Tokyo Imperial Palace & Kitanomaru Park: Forest Bathing & Wellness Lunch

Tokyo's Hidden Calm: Edo Castle Ruins & Forest Bathing in the City Center

You walk through Kitanomaru Park's forest and waterfalls, tour the Edo Castle remains in the Imperial Palace East Gardens with a licensed guide, spend quiet time on a grassy plaza, and finish with a wellness lunch made from seasonal ingredients. The whole experience keeps you in central Tokyo but feels completely removed from it.

Step-by-step itinerary

• Enter Tayasumon Gate
• Walk by Nippon Budokan
• Explore Kitanomaru Park nature
• Tour East Gardens of Imperial Palace
• See remains of Edo Castle
• Stroll among various trees
• Enjoy wellness lunch with seasonal ingredients

The Experience

The guide was supposed to meet us at Tayasumon Gate, but we ended up circling the Nippon Budokan twice before spotting him — which turned out to be perfect, because it meant we arrived when the morning light was still soft and the paths through Kitanomaru Park were nearly empty. That's the thing about this Tokyo Imperial Palace tour: it doesn't feel like you're in the middle of the city at all. You enter from the side, pass under trees with real waterfalls, and suddenly the noise of central Tokyo just... stops. The licensed guide interpreter walks you through what used to be Edo Castle, pointing out the stone foundations and the different trees planted across centuries, and you realize you're standing on layers of history that most visitors never get close to.

The forest bathing part isn't what you'd call strenuous — it's more about slowing down and using all five senses, which sounds like wellness-speak until you're actually doing it. There's a grassy plaza where you stop and just sit for a while, and the guide doesn't rush you through it. After the garden stroll, you move to a nearby restaurant where the lunch is built around seasonal ingredients, which in Tokyo means whatever's at its peak that week. It's not a big meal, but it's designed to feel restorative, and it lands somewhere between a regular lunch and something that actually makes you feel different afterward.

The whole thing takes a few hours and covers both Kitanomaru Park and the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace, so you're getting two distinct spaces in one morning. The paths are accessible and the pace is gentle — this isn't a march through tourist checkpoints. If you've been running around Tokyo hitting the usual spots and you want a half-day that feels like it actually restores something instead of just adding to your list, this is what that looks like.

What’s included

• Licensed guide interpreter throughout the tour.
• entry to Kitanomaru Park and the Imperial Palace East Gardens.
• forest bathing experience with personal refreshment time on the grassy plaza.
• wellness lunch at a nearby restaurant using seasonal ingredients.
• all fees and taxes.

Good to know

Easy physical levelWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportPets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by itswellness org

Is this one for you?This works well if you want to step back from Tokyo's pace without leaving the city center, and you'd rather have a guide handle the history and timing than navigate the gardens alone. The wellness lunch and forest bathing are what make it different from a standard palace tour — you're not just seeing the sights, you're actually spending time in them.

Top questions

How long is the tour?

The itinerary covers Kitanomaru Park, the Imperial Palace East Gardens, and a wellness lunch. Exact duration isn't specified, but it's structured as a half-day experience with garden time and a meal included.

What's included in the price?

Licensed guide interpreter fee, lunch at a selected restaurant, and all fees and taxes. You don't arrange the meal separately.

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes. The paths are wheelchair accessible, and wheelchair users can participate. You'll need to operate the wheelchair yourself or bring a carer, as the guide won't assist with wheelchair operation.

Can I do forest bathing if I'm not very fit?

The tour is suitable for all physical fitness levels. Forest bathing is a slow, mindful experience, not a hike. However, it does involve walking through gardens and parks, so you should be comfortable walking at a gentle pace.

Where do we meet?

The tour starts at Tayasumon Gate, the entrance to Kitanomaru Park. Public transportation options are available nearby.

What if I have health concerns?

The tour isn't recommended for travelers with spinal injuries, poor cardiovascular health, or difficulty walking independently. If you're unsure whether it's right for you, consult your doctor beforehand.

Can I bring a service animal?

Yes, service animals are allowed on the tour.