Imperial Palace East Gardens (Former Edo Castle) Time Trip Walking Tour

A place where Japanese history dramatically changed

Edo Castle was the center of the Tokugawa Shogunate for 260 years.
After the Meiji Restoration, it became the Imperial Palace, where the Emperor, who has an even longer history, resides.
It changed from the residence of the Shogun to the residence of the Emperor.

With a map depicting Edo in the 1650s in hand, embark on a journey that transcends time and space.
This tour explores Edo Castle, which was the center of Japan’s government and the shogun’s residence.
With your own feet and heart, decipher the lives of the people who once lived on this land.

Let’s explore the stone walls and moats before us, and the stories of the people who once lived there.
We invite you on the ultimate time travel experience to satisfy your intellectual curiosity.

Edo, the capital of Japan, and Edo Castle, the center of the government

To help you enjoy this tour to the fullest, we will provide an overview of the tour.

【The Tokugawa Shogunate and Edo-period society】

What social classes made up Edo-period society, what were the population ratios, and what were the income sources and lifestyles of each class?

【The secret of 260 years of peace】

It is unprecedented in world history for a single government to have ruled the entire territory peacefully for such a long period of time. How was this possible? What was the Tokugawa government’s system of rule like?

【The Secret Behind Edo’s Great Prosperity】

Despite being before the Industrial Revolution, Edo, the capital of Japan, achieved unprecedented development in both culture and population scale, rivaling the world’s leading cities. Why was this possible? We explore the secrets of urban planning.

【The People Who Lived in Edo Castle】

The shogun was also a human being who spent time for eating meals or for working. In the castle, there were officials of the central government, guards of the castle, his family and the servants. What kind of lives did those persons in Edo Castle lead?

Let’s step into the stage of history

A journey of approximately 2.5 hours and 5.4 kilometers. Walk alongside a guide along paths where history comes alive and experience the grandeur of the story.

  • Mitsubishi Ichigokan Museum: Learn about the Mitsubishi Group, which played a significant role in Japan’s economy. This is a prologue that takes you back to the dawn of modern Japan.
  • Nijubashi Bridge: The iconic Nijubashi Bridge of the Imperial Palace offers a breathtaking view. Take the perfect commemorative photo.
  • Imperial Palace East Garden (former Edo Castle Inner Bailey): The center of Japanese politics where the shogun lived. As you imagine the streets of Edo, you can almost hear the breath of the women of the inner palace and the samurai.
  • Hirakawa Gate: The final destination of the story. Here, we reflect on the journey so far. Though it’s bittersweet, it’s time to return to the present.

Tour Information

  • Meeting Point: Tokyo Station South Exit
  • Group Size: 1 to 8 people
  • Start Time: 8:30 AM
  • Duration: Approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes
  • Private Tours: Available
  • Included in the Tour:
    • Guide (with explanations in Japanese)
    • A small gift
  • Cancellation Policy: The following cancellation fees will apply based on the timing of your cancellation
    • 10-8 days before tour starts 20%, 7-2 days before tour starts 30%, 24 hours before tour starts 40%, one day before tour starts 50%, late or after tour 100% 
    • If the tour is canceled due to bad weather conditions, notice will be sent by e-mail one day before tour date. Tour fee paid will be fully refunded.
    • A flight delay or cancellation certificate is required to request for rescheduling or refund.
  • Other Notes:
    • Confirmation will be received at time of booking
    • Not recommended to guests who have heart disease or other serious medical conditions. 
    • This experience requires good weather. If it is canceled due to poor weather, you will be offered a date change or a full refund. 

Price

Imperial Palace East Gardens (Former Edo Castle) Time Trip Walking Tour
10,000 Yen / person

Reservation