Tokyo Imperial Palace: Edo Castle Walking Tour & Gardens

Summary

Walk through stone gates and gardens where shoguns ruled tokyo centuries ago

You’ll walk through ancient gates and castle ruins in Tokyo’s Imperial Palace East Gardens, guided by someone who brings samurai history alive with small details and stories. Pause among blooming flowers in Ninomaru Garden, watch city life flicker beyond centuries-old stones, and feel a quiet connection to Japan’s imperial past.

What’s the experience like?

Ever wonder what it feels like to stand where samurai once guarded the heart of Tokyo? I didn’t know what to expect when we met our guide just outside the Imperial Palace — she had this gentle way of explaining things, even pausing so we could listen to the crows echoing above the old stone walls. The air smelled faintly damp, like moss after rain, and for a second I almost forgot we were still in the middle of Tokyo.

We passed under these massive gates that looked like they could swallow a bus — our guide called them Otemon, and told us how Edo Castle was once the biggest fortress in Japan. I tried to picture it all: shoguns pacing above us, messengers running on gravel paths. She pointed out grooves in the stones where old doors used to slide shut at night. There was this moment on top of the castle keep’s foundation where you could see skyscrapers peeking over pine trees — kind of surreal, honestly.

The Ninomaru Garden was quieter than I expected. Carp circled in the pond while a group of school kids giggled nearby (one tried practicing his English with me — “Welcome to Japan!”). The flowers were just starting to bloom; I can still remember that sharp green smell mixed with something sweet from the cherry blossoms. Our guide told us stories about imperial ceremonies here, but also little things — like how gardeners rake patterns into gravel every morning. It’s strange how peaceful it felt right there, even with all those layers of history underneath your feet.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Imperial Palace and Edo Castle tour

• Walk through majestic stone gates
• Pass remnants of castle walls
• Enter elegant gardens
• Stand atop castle keep foundation
• Imagine life of shoguns
• Wander through Ninomaru Garden
• Admire seasonal flowers and ponds

Top questions

Is this walking tour of Tokyo Imperial Palace wheelchair accessible?

Yes, all areas and surfaces on this tour are wheelchair accessible.

Does the tour include an English-speaking guide?

Yes, a knowledgeable English-speaking guide leads the tour.

How long does it take to walk through the Imperial Palace East Gardens?

The guided walk typically lasts about 2–3 hours depending on pace and questions.

Can infants join the Imperial Palace walking tour?

Yes, infants are welcome and can ride in a pram or stroller or sit on an adult’s lap.

Are public transportation options available near Tokyo Imperial Palace?

Yes, there are public transportation options nearby for easy access to the meeting point.

What’s included

Your day includes a guided walk through Tokyo’s Imperial Palace East Gardens and Edo Castle ruins with historical insights from an English-speaking guide; everything is wheelchair accessible and infants or small children can join comfortably in strollers or on laps.