Tokyo

15 Best Imperial Palace Tours

This list untangles the confusing part of visiting the Imperial Palace: the inner grounds open only on guided tours, while the East Gardens welcome anyone. The site served as the shogun’s Edo Castle for over 250 years, and the moats, stone walls and guard towers survive from that era. Guided slots cap out daily, so book before you fly.

1.Tokyo: Imperial Palace and Shogun Historical Walking Tour

Discover Tokyo’s imperial past with this small-group walking tour of the Imperial Palace East Gardens, guided by experts for an authentic experience.

Most Popular★ 5.0

“Fantastic experience. The tour guide John was very knowledgeable and friendly. He even went above and beyond providing guidance getting us back safe to our hotel.”

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2.Tokyo Castle: Imperial Palace, Shogun & Garden Walking Tour

Explore Tokyo's Imperial Palace and gardens on a small-group walking tour led by passionate guides, blending history, scenery, and authentic culture in 2 hours.

★ 4.9

“The tour was awesome and our guide tour Mika San was very knowledgeable and informative answering every questions we asked plus very professional in her style of communication with us very patience and taking her time in the tour to make sure we understand especially…”

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6.Imperial Palace East Garden and Heritage of Edo Castle Tour

Uncover the secrets of Tokyo's past at the Imperial Palace East Garden and Edo Castle, where history meets nature in a captivating journey.

★ 5.0

“Sato was knowledgeable & kept the group engaged during tour w info about buildings, life & history. It’s a garden tour but didnt see any flowers blooming in Oct. Disappointed but maybe in another section of palace. Beautiful grounds w neatly kept plantings, greeneries but…”

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7.Tokyo: Shogun Tour of the Imperial Palace East Gardens

Discover the history of Japan’s shogunate and Edo Castle with this engaging walking tour of the Imperial Palace East Gardens in Tokyo. Perfect for history buffs and culture lovers alike.

★ 4.8

“What an amazing experience! Mei was lots of fun and very informative. Do yourself a favour and book this tour!!”

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8.Tokyo: Imperial Palace, Sens-ji Temple, & Tokyo Tower Tour

Explore Tokyo’s top sights—Imperial Palace, Sens-ji Temple, and Tokyo Tower—on this eco-friendly tour that combines convenience, expert guides, and authentic views.

★ 4.5

“We went to all the places I was interested in seeing. The Senso-ji temple is amazing and I’m so glad to I got to see it. Our guide was excellent with great knowledge of the places we visited. Highly recommend this tour.”

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9.Tokyo: Imperial Palace // A Walk Through Japanese History

Transport through time at Tokyo's Imperial Palace, where Japan's rich history unfolds with every step - a journey you won't want to miss!

★ 5.0

“We had an excellent historical tour of rhe imperial palace grounds. Mika our guide shared images and maps to help us understand what we were seeing along to better understand the historical significance.”

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10.Tokyo: Imperial Palace Shogun Historical Walking Tour

Your journey through Japan's imperial history begins at the Tokyo Imperial Palace, where a captivating 2-hour walking tour unveils the serene gardens and cultural treasures that have defined the country's royal legacy.

★ 5.0

“Our guide Natsume was very knowledgeable about edo period history and led us through the absolutely stunning imperial gardens. She was also kind enough to share her knowledge of local restaurants and shrines. Very good tour that I would highly recommend.”

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11.5-Hour Tokyo Historical Bike Tour Through Imperial Palace & Tsukiji

Discover the rich history of Tokyo on a thrilling 5-hour bike tour. Uncover hidden gems and explore iconic landmarks like the Imperial Palace and Tsukiji. Book now!

★ 5.0

“Shoto was a great host and guide, Informative, eager and a keen sense of humor. If you want a good overview of Tokyo and a greta day out. Get in touch with Shoto”

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12.Tokyo: East Garden of the Imperial Palace with History Guide

Discover Tokyo’s Imperial Palace East Gardens with an expert guide. Enjoy stunning scenery, historical insights, and a peaceful walk for authentic Japanese culture.

★ 4.7

“Our guide Shigheru was really well prepared. He have us a general overviewnof Japaneae history before entering the gardens and then drive us in this experience adding a lot of particolare and curiosities about Japnese culture. It has been a preside spending these 2 Hours…”

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13.Tokyo: Walking Tour of the Imperial Palace, Shoguns, and Garden

Discover Tokyo’s Imperial Palace and gardens on a 2-hour guided tour in French, combining history, stunning scenery, and authentic insights from passionate guides.

★ 5.0

“Visite guidée en français incontournable pour comprendre l’histoire du Japon, sa culture et nous aider à décoder le fonctionnement des japonais. Un énorme merci à Alexandre pour toutes les explications très claires qu’il nous a apporté au fur et mesure de la visite que nous…”

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14.Imperial Palace History Private Walking Tour at Chiyoda

Take a step back in time with the Imperial Palace History Private Walking Tour at Chiyoda, where each corner holds a tantalizing tale waiting to be discovered.

★ 5.0

“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.”

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5.0Full Tokyo: Meiji Shrine, Imperial Palace, Asakusa & Skytree$39.00 5.0Tokyo: Imperial Palace-Unveiling Emperors & Samurai Stories2 hours$16 4.8Tokyo: Private Tour of the Imperial Palace East Gardens2 hours$63 5.0Tokyo Imperial Palace with Kagurazaka Alley Tour$52.84 4.5Tokyos Imperial Palace & Nihonbashi Tour$101.72 5.0Tokyo Imperial Palace Historical Walk and Food Tasting Tour2 hours$19 5.0Private Tour – History, Art and Nature at the Imperial Palace$90.60 5.0Tokyo: Imperial Palace East Gardens and Tokyo Station Tour2.5 hours$38 4.4Tokyo: Edo Castle Ruins & Imperial Palace East Garden Tour2 hours$37 4.5Chiyoda Imperial Palace Walking Tour$43.11 5.0Imperial Palace Tour: Discover Samurai History with a Guide1.5 hours$24 5.0Tokyo: Imperial Palace, Edo Castle and Historical Tour1.5 hours$22 4.3Tokyo: Imperial Palace with Nostalgic Alley Kagurazaka tour3.5 hours$51 5.0Tokyo: Edo Castle and Imperial Palace Guided Walking Tour2.5 hours$3.22 5.0Imperial Palace to Tokyo Station Historical Walking Tour$39.09 4.0Imperial Palace and Political Landmarks The Heart of Tokyo Tour$65.00 5.0From the Imperial Palace to Odaiba : Time travel to Tokyo$91.21 5.0Imperial Palace or Edo Castle Time Trip Learning Walking Tour$3.25 5.0Imperial Palace and Heritage of Edo Castle Private Tour$83.24 5.0Tokyo walking tour around Imperial Palace and Tokyo Station2 hours$49 5.0Tokyo Skytree, Asakusa, and Imperial Palace 1/2-Day Private Tour$149.57 4.0Audio Guide Tour in The East Gardens of the Imperial Palace$7.11 3.0Tokyo: Edo Castle Ruins & Imperial Palace East Garden Guided Tour$38.48 4.0Audio Guide Tour of Tokyo Imperial Palace$7.12