We begin our walking tour at the statue of Ōta Dōkan (1432–1486), the samurai who built Edo Castle in the 15th century — the castle that later became the foundation of today’s Imperial Palace.

Located in Tokyo International Forum and JR Yurakucho Station, this spot offers a great introduction to the history of Tokyo before it became a modern metropolis.

You will hear the dramatic story of this brilliant samurai strategist whose success eventually led to a tragic end.

Visit KITTE Marunouchi, the beautifully renovated historic building that once served as the Tokyo Central Post Office.

The name “KITTE” means “postage stamp” in Japanese, reflecting the building’s postal history.

From the rooftop terrace (KITTE Garden), you can enjoy one of the best panoramic views of the historic red-brick Tokyo Station building and the elegant Marunouchi district.

Japan’s modern postal system was created in 1871 by Maeshima Hisoka, often called the “Father of the Japanese Postal System.” The historic Tokyo Central Post Office once stood here, and today the site has been redeveloped as KITTE.

We continue our walk around Tokyo Station and the Marunouchi district, one of Japan’s most prestigious business areas.

You will see the historic red-brick Tokyo Station building, completed in 1914 and carefully restored in 2012. The building also appears on the reverse side of Japan’s 10,000-yen banknote.

Visit monuments related to Japan’s modernization and early international contacts, including the statue of Masaru Inoue (1843–1910), known as the “Father of Japanese Railways.”

After studying railway engineering in Britain, he helped build Japan’s first modern railway system in the late 19th century, connecting major cities and supporting Japan’s rapid modernization.

We also visit a monument commemorating the arrival of the Dutch ship De Liefde in Japan in 1600.

After a long and difficult voyage from Europe, the ship drifted to Japan and landed in Kyushu, in southern Japan. Among the crew was the English navigator William Adams, who later became a trusted advisor to Tokugawa Ieyasu and was granted the status of a samurai, becoming known as the first English samurai in Japan.

This event represents one of the earliest encounters between Japan and Europe and marks an important moment in the history of international exchange.

Today, a statue of De Liefde stands on the south side of the Marunouchi Building. It was presented by the Dutch government in 1980 during the visit of Dutch Prime Minister Dries van Agt, symbolizing the long-standing friendship and commercial ties between Japan and the Netherlands.

Explore the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace, a peaceful green space located on the former grounds of Edo Castle, once the seat of power for the Tokugawa shogunate.

Although the main castle buildings no longer remain, you can still see impressive historical features such as massive stone walls, gates, and the remains of castle towers. These structures offer a vivid glimpse into Japan’s samurai era and the scale of Edo Castle, which was once one of the largest castles in the world.

As we walk through the gardens, you will learn about the history of the Tokugawa shogunate and how Edo developed into modern Tokyo. The area also features beautifully maintained seasonal landscapes, making it a relaxing contrast to the surrounding business districts.

This stop provides a deeper understanding of Japan’s political history and the transformation from a feudal society to a modern nation.

After leaving the Imperial Palace, we continue to the Chidorigafuchi area, where a scenic moat surrounds the former Edo Castle grounds. This area offers a quiet and picturesque atmosphere, with beautiful views of water, greenery, and historic stone walls.

We then walk through Kitanomaru Park, a spacious public park that was once part of the castle’s northern defensive grounds. Today, it serves as a peaceful retreat in the heart of the city and is home to important cultural sites.

Our final stop is Yasukuni Shrine, established in 1869 to commemorate those who lost their lives in service to Japan since the mid-19th century. At the entrance stands the shrine’s impressive Otorii gate, one of the few shrine gates in Japan that faces east.

This part of the tour offers a deeper understanding of Japan’s modern history, as well as a chance to experience a quieter, more reflective side of Tokyo.