Tokyo: Imperial Palace, Asakusa Temple & Tower Observatory

Three Tokyo Landmarks in One Morning, Starting at the Palace Gates

You visit the Imperial Palace's famous Nijubashi Bridge and outer gardens, ride to the top of Tokyo Tower for panoramic city views, and explore Sensō-ji Temple's 7th-century grounds and Nakamise souvenir street. A professional English-speaking guide leads the whole half-day route, with pickup and drop-off at Tokyo Station, so you don't arrange transport or timing yourself.

Step-by-step itinerary

Tokyo Imperial Palace, Tower, and Temple

• Visit Tokyo Imperial Palace exterior
• Admire Nijubashi Bridge and gardens
• Ascend Tokyo Tower Observatory deck
• Explore FootTown complex
• Visit Sensō-ji Temple grounds
• Walk Nakamise Street for souvenirs

The Experience

"The bridge you see, Nijubashi, that's where the Emperor appears on New Year's," our guide said as we stood at the Imperial Palace outer garden, pointing across the moat to the stone arches. It's the kind of detail that sticks with you, the thing that makes a place feel less like a postcard and more like somewhere real people actually live. The Imperial Palace tour covers the exterior and the Nijubashi Bridge viewpoint, so you're not walking the inner grounds, but what you see from outside tells you enough about the scale and history of the place. The moats are wide, the stone walls are old, and there's a quietness to it even though you're in central Tokyo.

From there we headed to Tokyo Tower, the 333-meter red structure that catches your eye from half the city. The Main Observatory is included, and the views are the kind of thing you can't really prepare for. The sprawl of Tokyo just keeps going in every direction, and on a clear morning you can see the shape of the whole metropolitan area. The FootTown complex at the base has cafes and shops if you need a break, but most people spend an hour or so up top taking photos and getting their bearings. After that, the bus takes you to Asakusa and Sensō-ji Temple, the oldest Buddhist temple in Tokyo, founded in the 7th century and dedicated to the goddess Kannon.

Sensō-ji is where the tour really opens up. You walk through the Kaminarimon Gate (the one with the massive red lantern), and then you're on Nakamise Street, which is packed with small shops selling everything from traditional sweets to wooden souvenirs to kimono accessories. It's touristy, sure, but it's also genuinely old, and the energy is different from anywhere else in the city. The main temple hall is right there, and you can watch people pray, ring the bells, and move through the space in a way that feels unhurried. The whole thing (three stops, a professional English-speaking guide, pickup and drop-off from Tokyo Station) takes a half day, which is why it works so well for first-time visitors or anyone with limited time.

What’s included

• Pickup and drop-off from Tokyo Station.
• professional English-speaking guide.
• visit to Imperial Palace Nijubashi Bridge and outer gardens.
• Tokyo Tower Main Observatory entry.
• Sensō-ji Temple exploration.
• access to Nakamise traditional shopping street.
• all taxes and fees.

Good to know

Easy physical level

Operated by GetExplore

Is this one for you?Book this if you're new to Tokyo and want the three most recognizable landmarks in one morning without arranging separate transport, tickets, or timing: the half-day format and fixed route are what fit everything in before lunch.

Traveler reviews

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Top questions

Do I need to book tickets separately for Tokyo Tower and Sensō-ji Temple?

No. Entry to the Tokyo Tower Main Observatory and access to Sensō-ji Temple are included in the tour price.

Can I go inside the Imperial Palace?

No. The tour includes the exterior only: the Nijubashi Bridge viewpoint and the outer gardens. The inner palace grounds are closed to visitors.

Where does the tour start and end?

Pickup and drop-off are from the designated meeting point at Tokyo Station.

Is the guide English-speaking?

Yes, the tour is led by a professional English-speaking guide.

Are there any physical demands?

The tour is suitable for all fitness levels. You'll need to navigate a few steps when getting on and off the bus.

Can young children come?

Yes. Children aged 0 to under 6 can travel for free, though seats are not provided for them.

What's included in the price?

The tour includes guided access to all three attractions, Tokyo Tower Main Observatory entry, Nakamise shopping street, all taxes and fees, and pickup/drop-off from Tokyo Station.