges in front of the modern palace.

Included

  • Live guide in English
  • Walking tour of about 2.5 hours
  • Small-group limit
  • Tips for exploring the area afterwards

Not included

  • Food and drinks
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off
  • Entry to the palace's inner grounds (not open to the public)

Meeting point

A meeting point near Tokyo Station's Marunouchi side; exact details are included in your confirmation.The exact spot and your host's details arrive with your confirmation.

Open in Google Maps

Know before you go

  • The East Gardens usually close on Mondays and Fridays and on some holidays; the route is adjusted when they are closed.
  • Wear comfortable shoes for gravel paths.
  • The tour runs in light rain; bring an umbrella.
  • Please arrive 10 minutes early.

Frequently asked questions

Do we go inside the palace?

No. The inner palace is the emperor's residence and is not open for regular visits. The tour covers the public grounds and East Gardens.

Is it suitable for children?

Yes, it is an easy walk. Children interested in samurai and castles usually enjoy it most.

Reviews

No reviews yetTravelled with us on this tour? Your review helps the next traveller choose.

More things to do in Tokyo

From USD 46 per adult
Request to book