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, a southern island of 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.

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

Although the ship landed in Kyushu, the monument is located in Yurakucho to highlight Tokyo’s role as a center of commerce and international exchange, making it easily accessible for visitors walking around Tokyo Station and Marunouchi.

We visit the Imperial Palace to enjoy the special seasonal opening of Inui-dori Avenue, available only for a limited time in spring.

Entering through Sakashita Gate, we follow the one-way walking route through the Imperial Palace grounds toward Inui Gate. The avenue is lined with many varieties of Sakura (cherry trees), creating one of the most beautiful spring landscapes in central Tokyo.

During this rare opportunity, you can also enjoy views of the Imperial Palace gardens, historic stone walls, and peaceful natural surroundings normally closed to the public.

Please note that cherry blossom blooming dates vary each year depending on weather conditions.

After leaving the Imperial Palace, we continue to Chidorigafuchi Moat, one of Tokyo’s most famous cherry blossom viewing locations.

Hundreds of cherry trees line the moat, creating a breathtaking tunnel of blossoms along the waterside path. This area is considered one of the best sakura spots in Tokyo.

We also visit Yasukuni Shrine, established in 1869 to commemorate those who lost their lives in service to Japan since the mid-19th century. The shrine grounds are also known for their cherry blossoms and include one of Tokyo’s official sample trees used to announce the start of the cherry blossom season.

At the entrance stands the shrine’s impressive Otorii gate, one of the few shrine gates in Japan that faces east.