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Highlights
- Start a Private Guided Walking Tour: Imperial Palace East Gardens and Edo Castle Ruins in Tokyo. Explore these sites with an English-speaking guide.
- Discover famous landmarks such as Ōte-mon Gate, Hyakunin Bansho Guardhouse, Fujimi-yagura, and the Honmaru Castle Ruins during your visit.
- Take a leisurely stroll through the beautifully restored Ninomaru Garden. Enjoy its seasonal blooms, koi ponds, and serene landscapes.
- Experience a flexible private tour on your own schedule in Tokyo's historic heart. Take time for questions, photography, and capturing memorable views.
Your Experience
Explore Tokyo's samurai history with this private guided tour of the Imperial Palace East Gardens and Edo Castle ruins. Discover historic gates, watchtowers that have stood the test of time, serene Japanese gardens, and the remnants of what was once the Tokugawa Shogunate’s seat of power. Your guide will bring centuries of imperial and feudal history to life with fascinating stories.
Getting started
Your journey begins at Wadakura Fountain Park where you'll meet your guide for a brief introduction before embarking on a leisurely walking tour through the Imperial Palace East Gardens. As this is an exclusive private experience, enjoy a personalized pace that allows plenty of time to ask questions, admire the scenery, and take memorable photos.
- Your exploration starts at Sakurada Tatsumi Yagura, one of Edo-period watchtowers still standing today. From here, you'll enjoy panoramic views across the moat and surrounding castle grounds.
- Pass through Ōte-mon Gate, which served as the main entrance to Edo Castle. Learn about its strategic defensive design and significance during the Tokugawa era.
- Continue on to Hyakunin Bansho Guardhouse where elite samurai once stood guard over the castle, encircled by towering stone walls and historic guardhouses.
- Visit Fujimi-yagura, the sole remaining three-story turret of the castle. Stop at Honmaru Goten Rest House to view a detailed scale model of Edo Castle’s former main keep.
- Climb up to the Edo Castle Ruins where you'll find the massive stone foundation that once supported Japan's tallest historic castle tower, offering sweeping views across central Tokyo and nearby Nippon Budokan.
- End your tour in the tranquil Ninomaru Garden. This beautifully restored Japanese landscape features koi ponds, seasonal flowers, elegant bridges, and carefully designed strolling paths.
Inclusions & Exclusions
- Explore the Imperial Palace East Gardens
- Discover Edo Castle ruins
- Tour Ninomaru Garden
- See Ōte-mon Gate
- Experience Hyakunin Bansho Guardhouse
- Visit Fujimi-yagura
- Check out Honmaru Goten Rest House
- Enjoy a Private walking tour
- Guided by an English-speaking tour guide
- (Day tours only) Receive a cooling towel
- Admission to the Inner Palace
This product offers multiple ticket options. Some items above (like transfers or fast-track access) may only apply to specific options — confirm what's included when you select yours.
Must Know
- Please bring a mobile voucher or photo ID for entry.
- The meeting point is Wadakura Fountain Park; look for staff with a sign board showing 'gotcha' near Tokyo metro Otemachi station exit D2 or 10 minutes from Tokyo Station Marunouchi center gate.
- Large luggage and oversized bags are not recommended as the tour involves walking through historic sites.
- Note that this experience is not wheelchair accessible, so plan accordingly if accessibility is a concern for you or your group.
Ticket Delivery
- Your voucher will be emailed to you shortly.
- Display the voucher on your mobile phone with a valid photo ID at the starting point.
- Please check your final voucher for the starting point details & specific instructions.
Cancellation Policy
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts.
Frequently asked questions
Clear answers to the most common questions travelers ask before booking this experience.
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