TokyoSightseeingCulture and history

    Modern Japanese History Tour in Tokyo

    4.8(5 reviews)
    By Japan AwaitsProduct code 27666P12
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    Duration

    3 hours

    Ticket type

    Mobile Only

    Languages

    English, Japanese

    Confirmation

    Instant

    Pickup

    Pickup details available

    Meeting point

    Meeting point provided

    Time zone

    Asia/Tokyo

    Why Travelers Love This

    4.8 rating from 5 reviews3 hoursMobile ticketsPickup details available

    Overview

    On this 3-hour Modern History Tour, explore Tokyo’s wartime past with your English-speaking guide. Begin at Kudanshita Station (9:00 AM) and visit key landmarks that hold relics and memories of World War II. Pay respects at Yasukuni Shrine, which commemorates 2.5 million war dead since 1869, and learn about the history and controversies surrounding it. Continue to the Yūshūkan War Museum, dedicated to the soldiers who lost their lives, and discover artifacts that shed light on Japan’s military past. Throughout the tour, gain insight into how Japanese people commemorate those lost to war, the struggles civilians faced such as starvation, and the experiences of soldiers—including the mindset behind Kamikaze missions.

    What's Included

    Included

    Other

    Entrance fees to all scheduled sites (Yūshūkan War Museum & Showa Memorial Museum)

    Other

    English-speaking guide (history expert)

    Other

    Photo opportunities

    Not included

    Other

    Food and drinks

    Other

    Souvenirs (available for purchase)

    Other

    Hotel pickup and drop-off

    Other

    Admission fees for additional attractions

    Other

    Gratuities (optional)

    Meeting and Pickup

    Meeting point

    The direction to the meeting point will be provided after booking.

    End point

    The direction to the meeting point will be provided after booking.

    Pickup details

    • Dress code is smart casual • Comfortable walking shoes are recommended

    Itinerary

    Standard3 hours
    1

    Stop 1

    30 minutesAdmission included

    Yasukuni Shrine, located in Tokyo, honors Japan's war dead with impressive traditional architecture and tranquil surroundings. Visitors can explore the shrine grounds and a museum featuring artifacts that offer insight into Japan’s military history, providing a reflective experience in the heart of Tokyo.

    2

    Stop 2

    1 hour 30 minutesAdmission included

    The Yushukan Museum, located on the grounds of Yasukuni Shrine, offers a comprehensive look at Japan’s military history. This museum features exhibits of historical artifacts, documents, and military equipment, providing visitors with a unique insight into Japan’s past through powerful and thought-provoking displays.

    3

    Stop 3

    1 hourAdmission included

    The National Showa Memorial Museum, also known as Showa-kan, provides a detailed look into the lives of Japanese civilians during and after World War II. Through exhibitions of personal items, photographs, and narratives, visitors can explore the impact of the war on everyday life in Japan and the resilience of its people during the challenging Showa era.

    Additional Info

    Wheelchair Accessible

    Wheelchair accessible

    Physical Easy

    Suitable for all physical fitness levels

    Other

    Will this be a sensitive topic for some people?

    Other

    While the purpose of this tour is to educate and inform about Modern Japanese history (from over 70 years ago until recent times), it may still be a sensitive topic to some people. We really hope that everyone who comes will keep an open mind and will not put our tour guides in a difficult situation; if the tour guide may feel threatened at any point, please note that the tour may have to end and the tour guide may contact local law enforcement if necessary.

    Other

    What is the purpose of this tour?

    Other

    In this tour, you will learn how the Japanese people commemorate and pay their respects to those who have perished from war, the issues that civilians faced during WWII such as starvation, how Japanese soldiers felt and behaved during the war, learn why kamikaze (also known as tokotai) was so prevalent and how the soldiers told their family members before their inevitable fates.

    Other

    Operating Days (Please select your preferred date accordingly)

    Other

    This tour operates from Tue to Sun each week (except on public holidays), from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM.

    Other

    Standard Cancellation Policy:

    Other

    Cancellation fee of 100% is charged if cancelled 7 days or less before the event

    Other

    Cancellation fee of 50% is charged if cancelled 14 days or less before the event

    Other

    Cancellation fee of 25% is charged if cancelled 20 days or less before the event

    Other

    Confirmation will be received at time of booking, unless booked within 7 days of travel. In this case confirmation will be received within 48 hours, subject to availability

    Cancellation Policy

    All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.

    Policy type

    All Sales Final

    All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.

    Experience may be cancelled if minimum traveler count is not met.

    Refund eligibility

    0% refundable 0+ days before

    Review Summary

    4.8

    5 reviews

    Collected by Tripadvisor

    5 stars4
    4 stars1
    3 stars0
    2 stars0
    1 stars0

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