Tokyo · IMPERIAL PALACE TOURS
14 reviewed
The shortlist we would hand a friend: 14 imperial palace tours worth booking, each with its price, its reader verdict, and the one thing to know before you commit.
Guided walk through Tokyo’s Imperial Palace East Gardens and Edo Castle ruins, with clear shogun-era stories. Small group, mobile ticket, $22.
“Miguel and maitaki were amazing and super informative. They were very patient with the entire group. They were very open to questions we had. I would recommend. It was a great way to introduce us to Japanese culture.”
Walk the Imperial Palace Eastern Gardens with an English-speaking guide: Shogun to Emperor stories, bamboo forest, royal koi, and great photos.
“Our tour guide was wonderful. She had a sign so we knew exactly who she was. She gave us some small gifts which were perfect for this heat! During the tour she spoke loud enough everyone could hear, was mindful of the heat and tried as much as possible to stop in the shade when available. She gave great information about the history of Japan and the palace! Highly recommend this tour!!”
A 2-hour guided walk through Tokyo’s Imperial Palace East Gardens, from Ote-Mon Gate to koi-filled Ninomaru Garden.
“Miguel is extremely knowledgeable and easy going. Great guide.”
Walk the Imperial Palace East Gardens and Edo Castle ruins with an English guide, plus a stop at Wadakura Fountain Park. Small group.
“Kenta was an excellent guide. He knows everything and tells you the history in an interesting and also humorous way. Never get bored or felt lost in details.”
Walk the Imperial Palace East Gardens with a guide, tracing Edo Castle, shogun-era defenses, and the Ninomaru Garden’s calm beauty.
“What an amazing experience! Mei was lots of fun and very informative. Do yourself a favour and book this tour!!”
See Imperial Palace exteriors, Sensō-ji and Nakamise Street, and Tokyo Tower views in one 4-hour afternoon tour by hybrid bus.
“Good value for money and our guide Saiko san was amazing. She made the tour enjoyable and fun with her knowledge and wit. We enjoyed it very much and would highly recommend it.”
Imperial Palace East Gardens walk with a small-group guide: Ōtemon Gate, Edo Castle ruins, photo tips, and shogun-era stories.
“The tour was excellent. The tour guide was very knowledgeable, spoke excellent English, and had great answers to many of our questions. The only hesitation I have is that there just isn't much to see, because they never rebuilt after it was destroyed. So while an excellent tour, perhaps not a top priority for your first time in tokyo”
Walk Edo Castle grounds inside Tokyo’s Imperial Palace East Garden. English guide, 2 hours, and koi fish plus shogun-era stories.
“Motonori was very accommodating for my senior parents on our tour. He gave us a great tour I'm English.”
A 2-hour private walk through Tokyo’s Imperial Palace East Gardens with a guide, covering Edo Castle ruins and key gates in calm grounds.
“This was an amazing tour. They did a great job bringing the history to life and explaining things clearly. We took a good break in the garden since the weather was so hot. Overall would highly recommend for learning more about this landmark.”
Small-group walk in Kamakura with a guide: Tsurugaoka Hachimangu, Komachi Street, Great Buddha, and Hasedera. Mobile ticket, $35.
“Midori san was an amazing tour guide! She told us all about the history of Kamakura, and showed us lots of fun spots on the way to the shrines. I highly recommend this tour to hit the historical sites in Kamakura with plenty of time left to explore the area for the rest of the day! Thank you again, Midori san!!”
See Shibuya Crossing, Meiji Jingu, Imperial Palace exteriors, Asakusa, Akihabara and Skytree in one guided day with trains included.
“The places were very nice the tour guys were excellent and they were very helpful with everything you asked them”
Walk the Tokyo Imperial Palace gardens with a French guide, see special koi, Edo Castle remnants, and top photo spots for $40.
“the guide was awesome, a real fountain of knowledge”
A private 2-hour guided walk through Edo Castle ruins and the Imperial Palace East Gardens, with seasonal flowers and clear context.
“Great activity. Mari was a great guide prompt and showed us through the gardens in a coherent easy to follow manner. I feel the experience was worth it rather than going it alone and missing things.”
Small-group walk from Tokyo Station to Imperial Palace and Kagurazaka alleys, with local culture tips and Edo-period stories.
“Had an amazing walking tour with Sho. She toured us on a chilly morning with great enthusiasm... not only knowledgeable about the history of palace but about Japanese history . Would highly recommend.”
