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Shoguns & Emperors: Imperial Palace Gardens - Private Tour
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.
Meeting Point
Wadakura Fountain Park
- Meet at Wadakura Fountain Park in front of the Starbucks.
Kikyo Mon Gate
Take a first look at the gates that protected the castle.
Otemon Gate
Enter the Imperial Palace East gardens via the beautiful Otemon Gate.
Guardhouses
See how the low ranking Samurai would be stationed outside the castle walls to protect the Shogun.
Nakamon Gate - Enter the gardens & former Castle compound
See the huge stones that made up the outer defence of the old Edo castel.
Fujimi-yagura
The watchtower that has views of the Imperial Palace and Mount Fuji. Unfortunately, we it is off limits!
Fujimi-tamon Defence House
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 Music Hall
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.
Edo Casle Remains
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.
Ninomaru Gardens
Walk around the beautiful Ninomaru Garden area with its trees from every prefecture of Japan, Japanese garden and unique Koi carp.
Souvenir Shop and Finish Tour
Finally, stop by the souvenir shops to see the unique gifts available only from the Imperial Palace Gardens.
Ending Point
Otemon Gate
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Inclusions & Exclusions
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)
Tour Important Information
* 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.
Important message from the supplier
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.
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
“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.
(7 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.
(7 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
“Nice Guy, Decent experience”
Ed was great at communication and booking. He was flexible as our plans changed a bit a and we made a few changes to our day including meeting location and time, and Ed just worked with it. He took us to some great local eats and we had a great experience. One location was a local ramen shop and another a local coffee house. We didn't give 5 stars as Ed wasn't a take charge type and we spent a bit of time just discussing what to do next. I think that might be because our timing and the location changed so Ed wasn't really prepared for all that. I think you will have a great time either way! Enjoy
Ed J.
(7 reviews)Happy that you had a good time. We 'struck gold' with the Ramen shop. Definately a highlight for me. Also, getting to see Sensoji temple in the evening as they were closing up the huge doors was quite an unique experience. Hope Canada is treating you well! Hope to see you again on your next Japan trip : )
