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Private Tour - History, Art and Nature at the Imperial Palace
4.9
12 Ratings
Chiyoda City
Explore Edo's heart: Imperial Palace tour with art, history, and nature. Discover hidden gems and stunning contrasts in Tokyo's iconic landmark.
Duration:
4 hours, 30 minutes
Cancellation:
1 day
learn more
Highlights
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Tokyo Station Marunouchi Ekimae Hiroba - Tokyo Station Marunouchi Station Square：
The tour departs from Tokyo Station. As you exit the station from the central exit you can admire the station building from the front in the station square. Let’s enjoy its dignified appearance! -
Wadakura Fountain Park - Wadakura Fountain Park：
This is located inside the Imperial Palace grounds. This is built to commemorate the marriage of the Emperor Emeritus and Empress Emerita, and will be remodelled on the marriage of the Emperor and Empress. The 3 water fountains are very impressive! -
The East Gardens of the Imperial Palace (Edo Castle Ruin) - The East Garden of the Imperial Palace：
A Japanese Garden made along with the Imperial Garden, here you can enjoy the seasonal changes. There are also historical sites where you can feel the remains of the former castle. One of the popular spots is Hirakawa Bridge located just outside of the garden. -
The National Museum of Modern Art, Tokyo - National Museum of Modern Art：
The first National Art Museum in Japan, located inside the Imperial Palace. Many artworks from around the 20th century in Japan and overseas are on display. Make sure to see the artworks by the Japanese masters. - CAFÉ 33 - CAFÉ 33：Located in Kitanomaru Park, this is a cafe where you can enjoy a meal while feeling the nature. Local fresh ingredients from the Tohoku area and Tokyo are widely used.
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Kita-no-maru Park - Kitanomaru Park：
There is a spacious and open lawn. There are a wide variety of plants and trees around the lawn creating a unique ecosystem within the Imperial Palace. -
Chidorigafuchi - Chidorigafuchi：
Feel the nature that remains in Tokyo on this road. Make sure to take pictures of this spectacular view.
What's Included
- Private Tour
- Tour Guide
- Necessary expenses for the guide during the tour
What's Not Included
- Estimated Costs of the Tour: 1500 JPY per Person
- Breakdown: Transportation: 0 JPY, Admission Fees: 500 JPY, Meal costs: 1000 JPY per Person
- Optional Experience Costs: 0 JPY per Person
Additional Information
Enjoy a tour in the heart of Edo (one of the former names of Tokyo)
The Imperial Palace has been located in the center of the great metropolis since the Edo (1603-1868) period where Tokugawa “Shogun” had lived. You may have seen photos of its exterior; the moat, bridges, stone walls and gates, but did you know that you could go inside, too? In this tour, you will visit the art gallery with displays of Japanese art and craft, the ruins of the Edo Castle and a beautiful park full of greenery, all within the grounds of the palace. You can also enjoy the views of the contrast between the modern Marunouchi office buildings and the traditional and historic grounds of the Imperial Palace.
Learn about the history behind all the locations you visit at the Imperial Palace and its surrounding area.
- All transportation costs, entrance fees, food and drink costs, etc. incurred at the visited spots, will be borne by the customer.
- There will be a lot of walking during the tour, so please wear comfortable shoes.
- If the weather is bad on the day, there is a possibility that the destinations and routes may be changed.
Location
Tokyo Station
JR Tokyo Station, Marunouchi Central Exit Ticket Gate
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
4.9
(12 Ratings)
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504shaant
Jun 7, 2023
Great tour - Emi was very kind and helpful! A great way to start our trip in Tokyo. She took us to the most authentic Ramen spot in town. We were able to experience the most delicious noodles we have ever had. We never would’ve been able to do that on our own because you need to be able to speak Japanese and she told us at the 30 min wait was worth it and it was!!!!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Gary_c
Jun 2, 2023
Guide spoke English well.... - Guide spoke English well. Throughout she was knowledgeable and helpful. I could not believe it was her first tour. Well she found the right career.
Review provided by Viator
Dzmitry_d
May 23, 2023
Wonderful Tour - This tour was fantastic! Our guide did an excellent job of providing context and history for the various gardens we visited. She was very knowledgeable and joyful, and really made the tour a lot of fun. I would definitely recommend it!
Review provided by Viator
Yolina2023
May 6, 2023
Walking tour of Imperial Palace Gardens and area - We really enjoyed the tour. Our tour guide Emi was most delightful and made this tour a unique and worthwhile experience. She explained the historical significance of the sites we visited, answered all your questions about Japanese traditions, lifestyle, etc. Upon completion of the tour she provided us with further recommendations about places to visit. Thank you. Emi!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
184christopherl
May 6, 2023
Beautiful day and a fascinating experience - Our guide Emi was very knowledgeable and friendly. She described the tour ahead of time and then at each location provided information and context.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Garycc5408jp
May 2, 2023
The Best Experience! - Meiji met me 15 minutes early and the tour began at once. Her English was excellent and we had no problem understanding each other. She was well prepared with the route and enough historical details to fill three tours. Always considerate of my well-being she offered stops for rest/comfort. Leuko even helped me make an extremely important and essential purchase I could not have managed without her expertise and translation skills. I am very grateful and recommend her to all. Who would believe I was her first tour?
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Robert_b
Apr 9, 2023
A panoramic view of imperial life. - Very knowledgeable and friendly tour guide (Yumi). She was also very patient and flexible. The tour provided a sweeping panorama of Japanese imperial life.
Review provided by Viator
200becn
Apr 5, 2023
Imperial Palace - Sam my guide was so informative and knowledgeable. He was so friendly and accommodating. Would highly recommend this tour
Review provided by Tripadvisor
William_s
Oct 21, 2022
Sonoko - Sonoko was a wonderful guide!! She found a way to see the Imperial Palace West Garden which I really was excited to see!
Review provided by Viator
Jacqueline_a
Feb 4, 2023
Great to see the gardens; could have skipped MOMAT - My tour guide (Fumi) was very knowledgeable about the history of the Imperial Palace and sites. He helped provide directions for me after the tour so I could navigate to some other points of interest. I didn’t realize when booking that so much time was spent at MOMAT. I wasn’t really interested in the museum and could have spent more time exploring maybe the west gardens of the palace. If you book this tour I would just recommend great walking shoes too. Lots of walking but we had a beautiful day for it.
Review provided by Viator
