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Walking along the Imperial Palace
The Imperial Palace used to be Edo castle of Tokugawa shogunate during Edo period. This tour covers the Outer Garden of western Palace where the emperor lives inside and the East Gardens which used to be the main part of the castle. You can see the main gate area called Niju-Bashi (double bridge), moat of the castle with long stone walls, gates and buildings renovated 50 years ago, and Japanese garden with the explanation of their history.
Meeting Point
At your hotel near the reception
The following is an example itinerary starting at 10:00 AM. You can choose other starting time after 10:00 AM
10:00 At your hotel
I will pick you up near the reception.
10:30 AM: Sakuradamon Gate
Sakuradamon Gate ; In front of this gate, Naosuke Ii, who was the Tairo of Tokugawa Shogunate (corresponding to a prime minister) was assassinated at the end of Edo Period which weakened the Shogunate.
10:45 AM: Double Bridge area
Double Bridge area; You can see the Stone Bridge, which is the entrance of the Imperial Palace, with the view of the Double Bridge and Fushimi Turret.
11:00 AM: The Tatsumi Turret
The Tatsumi Turret; This is a two story defense house of the castle. You can enjoy the view of the old Edo castle at the end of the Samurai period in 19th century, which is often used in movies or TV dramas on this period.
11:15 AM: Ohte-Mon Gate
Ohte-Mon Gate; This gate was the main gate of Edo castle, which consists of two doors and the square area called Masugata, typical defense system. There is an original statue of Shachihoko made in Edo period.
11:30 AM: Doshin-Bansho guard house and Hyakunin guard house
Doshin-Bansho guard house and Hyakunin guard house; These guard houses were used to inspect visiting local lords and guard the castle.
11:45 AM: Nakano-Mon Gate
Nakano-Mon Gate; In this area, you can see many types of stone walls, including a sample of the stone as heavy as 35 tons.
12:00 PM: Honmaru
Honmaru; Open area with a lawn which used to be the main part of Edo castle with many conference rooms and Shogun's private area, and a harem of his concubines.
12:15 PM: Stone base of the Donjon
Stone base of the Donjon; There used to a five story tower on this stone base. The last tower was burned out in 1657 and never rebuilt again. You can walk up to the base and enjoy a good view of the garden surrounded by modern buildings of Tokyo.
12:30 PM: Ninomaru Teien
Ninomaru Teien; A typical strolling type Japanese garden with pond and trails. This garden was renovated base on the picture of the garden in Edo period.
13:00 PM: at Takebashi station
End of the tour
Optional (12:30-15:00) : Inside of the western part of the Imperial Palace
Optional with extra fee: We can enter inside of the western part of the Imperial Palace by attending the special tour provided by the Ministry. You need a passport and to fill out a form to attend this tour.
Ending Point
Exit of Imperial Palace
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Inclusions & Exclusions
Guide fee
Hotel pick up
Transportation cost of the guide within Tokyo
Transportation cost of you
Transportation cost of the guide outside of Tokyo (if you stay outside of Tokyo such as Disneyland)
Lunch cost of you and the guide
Tour Important Information
The western part of the Imperial Palace with its Celemony Hall is not open public.
You can see the stone bridge and the double bridge from outside, and the view is very popular with Fushimi turret.
After the area, I will take you to the East gardens of the Imperial Palace, which is open to public except on Monday and Friday.
If you are eager to look inside of the western part, there is a special tour conducted by the Ministry twice a day.
The number of its participants is limited by 300 persons per time, but I can help you to take the special tour in the afternoon with additional fee.
- The tour guide is not available on Monday.
- Please, send a direct message to the tour guide for confirming the availability before booking
The east garden is closed on Mondays and Fridays.
Important message from the guide
There is little restriction due to COVID 19 in 2023. I was vaccinated six times with the Pfizer one.
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
“Kanazawa Gardens, Samurai and Geisha districts”
Yoji-san showed around, spoke excellent English, was knowledgeable,very friendly and very experienced. We would recommend him very highly. Our first trip to Kanazawa and Japan but our 3rd Go With Guide experience and Yoji is very good and also great value. Thank you.
Yuki K.
(348 reviews)Dear Sandy, Thank you for your review of my Garden tour in Tokyo. We visited Happo-en Garden, Koishikawa Korakuen Garden in the morning. We planned to visit Kiyosumi Garden in the afternoon but I took you to Chidorigafuchi Moat for cherry blossoms. Thank you for taking my tour, Yuki
“Great English ”
Yuki was very punctual very informative and did a great job finding what we wanted His English was excellent. We enjoyed our time with him Would recommend
Yuki K.
(348 reviews)Dear Anthony, I appreciate your review within the tour day. Tsukiji is getting more and more crowded with foreign tourists for Japanese foods. I took you places without long line for Japanese beef and ramen. You missed my favorite sushi place but next time maybe. Thank you for taking my tour. Yuki
“Great experience seeing highlights of Kyoto”
Yuki was a knowledgeable guide and very personable. He customized our tour to hit the major highlights of Kyoto at an efficient pace that allowed us to learn about the sites and cover as much as possible. I would highly recommend this day trip from Tokyo to Kyoto with Yuki.
Yuki K.
(348 reviews)Dear Michael, Thank you for your review just after our tour. It was a long day but everything went well with your help. Thank you for taking my tour. Please give my best regards to your mother. Yuki
