• Nippon Budokan - Explore Nippon Budokan, Tokyo’s renowned arena adjacent to the Imperial Palace. Originally constructed for the 1964 Olympics, it serves as the spiritual hub for Japanese martial arts and a famed concert venue.

Discover how judo and kendo have influenced its character and how performing here has become a significant achievement for international artists. Nestled in the tranquility of Kitanomaru Park, this location merges Olympic history, martial arts heritage, and contemporary music culture in a unique setting.

• Kitanomaru Park - Kitanomaru Park is a vast public park situated on the former northern grounds of Edo Castle, next to the Imperial Palace. Today, it provides a serene retreat from the bustling streets of central Tokyo, featuring expansive walking paths, seasonal blooms, and views of the historic castle moat.

The park is particularly popular during the cherry blossom season in spring and for its vibrant autumn foliage. It also hosts significant cultural sites, including Nippon Budokan and The National Museum of Modern Art, Tokyo, making it a place where history, nature, and culture converge in a tranquil environment.

• Chidorigafuchi - Chidorigafuchi is a picturesque section of the Imperial Palace moat, celebrated for its stunning waterside path and seasonal scenery. The name refers to the curve of the moat, said to resemble the shape of plover birds (chidori).

It is especially renowned in spring, when hundreds of cherry trees bloom along the water, creating one of Tokyo’s most iconic sakura views. Visitors can stroll along the peaceful path or rent small rowboats to glide along the moat, enjoying a unique perspective of the historic stone walls and lush greenery. Throughout the year, Chidorigafuchi offers a serene, scenic setting in the heart of the city.

• Statue of Ōmura Masujirō - The Statue of Ōmura Masujirō stands near Yasukuni Shrine in Tokyo, honoring a pivotal figure in Japan’s modernization during the Meiji period. Ōmura Masujirō is often referred to as the “father of the modern Japanese army” for his role in transforming the samurai-based military into a national conscript army.

Erected in 1893, this bronze statue is considered Japan’s first Western-style public sculpture. Dressed in military attire and standing confidently with a sword at his side, the monument reflects Japan’s swift transition toward modernization in the late 19th century and serves as a reminder of the country’s dramatic shift from feudal rule to a modern nation-state.

• ソメイヨシノの標本木(東京) - The Somei Yoshino sample tree at Yasukuni Shrine is the official reference tree used to announce the start of cherry blossom season in Tokyo. Each spring, the Japan Meteorological Agency observes this specific tree, and when a set number of blossoms open, Tokyo’s sakura season is officially declared.

This tree has become a symbolic marker of spring for the city. When it blooms, news spreads swiftly across Japan, signaling the beginning of hanami season. Visitors can view the tree within the shrine grounds and witness the moment that marks one of Tokyo’s most eagerly awaited seasonal traditions.

• Yasukuni Shrine - Yasukuni Shrine is a Shinto shrine in central Tokyo dedicated to those who died in service to Japan from the mid-19th century onward. Established in 1869 during the early Meiji period, it was created to honor the spirits of soldiers and others who lost their lives in conflicts that shaped modern Japan.

Visitors pass through a large torii gate and walk along a wide, tree-lined approach leading to the main hall. The shrine grounds also include a museum that presents Japan’s modern military history. Today, Yasukuni Shrine is both a place of remembrance and reflection, as well as a site that continues to spark debate due to its complex historical associations.

• Yushukan - The Yushukan Museum is the military and history museum located within the grounds of Yasukuni Shrine in Tokyo. Opened in 1882, it is one of Japan’s oldest museums and presents materials related to the individuals enshrined at Yasukuni and the conflicts in which they were involved.

Inside, visitors will find historical documents, personal letters, uniforms, weapons, and large-scale artifacts, including a restored World War II Zero fighter plane. The museum offers insight into Japan’s modern military history from the late 19th century onward, providing context to the shrine’s role and the era of rapid change that shaped the nation.

• Entrance fees

• Gratuities

Discover one of Tokyo’s most historically significant and discussed locations on this World War II-themed tour of Yasukuni Shrine. Situated in the heart of Tokyo, the shrine honors those who perished in Japan’s modern wars and serves as a site for remembrance and contemplation.

Accompanied by a guide, participants will explore the shrine grounds to learn about its Meiji era origins and its ties to Japan’s wartime past. Within the Yushukan Museum, visitors will encounter wartime artifacts, personal letters, uniforms, and significant exhibits that convey Japan’s perspective on 20th-century conflicts.

This tour delves deeper than the headlines to offer context. Participants will discover how World War II is commemorated in Japan, why Yasukuni garners international attention, and how history and memory continue to influence contemporary society. Perfect for travelers seeking a profound understanding of modern Japan.

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