Overview
Step into Tokyo’s layered past on this immersive 3–4-hour walking tour, weaving from the Imperial Palace’s Edo-era grandeur to Kagurazaka’s nostalgic alleys, once a geisha-lit red-light district.
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Contact Jasumo Now →Begin at Tokyo Station’s red-brick facade, strolling to the Imperial Palace’s Ote-Mon Gate and Ninomaru Garden, where Tokugawa shoguns shaped Japan’s 1603–1868 history—your English-speaking local guide unravels tales of Edo Castle’s moats and power.
Pass Nippon Budokan’s martial arts arena, then pause at Aomi Coffee Kudanshita for a quick tea/coffee (¥500 included). Venture to Tokyo Daijingu, a love-blessing shrine, before diving into Kagurazaka’s hidden lanes—Geisya Komichi, Hyogo Yokocho, and Kakurenbo Yokocho—where cobblestone paths, traditional shops, and a snack (¥300 included) evoke old Japan.
From Shin-Marunouchi Building (9:00 AM meet) to FamilyMart Kagurazaka (end ~1:00 PM), this private tour for history buffs, culture seekers, or foodies shines in mid-October 2025’s mild 15–20°C and autumnal hues.
Why Choose This Experience?
- Edo Castle Legacy: Imperial Palace’s moats, Ote-Mon, Ninomaru—walk the Tokugawa shogunate’s heart.
- Kagurazaka’s Hidden Charm: Geisha-era alleys—Geisya Komichi, Hyogo Yokocho—less touristy than Asakusa/Shibuya.
- Local Guide’s Depth: English stories of shoguns, geisha, and love shrines—personalized insights.
- Cultural Snacks: Coffee/tea (¥500), Kagurazaka treat (¥300)—authentic flavors included.
- Compact Journey: 3–4 hours, ~3–4km walk—Tokyo Station start, FamilyMart Kagurazaka end.
- Autumn Ambiance: Mid-October 2025—Ninomaru’s ginkgos, Kagurazaka’s cozy lanes (15–20°C).
Highlights
- Imperial Palace Grounds: 1-hour tour—Ote-Mon Gate, Ninomaru Garden, Edo Castle ruins (~¥0 entry).
- Tokyo Daijingu Shrine: 20-minute visit—love and relationships deity, Shinto rituals.
- Kagurazaka Alleys: Geisya Komichi, Hyogo Yokocho, Kakurenbo Yokocho—geisha-era cobblestone, local snack (~¥300 included).
- Aomi Coffee Kudanshita: 25-minute break—tea/coffee (~¥500 included), cozy respite.
- Nippon Budokan: 5-minute photo stop—martial arts arena near palace moats.
- Shogun Stories: Guide’s Edo history—Tokugawa’s 1603–1868 reign, Japan’s unification.
Pricing
From ¥8,000 per person
Includes
- A (BASIC): Local English guide, Snack (¥300), Coffee/tea (¥500), Imperial/Kagurazaka tour.
- B (CULTURE): Guide, Snack, Coffee/tea, Shrine ritual (~¥200), Edo history focus.
- C (FAMILY): Guide, Snack, Coffee/tea, Kid-friendly pacing, Extra snack (~¥300).
- D (PHOTO): Guide, Snack, Coffee/tea, Guided alley photo stops.
Note: Prices for 2025; child (4–12) 50% off, under 4 free (lap-held). Donations (¥100) self-paid. Book mid-October 2025 for autumn hues.
Itinerary
Starting location:
新丸の内ビルディング (Shin-Marunouchi Building, STAND T cafe)
On foot (10 minutes)
Tokyo Station
Photo stop, Guided tour (10 minutes)
- Red-brick Marunouchi facade, Meiji-era history.
On foot (1 hour)
Tokyo Imperial Palace
Guided tour (1 hour)
- Ote-Mon Gate, Ninomaru Garden, Edo Castle ruins—shogun legacy (~¥0).
On foot (5 minutes)
Nippon Budokan
Photo stop, Guided tour (5 minutes)
- Martial arts arena, palace backdrop.
On foot (25 minutes)
Aomi Coffee Kudanshita
Break time (25 minutes)
- Tea/coffee (~¥500 included).
On foot (20 minutes)
Tokyo Daijingu
Guided tour (20 minutes)
- Love deity shrine, Shinto prayers (~¥0).
On foot
Remains of Ushigome Gate
Guided tour (10 minutes)
- Edo Castle’s outer defense.
On foot
Geisya Komichi Alley / Hyogo Yokocho Alley / かくれんぼ横丁 (Kakurenbo Yokocho)
Photo stop, Guided tour (1 hour)
- Geisha-era lanes, local snack (~¥300 included).
Finish at:
ファミリーマート 神楽坂三丁目店 (FamilyMart Kagurazaka 3-Chome)
Note: Total ~3–4 hours; meet 9:00 AM at STAND T (Shin-Marunouchi). Mid-October 2025 for autumn hues; times adjust for group pace.
What to Expect
Meet your English-speaking guide at Shin-Marunouchi Building’s STAND T cafe (9:00 AM, 2-minute walk from Tokyo Station Marunouchi Central Exit) for a 3–4-hour walk (3–4km).
Start with a 10-minute Tokyo Station photo stop—red-brick Meiji relic. By 9:10 AM, explore Imperial Palace for 1 hour: Ote-Mon Gate’s stone walls, Ninomaru Garden’s ginkgos, and Edo Castle ruins—guide shares Tokugawa shogun tales.
Pass Nippon Budokan (5 minutes) for martial arts lore. At 10:15 AM, 25-minute break at Aomi Coffee Kudanshita—tea/coffee (¥500 included). By 10:40 AM, visit Tokyo Daijingu (20 minutes), a love shrine with prayer rituals. Trek to Ushigome Gate’s Edo remnants (10 minutes), then immerse in Kagurazaka’s alleys for 1 hour—Geisya Komichi’s cobblestones, Hyogo Yokocho’s shops, Kakurenbo Yokocho’s hideaways, with a local snack (~¥300 included).
End ~1:00 PM at FamilyMart Kagurazaka—perfect for history buffs (shogun depth), foodies (snack/coffee), or photographers (alleys/gardens), with mid-October 2025 autumn glow (15–20°C, comfortable shoes).
Pre-Departure Notice
- Meeting Point: Shin-Marunouchi Building, STAND T cafe (9:00 AM)—2-minute walk from Marunouchi Central Exit; lateness forfeits (100% fee).
- Confirmation: Instant booking with email voucher; notify dietary needs/allergies, kid ages. Mid-October 2025 autumn hues.
- Weather: Tours run light rain (ponchos); heavy storms adjust (no refunds). Paths safe.
- Health: Moderate walking (~3–4km, urban); no pregnancy/extreme conditions. Comfortable shoes.
- Children: Ages 4+ full access (reduced rates); under 4 free (lap-held). Supervise alleys.
Good to Know
- Age Rules: All ages; under 12 supervised in alleys. Kid-friendly pacing.
- Group Size: Private (1–6); customizable for solo/families.
- Attire: Comfortable shoes, layers (15–20°C October); camera for alleys/gardens.
- Duration: ~3–4 hours; year-round, mid-October 2025 autumn peak.
- Accessibility: Flat urban paths; some alley steps—notify for aids. English guide.
- Photos: Ninomaru/Kagurazaka prime—guide tips for autumn shots.
- Sustainability: Respect sites—no litter; follow shrine rules.
Reviews
“Hiro’s shogun stories brought Edo Castle alive—Ninomaru’s ginkgos glowed! Kagurazaka’s alleys cozy, snack divine. October 2025 perfect!”
“Family loved Daijingu’s love shrine, Geisya Komichi’s charm. Guide Shuntaro’s fun facts engaged kids—coffee stop a treat!”
“Photographer’s gem: Ote-Mon walls, Kakurenbo Yokocho’s retro. Guide’s tips framed shots—mid-October foliage was magic.”
FAQs
When’s the best season for this tour?
Mid-October 2025 for Ninomaru’s ginkgos, Kagurazaka’s autumnal lanes (15–20°C).
Are snacks/coffee included?
Yes—coffee/tea (¥500), alley snack (¥300); donations (~¥100) self-paid.
Suitable for kids or beginners?
Yes—ages 4+ enjoy alleys; under 4 free (lap-held). Easy urban walk.
What if the weather affects walking?
Light rain, fine (ponchos); heavy storms adjust (no refunds). Paths safe.
How much walking is involved?
~3–4km urban paths; guide paces for group—comfortable shoes needed.
Can I bring camera gear, photo tips?
Yes—Ninomaru/alleys prime; guide suggests autumn angles.
What snacks in Kagurazaka?
Traditional sweets (~¥300, e.g., wagashi)—included; guide picks local.
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