Journey back in time to the former site of Edo castle, now the Imperial Palace East Gardens. Learn about the overthrowing of the Shogun and the Emperor's new beginnings. Navigate the historic area with fun and intriguing stories about Japan’s fascinating history. Surrounded by moats, the beautiful gardens were once the site of the impressive Tokyo castle. Go at your own pace on a leisurely tour of the Imperial Palace area.
Wadakura Fountain Park
- Meet at Wadakura Fountain Park in front of the Starbucks.
Take a first look at the gates that protected the castle.
Enter the Imperial Palace East gardens via the beautiful Otemon Gate.
See how the low ranking Samurai would be stationed outside the castle walls to protect the Shogun.
See the huge stones that made up the outer defence of the old Edo castel.
The watchtower that has views of the Imperial Palace and Mount Fuji. Unfortunately, we it is off limits!
The Defence House is the sole surviving example of defence house from the period of the Tokugawa Shogunate. You catch a 'glimpse' of part of the Imperial Palace!
Toukagakudo is a music hall located in the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace.It was built in 1966 to commemorate Empress Kojun's 60th birthday.
A castle tower base built for the reconstruction but never completed. At the end of the Edo period, The castle was peacefully surrendered from the Tokugawa shogunate to the Meiji government.
Walk around the beautiful Ninomaru Garden area with its trees from every prefecture of Japan, Japanese garden and unique Koi carp.
Finally, stop by the souvenir shops to see the unique gifts available only from the Imperial Palace Gardens.
Otemon Gate
Tour Guide
Guests Transport costs to the meeting point
Food & Drinks
Admission to the Shozokan if guets wanted to enter after the tour has finished (Entrance fee: Adults 1000 Yen / Under 18 Free)
* The Gardens are closed on Mondays, Fridays and Special Holidays.
* This tour involves a lot of walking. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes.
* Edo Castle no longer exists in it's entirety!
NOTE: The Gardens are closed on Mondays & Fridays, so this tour will not be avialble on those days.
I am flexible with dates and times and areas to explore. I can arrange an interesting itinerary for you or you can give me ideas as to what you would like to see and do.
“Taking Ed off the beaten path”
I really appreciated Ed's willingness to discuss subtle cultural differences between Japan and US visitors. He had many insights into language use, norms and food that I have not figured out through visiting my Japanese relatives. Ed was also willing to help me track down an aunt I had lost touch with in Kawasaki - a town he was to that familiar with. We found my aunt - which was super sweet, but also hidden delights of Kawasaki: a neighborhood onsen, the tofu delivery guy on his bike, the local food shop that my aunt orders food from. Such a great day and Ed rocked being a guide and participant! I look forward to coming back for more cultural lessons - and looking for my other relatives.
Ed J.
(8 reviews)What a bizarre, funny, interesting littel adventure we had! Such a memorable day. I can't believe we tracked down your Aunt and had tea with her! Thank you so much for being brave enough to do something a bit different with me. I'll send you the videos of our meeting. Ed
“Best guide for Tokyo”
We are so happy that we found Ed who shared two amazing days with us around this huge city. A wonderful personalised tour that took in everything we needed to see with good coffee and food on the way. We totally recommend Ed and he hasn’t seen the last of us! 11 out of 10! Rina and Gary Cutler
Ed J.
(8 reviews)Gary & Rina, thank you for being amazing guests. I had such a great time with you guys. And I'll see you in Australia ; )
“A hidden gem ”
If I could I would give Ed a 5 + rating he is the hidden gem In Japan we had an excellent day made happy memories with Ed he thought of everything that we would need and we learnt not only about the history but how navigate the train system he gave us a unique experience the old and new Japan and a few more tips along the way friendly and easy to get on with just give Ed your personal interest which he can factor into into your tour
Ed J.
(8 reviews)It was an absolute pleasure showing you guys around Tokyo. My highlight was chatting to the wise, senior lady in Asakusa. We were so lucky having her pose for a photo with us in front of the Gold Mikoshi shrines at Asakusa Shrine. And, also the ice-cream in Yanaka was super delicious : ) Have a safe trip. Ed