Product Description

Step into the footsteps of Japan’s most powerful Shoguns on a guided walking tour through the historic Imperial Palace grounds. Discover how a feudal castle became the Emperor’s residence, and gain rich insights into Japan’s past from an expert English-speaking guide.

Highlights

• Walk in the Shogun’s footsteps and uncover 350+ years of history
• Enjoy a guided, interactive tour through the Imperial Palace East Gardens
• Discover fascinating stories about Edo Castle and its transformation
• Learn about Japan’s old social ranking system: Farmers, Samurai, Daimyo, and Shogun
• Get personalized travel tips from your friendly English-speaking guide

Full Description

Start your journey by meeting your guide at Wadakura Fountain Park, right outside Tokyo Station. From here, stroll through the grand Otemon Gate — once the imposing entrance to Edo Castle — and into the Imperial Palace East Gardens.

Although the original castle no longer stands, your guide will bring its legacy to life with stories, historical insights, and a miniature restoration model of the ancient keep. Along the way, visit former samurai guardhouses, traditional tea houses, koi ponds, and a unique garden with trees representing every Japanese prefecture.

Explore quiet stone paths and bamboo groves while learning about Japan’s feudal past and the evolution of its imperial system. You’ll leave with not just beautiful memories but a deeper understanding of Japan’s political and cultural roots.

Pricing

From ¥4,800 per person

Includes

• Expert English-speaking guide
• Guided walk through Imperial Palace East Gardens
• Access to scenic photo spots, koi pond, and bamboo grove
• Local tips and recommendations from your guide

Meeting Point

Wadakura Fountain Park (Starbucks by the fountain)
3-1 Kokyogaien, Chiyoda City, Tokyo 100-0002, Japan

Take the train to Tokyo Station or Otemachi Station. From there, it’s a 5–10 minute walk to the park. Look for your guide holding a “SUNRISE ADVENTURE” sign near the fountain.

Itinerary Highlights

• Wadakura Moat
• Otemon Gate
• Hyakunin Bansho Guardhouse
• Ninomaru Garden
• Bamboo Forest & Prefectural Trees Grove
• Edo Castle Ruins & Restoration Model
• Fujimi-yagura Watchtower
• Edo Castle Honmaru (Main Hall Site)

(Complete loop returns to Wadakura Fountain Park)

Reviews

“Incredible day with our guide Lakki — warm, passionate, and full of amazing Edo-era stories. Left deeply enriched.”
“Our guide was knowledgeable and gave us great restaurant tips too!”
“Mika showed us off-the-beaten-path spots inside the palace grounds. Highly recommended tour!”