Walking Tour to Discover William Adams in Edo City

In April 1600, the first Dutch ship Liefde arrived in Japan.

The ship departed Netherlands, in 1598, with a crew of 110, but there were only 18 survivors. Among the crew were the Dutchman Jan Joosten and the Englishman William Adams.

Both men served Ieyasu, the first Shogun of Tokugawa shogunate as diplomatic advisors, and William Adams in particular became an unprecedented foreign feudal lord in Japanese history.

William Adams’s outstanding insight contributed greatly to the Tokugawa shogunate amidst a difficult international situation.

Many biographies have been written, and in recent years, a television drama starring William Adams, “Shogun” (based on the 1975 novel “Shogun” by James Clavell), was produced in the United States and released in 2024, winning numerous awards and gaining popularity.

This early morning walking tour traces the legacy he left to Japanese society and his outstanding character, focusing on places around Tokyo Station associated with William Adams.

Tokyo Station

Presentation of the life and the work of William Adams

Jan Joosten van Lodensteijn Memorial Statue

Difficult voyage of William Adams to come to Japan, the circumstances in the world and in Japan at that moment of history, his relationship with the Shogun.

Jan Joosten van Loodensteyn Memorial

Fates and lives of other crew members of the Liefde, the ship with which William Adams came to Japan, his relationship with them and with other his contemporaries

Nihonbashi Bridge (Pass By)

Importance of Nihonbashi Bridge in Japan and the strategic choice of the Shogun

Site of William Adam’s Residence

William Adams and his family, His personality, His wingspan and his contribution for the Japanese society and history

Infomation

  • Meeting Point: JAPAN RAIL CAFE TOKYO 1-chōme-9-1 Marunouchi, Chiyoda City, Tokyo 100-0005, Japan
  • Group Size: 1 to 8 people
  • Start time: 7:00 AM
  • Duration: 60 minutes
  • Private Tours: Available
  • Included in the Tour:
    • Guide (Select from Japanese, English, or French – please inquire in advance)
    • Document concerning William Adams
  • 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. 

Price

Walking Tour to Discover William Adams in Edo City

3000 yen/person

Reservation