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Promenade--from Tokyo Station to the Imperial Palace
Without any doubt, this is one of the most beautiful promenades in Japan, and also, especially historical road. At first sight, it doesn't look a lot of historical signs concealed. I'll tell you such secrets of this promenade taking a stroll on this road. There's no splendid palace like Versailles, but we can find remains of "Castle" in many places. That's the secret of this road because It's the scene of Japanese revolution, a dramatic and irreversible social change llike French revolution.
Meeting Point
In front of Marunouchi Central Exit at Tokyo Station
Tokyo Station at Marunouchi Central Exit
The red-brick station recovered its original appearance in 2012 after the war. It's said that it expresses the essence of Europe. In 1914, it was completed. That was the time when Japan ended feudal ages or Samurai period and modernization was progressing to catch up with the Great Powers of Western countries. This red-brick building was one of the symboles of such modernization of those days.
Let's take a picture in front of this beautiful station !
Avenue of Gyoukou and Wadakura fountain Park
"Gyoukou" means an outing of the Emperor. He passes on this road by car. On this avenue, a row of ginkgo trees makes a splendid contrast with high modern buildings. Wadakura Park has several fountains to see. It was built to commemorate former Emperor's marriage in 1961. Over there, we can see Palace Hotel Tokyo where former president of the United States, Mr.Trump stayd in 2019.
Avenue of Inner Moats and Tatsumi Turret
Why do these moats surround the Imperial Palace ? Tatsumi Turret has the answer to the question.
Let's take a picture in front of the beautiful Tatsumi Turret and Kikyou Moat !
Fujimi Turret and Sakashita-mon Gate @Route 1 or Ote-mon Gate @Route 2
On Mondays and Fridays, the Imperial East Garden is closed, so we go on the Route 1. Without these days, we have two choices.
On the Route 1, we can see the Fujimi Turret, 30 meters high, where Shogun (samurai leader) appreciated Mt. Fuji and fireworks of Ryougoku. Sakashita-mon gate of the Imperial Palace, now actually, is the gate of the Imperial Household Agency.
On the other hand, the Route 2 gives us a view of a typical ancient fortress gate (Ote-mon gate) and high-rize modern buildings. What a sharp contrast !
The main gate of the Imperial Palace @Route 1 or The Imperial East Garden @Route 2
Route 1---"Doubled Bridges" is an extremely popular photo spot for tourists.
And Sakurada moat is beautiful and the Sakurada-mon gate is the scene of a historical event.
Route 2--- The Imperial East Garden is an oasis with its beautiful seasonal flowers and trees.
Nanko Square & Brick Square @Route 1 or Ninomaru Garden @Route 2
Route 1---Nanko Square has a statue of Kusunoki Masashige, a brave samurai, in the center. "Nanko" is his nickname. His rest house includes a restaurant & a souvenir shop.
Brick Square has the first red brick building in this area (restored one) and now, an oasis for Marunouchi workers.
Route 2---The Ninomaru Garden was designed for strolling around a pond. We can enjoy changing views while walking.
Ending point
Route 1--- Tokyo Station
Route 2--- at Ote-mon Gate or Ote-machi Station (metro)
Ending Point
Route 1--- at Tokyo Station Route 2--- at Ote-mon Gate or Ote-machi Station (metro)
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Inclusions & Exclusions
guide fee
transportation fee (you and the guide)
Tour Important Information
The Imperial Palace would require you to walk more than you imagine.
I recommend nice shoes.
Shoes are very important !
The enclosure of the imperial palace was that of the castle of "Edo", that is to say, the former castle of the Shogun who was the samurai leader.
This is why we can see moats, stone walls and turrets.
In the past, many samurai worked there for the Shogun. Most of the buildings then have been lost, including the five-storied main tower which was 59 meters high. Near the tower, some or more women of the Shogun lived isolated from another world.
Would you like to walk through this promenade admiring many remains of the ancient castle and beautiful plants and water ?
I'm sure you will enjoy an imagination of the castle and change the impression of the imperial palace.
The Imperial East Garden is closed on Mondays and Fridays. Besides, the garden sometimes changes its schedule. This tour depends on it.
Important message from the guide
This tour depends on places' schedule.
Cancellation Policy
- Free cancellation - 8 days prior to meeting time
- 50% Refund - 3 to 7 days prior to meeting time
- No Refund - Within 2 day(s) prior to meeting time
Tokyo Tour Reviews
“Visit to Tokyo”
It'sumi was a good tour guide. She made my tour interesting but she needs to learn her way around more and be circumspect.
Itsumi S.
(6 reviews)Thanks, Miriam. I'll learn more ! Itsumi
Aimee D.
The essence of Kamakura - A half-day trip to another world
“A lovely afternoon ”
We had a great tour of kamakura with our 3 boys!
Itsumi S.
(6 reviews)I'm really glad to have your comment, Aimee ! I wish you & your nice guys every happiness. Itsumi
Brad J.
The essence of Kamakura - A half-day trip to another world
“Kamakura April 2023”
We visited Kamakura with Itsumi and saw 3 major shrine/temple areas in a short period of time. She was very knowledgeable, she tailored the tour to meet our interests, she was kind enough to make some last minute changes we requested, went as fast or slow as we wanted, and was very pleasant. I highly recommend!
Itsumi S.
(6 reviews)Dear Brad Ｊ, Thank you for writing a review of my Kamakura half day tour. Yesterday was a beautiful day ! but the bus and the street were very crowded. Thank you for all your cooperation. Thank you very much for taking my tour ! Itsumi
