Imperial Palace Tour: Tokyo's Historic Heart

Enter the realm of the Shogun, where his aspirations laid the groundwork for contemporary Japan! Discover how Japan evolved into its current form while touring the Eastern Gardens with our English-speaking guide!

Duration: 2 hours
Cancellation: 24 hours
Highlights
  • The East Gardens of the Imperial Palace (Edo Castle Ruin) - Start your walking tour by meeting the guide at Starbucks in Wadakuramon Park! Together, walk towards the impressive main gate (Otemon) of the Imperial Palace in Tokyo. As you enter, follow the guide on an engaging journey around the palace grounds and eastern garden! (The main castle no…
What's Included
  • Guided walking tour explaining the history of Japan
  • Interactive and friendly English-speaking guide
  • Great photo spots
  • Beautiful garden
  • One-of-a-kind royal koi fish
  • Bamboo forest
  • Guide who can help with other travel tips
What's Not Included
  • Access to the Inner Palace (note: not open to the public)
Location
Starbucks Coffee - Kokyo Gaien Wadakura Fountain Park
Take the train to Tokyo station, from there it is only a 5-10 minute walk to the Wadakuramon fountain park. In the park, head to the Starbucks where your guide will be waiting for you. The guide will be holding a sign with "Sunrise Adventure´s" logo :)
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.9
(139 Ratings)
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Peace_s
Oct 15, 2025
Our guide Natsume was... - Our guide Natsume was very knowledgeable about edo period history and led us through the absolutely stunning imperial gardens. She was also kind enough to share her knowledge of local restaurants and shrines. Very good tour that I would highly recommend.
Review provided by Viator
587shaylap
Oct 15, 2025
Best way to see the Imperial Palace - We had Shin as our guide and he is the best!!!! He was so informative and answered all of our questions! The tour of the Imperial Palace East Gardens was amazing, and I wouldn’t have understood all of the history and culture behind the area had we not had this experience. It was one of my favorite experiences in Tokyo!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Sammyr21
Oct 15, 2025
Thorough and well structured journey through the Edo period - The walking tour was superb, Natsume was fantastic and really brought the history alive. Her English was impeccable and she gave us fantastic tips on where to get good food afterwards. Highly recommend the tour whether in a group or travelling solo.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Morganem643
Oct 15, 2025
Walking through Japanese history - We did our walking tour with Alexandre and we had a very good time ! The visit was 2h but time flies as we discovered more about Japanese history, stories told by a very fun and friendly guide :) The eastern garden are real gem and a must-see in Tokyo. Thank you so much ! (Arigato, et merci de la part des Français de Dublin)
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Susan_l
Oct 14, 2025
Great Walking Tour - Very educational and a pace that allowed for questions and pictures. Guide was excellent and easy to understand. Most tours do not include entrance to the actual palace grounds- this tour does and it’s definitely worth it.
Review provided by Viator
Shama
Oct 12, 2025
Highly Recommended: Excellent tour with Shin - The tour meeting place was in front of Starbucks - very convenient. The walking tour is for 2 hours but not strenuous. Our tour guide was Shin who was fluent in English and even studied in Gold Coast Oz. He gave us interesting information and took our photos for us along the way. Saw the passion of Tokyo citizens when it comes to history and historic sites. Learnt a lot about the Edo period and the reign of Shogun as opposed to the Imperial rule. Absolutely loved it! Ask for Shin as your tour guide if you can. Must to do activity when in Tokyo!
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Z2109temohamedn
Oct 12, 2025
Amazing Imperial Gardens Guided Tour. - Shin, the guide was very knowledgeable about the Japanese history and rhw culture, the tour was well organized. I would dedinitively recommend him.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Michael_h
Oct 11, 2025
Thoroughly enjoyed the... - Thoroughly enjoyed the stroll around The Imperial Gardens. Nico, our guide was very knowledgeable. The gardens were lush & green & the koi were beautiful. Without Nico’s knowledge, we would have been oblivious to the history & meaning of the site. Thank you Nico for the great morning.
Review provided by Viator
Eriks3136
Oct 9, 2025
Top tour! - We did the tour the 9th of October. Our tour guide was Shin. He was incredibly nice and knowledgeable and managed to answer all the questions the group had. His English was very understandable and his storytelling style very engaging. Would definitely recommend!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Yaqun
Oct 9, 2025
Very good tour - Shin is very knowledgeable on Japanese history. We found the tour very informative and entertaining. We had a good time touring the imperial palace.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
From $32
up to 6 guests
1 - Adult
Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of your experience (local time).