Tokyo Imperial Palace History Tour with expert longtime resident
from $22.00
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
Overview
Learn how the dynamics of Japanese culture have shaped its history over the past 600 years as an expert English-language guide reveals the historic and cultural mysteries of the Imperial Palace East Gardens, where the nation’s last feudal dynasty ruled from 1603 to 1869 and laid the foundations for modern Japan.
Learn Japan’s culture and group dynamics preserve a peaceful and respectful society that conceals its paradoxical inner turmoil and chaos.
2 hours
Meet at the start point (no pickup)
Near the terrace adjacent to the Starbucks, we meet in front of the large tree next to the old castle wall.
Itinerary
- 1Wadakura Fountain Park
Learn what a park built to celebrate the marriage of an imperial crown prince tells us about Japanese culture.
- 2Kokyo Otemon Gate
Enter the ruins of ancient Edo Castle through the restored 17th-century Otemon gate, and learn about castle architecture, and the origins of Japan's last feudal government.
- 3Stop
Learn how visitors to the shogun's massive fortress were greeted. See the miracle trees that survived the world's first atomic bombing and learn how feudal Japan forged the culture of craftsmanship that thrives to this.
- 4The East Gardens of the Imperial Palace - Edo Castle Ruin
Stroll through the gardens on the site where Japan's last feudal rulers' palace once stood, and where the remains of Japan's largest castle tower still stand. Learn how Japanese culture contributed to sealing the country off from the rest of the world and how the Japan rallied behind an emperor in the 19th century only to be destroyed in the 20th.
- 5Ninomaru Chashitsu
Immerse yourself in the tranquil beauty of the Ninomaru Garden, originally built by the Tokugawa Shoguns and learn how Japan embraces a culture of respect and peace in an otherwise chaotic world.
What's included
- Expert knowledge from longtime Japan resident
Not included
- Gratuities
Good to know
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
