• Wadakura Fountain Park - Start your journey at Wadakura Fountain Park, situated near the Imperial Palace. Established in 1961 to honor the marriage of Emperor Akihito, the park boasts elegant fountains and offers a peaceful oasis amidst the city’s bustle.
• Kokyo Otemon Gate - Move on to the historic Ōte-mon Gate, the main entrance to the Imperial Palace East Gardens. This impressive gate once served as a primary access point to Edo Castle, showcasing the architectural splendor of the samurai era.
• Ote-San’no Gate Ruins - Nearby, discover the remains of the Ote-San’no Gate. These ruins provide insight into the castle’s defensive structures and the strategic design used during the Edo period.
• Hyakunin Bansho Guardhouse - Visit the Hyakunin Bansho Guardhouse, historically staffed by a hundred samurai tasked with securing the castle’s innermost sections. The guardhouse stands as a testament to the vigilance and order of the shogunate’s military operations.
• Ninomaru Garden - Wander through the beautifully landscaped Ninomaru Garden, a traditional Japanese garden featuring seasonal plants, winding paths, and tranquil water features. This garden offers a serene escape and highlights traditional Japanese horticultural artistry.
• 諏訪の茶屋 - Stop by Suwa-no-chaya, a historic teahouse nestled within the gardens. Although the teahouse is not operational, its presence enhances the historical ambiance, reflecting the cultural importance of tea ceremonies in Japan.
• Bairinzaka (Plum Tree Hill) - Climb Bairinzaka, also known as Plum Tree Hill, adorned with numerous plum trees that bloom vibrantly in season. This spot offers picturesque views and a fragrant experience during the blooming period.
• Edo Castle Takehashi Gomon Ruins - Explore the site of the former Edo Castle’s main keep. Although the original structure was lost, the remaining stone foundations and walls convey the immense scale and significance of the Tokugawa shogunate’s seat of power.
• Fujimi-yagura - Visit the Fujimi-yagura, one of the few remaining watchtowers of Edo Castle. Historically used for surveillance and defense, it offers insights into the castle’s military architecture.
• Edo Castle keep restoration model - Within the Imperial Palace East Gardens, visitors will find a detailed scale model of the original Edo Castle main keep (Tenshukaku), meticulously reconstructed based on historical records and drawings. The original keep, once the tallest castle tower in Japan, was destroyed by fire in 1657 and never rebuilt. This model offers a rare opportunity to visualize the scale, design, and grandeur of what was once the political heart of the Tokugawa shogunate. It’s a perfect stop for those interested in Japanese history, architecture, and samurai-era culture.
• Site of Edo Castle Honmaru (Main Hall) - Located within the Imperial Palace East Gardens, the Honmaru area was once the central compound of Edo Castle, serving as the main residence and political headquarters of the Tokugawa shogunate. Though the original structures no longer remain, visitors can walk through the spacious site where important decisions that shaped Japan’s history were once made. Surrounded by stone foundations, wide open lawns, and remnants of defensive walls, the Honmaru Ruins offer a powerful sense of scale and historical significance. It’s a peaceful yet impressive area that helps you imagine the grandeur of the castle in its prime.
• Kokyo Gaien National Garden - Exit the East Gardens into Kokyo Gaien National Garden, an expansive plaza offering unobstructed views of the palace’s outer structures and the iconic Nijubashi Bridge. The open space is ideal for photography and appreciating the palace’s grandeur.
• Marunouchi - Continue your walk through the Marunouchi district, Tokyo’s prestigious business hub. Here, modern skyscrapers stand alongside historic buildings, housing upscale boutiques, restaurants, and art installations, exemplifying Tokyo’s blend of tradition and innovation.
• Tokyo Station - Conclude your tour at Tokyo Station, renowned for its distinctive red-brick façade restored to its 1914 glory. Inside, the station is a bustling nexus of travel, commerce, and dining, featuring an array of shops and eateries that cater to diverse tastes.

• Local tour guide

• Lunch
• Access to the Inner Palace (not open to the public)

Embark on a journey through Tokyo’s storied past with this walking tour from the Imperial Palace to Tokyo Station. Begin at the tranquil East Gardens, where the moats and gardens reflect the legacy of the Tokugawa shogunate. Delve into Japan’s imperial history while enjoying picturesque views in the heart of Tokyo. As you stroll through the Marunouchi district, witness the fusion of contemporary architecture and historical landmarks, ending at the iconic red-brick Tokyo Station, a testament to the city’s dynamic evolution. This tour is ideal for history enthusiasts and cultural adventurers.

• Explore the historic sites of the Imperial Palace East Gardens
• Discover the modern architecture and art of the Marunouchi district
• Finish at the beautifully restored Tokyo Station
• Perfect for those fascinated by Japan’s rich cultural heritage and modern lifestyle

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.