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Private Tokyo Castle and Imperial Palace Shogun Walking Tour
Product code 5523026P60
From
From JPY 24,000
Dates
Available from May 25, 2026
Start times
12:00 PM, 2:30 PM, 1:30 PM, 10:30 AM, 9:00 AM
Travelers
Traveler ages 0-120
Options
Private Tokyo Castle and Imperial Palace Shogun Walking Tour
Availability, payment, cancellation, and vouchers are completed on Viator after you leave this page.
Duration
2 hours
Ticket type
Mobile Only
Languages
English
Confirmation
Instant
Meeting point
Meeting point provided
Time zone
Asia/Tokyo
Booking, payment, cancellation, and vouchers continue on Viator.
From
From JPY 24,000
Private Tokyo Castle and Imperial Palace Shogun Walking Tour





View all photos













Duration
2 hours
Ticket type
Mobile Only
Languages
English
Confirmation
Instant
Meeting point
Meeting point provided
Time zone
Asia/Tokyo
Why Travelers Love This
Learn about samurai and the 2,600-year legacy of Japan's emperors in a small-group tour of up to 10. An expert guide will uncover the secrets of Edo Castle, Japan’s largest fortress, never breached. [Highlights] ・Private group of up to 15 people ・The Secret Behind Edo Castle's Impenetrable Defense ・Japan's 2,600-year imperial system ・History of the Samurai and the Shogun ・Visiting the Japanese Garden Admired by the Emperor Please note: This tour is conducted in English only, Japanese language support is not available. - Duration: Approximately 2 hours of engaging walking tour - Meet at Starbucks Coffee, Kōkyo Gaien for convenient access - Maximum group size of 15 for an intimate experience - Explore the East Gardens and enjoy photo opportunities throughout the tour
Overview
Learn about samurai and the 2,600-year legacy of Japan's emperors in a small-group tour of up to 10. An expert guide will uncover the secrets of Edo Castle, Japan’s largest fortress, never breached. [Highlights] ・Private group of up to 15 people ・The Secret Behind Edo Castle's Impenetrable Defense ・Japan's 2,600-year imperial system ・History of the Samurai and the Shogun ・Visiting the Japanese Garden Admired by the Emperor Please note: This tour is conducted in English only, Japanese language support is not available. - Duration: Approximately 2 hours of engaging walking tour - Meet at Starbucks Coffee, Kōkyo Gaien for convenient access - Maximum group size of 15 for an intimate experience - Explore the East Gardens and enjoy photo opportunities throughout the tour
What's Included
Included
Guided Walking Tour
Not included
No exclusions listed.
Meeting and Pickup
Meeting point
The guide will be holding a white flag that says "Local Guide Stars" in front of the Starbucks.
End point
The guide will be holding a white flag that says "Local Guide Stars" in front of the Starbucks.
Itinerary
Stop 1
20 minutes
Stop 1
You can see a surviving turret from the Edo period and learn about the security systems that still protect the Imperial Palace today.
Stop 2
10 minutes
Stop 2
You’ll see two massive gates and stone walls from the original castle. This is where we talk about how the design helped protect the shogun.
Stop 3
10 minutes
Stop 3
A small guardhouse once used by lower-ranking samurai. This is where we talk about who they were and why this spot was important.
Stop 4
10 minutes
Stop 4
A large guardhouse where many samurai were stationed. This is where we talk about their role in castle security.
Stop 5
10 minutes
Stop 5
A central guardhouse near the inner gate. Here, we talk about the samurai of higher rank and their duties.
Stop 6
10 minutes
Stop 6
An old watchtower overlooking the area. This is where we talk about its role and what made it special in the past.
Stop 7
10 minutes
Stop 7
You can see a scale model of the former Edo Castle and visit a souvenir shop with palace-related goods.
Stop 8
15 minutes
Stop 8
This is the former site of Edo Castle’s main tower. We talk here about why it’s no longer standing and what remains today.
Stop 9
15 minutes
Stop 9
A traditional Japanese garden with seasonal plants and a pond with koi. This is where we enjoy the peaceful side of the former castle grounds.
Pass by stop 10
Pass by stop 10
We will conclude the tour in front of the ginkgo-lined avenue stretching out before Tokyo Station.
Additional Info
Stroller Accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Public Transportation Nearby
Public transportation options are available nearby
Physical Medium
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Other
There is a security check to enter the Imperial Palace. Please do not bring knives or alcohol.
Other
The Emperor's residence is not open to the public.
Health Other
There are no health restrictions, but please note that you will need to walk up steep slopes and stairs.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Policy type
Standard
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Refund eligibility
100% refundable 1+ days before
Refund eligibility
0% refundable 0-1 days before
Review Summary
5.0
1 reviews
Collected by Tripadvisor
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