Imperial Palace to Tokyo Station Historical Walking Tour

5.0

based on 6 reviews

| Tokyo, Japan

Features

Free Cancellation

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

Instant ticket delivery

Mobile Ticket

Pickup available

Duration

2.5 hours

Wheelchair accessible

Audio guide

Live guide

Local tour guide

Please note that food and drinks are not included and should be purchased individually.
Access to the Inner Palace (not open to the public)

Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Stroll through Tokyo's rich history on this walking tour from the Imperial Palace to Tokyo Station. Start at the serene East Gardens, admiring the moats and gardens that echo the Tokugawa shogunate's past. Learn about Japan's imperial history and enjoy scenic views at the centre of Tokyo. As you wander...

Duration 2 Hours and 30 Minutes
Group Tour
Max 12 people in the group

1
Wadakura Fountain Park
Begin your exploration at Wadakura Fountain Park, located near the Imperial Palace. Established in 1961 to commemorate the marriage of Emperor Akihito, the park features elegant fountains and provides a tranquil setting amidst the city's hustle
- Duration 5 Minutes•
- No Admission Ticket Required
2
Kokyo Otemon Gate
Proceed to the historic Ōte-mon Gate, the main entrance to the Imperial Palace East Gardens. This imposing gate once served as a primary access point to Edo Castle, reflecting the architectural grandeur of the samurai era.
- Duration 10 Minutes•
- No Admission Ticket Required

Chiyoda

Nearby, explore the remnants of the Ote-San'no Gate. These ruins offer a glimpse into the castle's defensive structures and the strategic design employed during the Edo period.

Duration 5 Minutes•
No Admission Ticket Required

1

Visit the Hyakunin Bansho Guardhouse, historically manned by a hundred samurai responsible for the security of the castle's innermost sections. The guardhouse stands as a testament to the vigilance and order of the shogunate's military operations.

Duration 10 Minutes•
No Admission Ticket Required

Ninomaru Garden

Stroll through the meticulously landscaped Ninomaru Garden, a classic Japanese garden featuring seasonal flora, winding paths, and serene water features. This garden offers a peaceful retreat and showcases traditional Japanese horticultural artistry.

Duration 10 Minutes•
No Admission Ticket Required

1

Pause at Suwa-no-chaya, a historic teahouse nestled within the gardens. While the teahouse itself is not operational, its presence adds to the historical ambiance, reflecting the cultural significance of tea ceremonies in Japan.

Duration 5 Minutes•
No Admission Ticket Required

1

Ascend Bairinzaka, also known as Plum Tree Hill, adorned with numerous plum trees that bloom vibrantly in season. This spot offers picturesque views and a fragrant experience during the blooming period.

Duration 5 Minutes•
No Admission Ticket Required

Edo Castle Takehashi Gomon Ruins

Explore the site of the former Edo Castle's main keep. Though the original structure was lost, the remaining stone foundations and walls convey the immense scale and significance of the Tokugawa shogunate's seat of power.

Duration 10 Minutes•
No Admission Ticket Required

1

Visit the Fujimi-yagura, one of the few remaining watchtowers of Edo Castle. Historically used for surveillance and defense, it offers insights into the castle's military architecture.

Duration 10 Minutes•
No Admission Ticket Required

Chiyoda

Within the Imperial Palace East Gardens, visitors will find a detailed scale model of the original Edo Castle main keep (Tenshukaku), meticulously reconstructed based on historical records and drawings. The original keep, once the tallest castle tower in Japan, was destroyed by fire in 1657 and never rebuilt. This model...

Duration 5 Minutes•
No Admission Ticket Required

1

Located within the Imperial Palace East Gardens, the Honmaru area was once the central compound of Edo Castle, serving as the main residence and political headquarters of the Tokugawa shogunate. Though the original structures no longer remain, visitors can walk through the spacious site where important decisions that shaped Japan’s...

Duration 10 Minutes•
No Admission Ticket Required

Kokyo Gaien National Garden

Exit the East Gardens into Kokyo Gaien National Garden, an expansive plaza offering unobstructed views of the palace's outer structures and the iconic Nijubashi Bridge. The open space is ideal for photography and appreciating the palace's grandeur.

Duration 5 Minutes•
No Admission Ticket Required

Marunouchi

Continue your walk through the Marunouchi district, Tokyo's prestigious business hub. Here, modern skyscrapers stand alongside historic buildings, housing upscale boutiques, restaurants, and art installations, exemplifying Tokyo's blend of tradition and innovation.

No Admission Ticket Required•
Drive-By Only

9

Conclude your tour at Tokyo Station, renowned for its distinctive red-brick façade restored to its 1914 glory. Inside, the station is a bustling nexus of travel, commerce, and dining, featuring an array of shops and eateries that cater to diverse tastes.