Imperial Palace to Tokyo Station Historical Walking Tour Discount Tickets

5.0
★★★★★ ★★★★★
Based on 9 reviews |
location pin icon 1-1 Chiyoda, Chiyoda, Tokyo, 100-8111, Japan
location pin icon Tokyo
5.0 /5
9 reviews
View all Imperial Palace to Tokyo Station Historical Walking Tour photos
View all Imperial Palace to Tokyo Station Historical Walking Tour photos

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9% OFF Refundable
Imperial Palace to Tokyo Station Historical Walking Tour
FROM

$29.49

REG. $32.36

Overview

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 through the Marunouchi district, experience the blend of modern architecture and historical sites, culminating at the iconic red-brick Tokyo Station, showcasing the city's vibrant transformation. This tour is perfect for history buffs and cultural explorers alike. - Discover the Imperial Palace East Gardens and its historic sites - Explore the Marunouchi district's modern architecture and art - Conclude at the beautifully restored Tokyo Station - Ideal for those interested in Japan's rich cultural heritage and modern life

Meeting and Pickup

Meeting point

Starbucks Coffee - Kokyo Gaien Wadakura Fountain Park Please meet in front of the Starbucks Coffee located inside Wadakura Fountain Park. Our guide will be waiting outside the entrance.

End Point

End point

The tour will end at Tokyo Station, a convenient hub for trains, shopping, and dining. Our guide will be happy to assist you with directions or recommendations at the end of the tour.

Language Offered

Korean-GUIDE

Mandarin-GUIDE

Japanese-GUIDE

Cantonese-GUIDE

English-GUIDE

French-GUIDE

Spanish-GUIDE

Itinerary

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 mins
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 mins
3. Ote-San'no Gate Ruins
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 mins
4. Hyakunin Bansho Guardhouse
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 mins
5. 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 mins
6. Suwa no Chaya Teahouse
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 mins
7. Bairinzaka (Plum Tree Hill)
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 mins
8. 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 mins
9. Fujimi-yagura
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 mins
10. Edo Castle keep restoration model
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 offers a rare opportunity to visualize the scale, design, and grandeur of what was once the political heart of the Tokugawa shogunate. It's a perfect stop for those interested in Japanese history, architecture, and samurai-era culture.
Duration: 5 mins
11. Honmaru (Main Hall)
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 history were once made. Surrounded by stone foundations, wide open lawns, and remnants of defensive walls, the Honmaru Ruins offer a powerful sense of scale and historical significance. It's a peaceful yet impressive area that helps you imagine the grandeur of the castle in its prime.
Duration: 10 mins
12. 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 mins
13. 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.
14. Tokyo Station
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.
Duration: 20 mins

Inclusion

Local tour guide

Exclusion

Lunch

Access to the Inner Palace (not open to the public)

Cancellation Policy

Check mark icon Refundable tickets

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

  • 100% refund if cancelled 1+ days before the start date
  • 0% refund if cancelled less than 1 day(s) before the start date

Additional Info

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

Supplied by Reelu inc

Reviews

5.0

★★★★★ ★★★★★
Based on 9 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

5 stars
9
4 stars
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2 stars
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1 stars
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