Private Tour - History, Art and Nature at the Imperial Palace

Tokyo , Japan

Private Tour - History, Art and Nature at the Imperial Palace

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(21 reviews)

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

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 metropolice 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 Imperieal Palace and its surrounding area.

Available options

Standard

What's included

Private Tour

Tour Guide

The necessary expenses for the guide during the tour

Detailed itinerary

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：
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!

Stop 3

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.

Stop 4

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：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.

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.

Stop 7

Chidorigafuchi：
Feel the nature that remains in Tokyo on this road. Make sure to take pictures of this spectacular view.

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

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.9

8 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Tripadvisor 5.0

13 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Public transportation options are available nearby

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

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.

Meeting point

JR Tokyo Station, Marunouchi Central Exit Ticket Gate

Important notes

・Please contact us using the messaging feature or WhatsApp message : +81 80-7475-5829.
・Please note that we do not answer calls. In case of any difficulties meeting up, kindly call your tour guide directly.
・All transportation costs, entrance fees, food and drink costs, etc. incurred at the visited spots, will be borne by the customer.
・If you do not arrive at the specified starting place after 60 minutes from the agreed meeting time, the tour will be considered canceled.

About Tokyo

Tokyo, the capital of Japan, is a bustling metropolis that beautifully blends traditional culture with cutting-edge technology. Known for its neon-lit streets, historic temples, and world-class cuisine, Tokyo offers a unique experience that caters to every type of traveler.

Top Attractions

Senso-ji Temple

Senso-ji is Tokyo's oldest temple and one of its most significant. The temple's massive lantern and five-story pagoda are iconic landmarks.

Historical/Religious 1-2 hours Free (small fee for some areas)

Meiji Shrine

Meiji Shrine is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the deified spirits of Emperor Meiji and his wife, Empress Shoken. It is surrounded by a beautiful forest.

Historical/Religious 1-2 hours Free

Shibuya Crossing

Shibuya Crossing is the world's busiest pedestrian crossing and a symbol of Tokyo's bustling urban life. It's a must-see for its chaotic yet orderly nature.

Cultural 30 minutes to 1 hour Free (¥2,200 for Shibuya Sky)

Tokyo Skytree

Tokyo Skytree is the tallest tower in Japan and the second tallest freestanding structure in the world. It offers breathtaking views of the city.

Architecture 2-3 hours ¥2,100 to ¥3,100 (USD $15 to $22)

Odaiba

Odaiba is a man-made island in Tokyo Bay known for its shopping, dining, and entertainment options. It's a great place for families and tech enthusiasts.

Entertainment Half day to full day Varies by attraction

Must-Try Local Dishes

Sushi

Fresh raw fish served on vinegared rice, a staple of Japanese cuisine.

Dinner Contains fish, can be vegetarian with substitutes.

Ramen

Noodle soup with various broths and toppings, a popular comfort food.

Lunch/Dinner Vegan and vegetarian options available.

Tempura

Deep-fried seafood and vegetables, known for its crispy texture.

Lunch/Dinner Contains seafood and deep-fried ingredients.

Okonomiyaki

Savory pancake with various ingredients, often topped with sauce and bonito flakes.

Lunch/Dinner Contains seafood and can be made vegetarian.

Popular Activities

Hiking in the nearby mountains Parasailing at Odaiba Onsen (hot spring) visits Tea ceremonies Traditional tea ceremonies Kimono rentals and photo shoots Boat tours on the Sumida River Beach activities at Odaiba

Best Time to Visit

March to May (Spring) and September to November (Autumn)

These seasons offer comfortable temperatures and beautiful scenery, with cherry blossoms in spring and vibrant foliage in autumn. However, these are also the busiest times for tourism.

10°C to 25°C (50°F to 77°F) 50°F to 77°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Japanese
Widely spoken: English, Chinese, Korean
English: Moderately spoken in tourist areas, limited elsewhere

Currency

Japanese Yen (JPY)

Time Zone

GMT+9

Electricity

100VV, 50/60HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Very safe

Tokyo is generally very safe, with low crime rates and a strong emphasis on public order. However, petty crimes like pickpocketing can occur in crowded areas.

Important Precautions:

• Be cautious of your belongings in crowded areas.
• Use licensed taxis and check fares before getting in.
• Be aware of your surroundings, especially at night.

Getting there

By air

Narita International Airport • 60 km (37 miles) from city center
Haneda Airport • 15 km (9 miles) from city center

By train

Tokyo Station, Shinjuku Station

By bus

Tokyo Station Bus Terminal, Shinjuku Expressway Bus Terminal

Getting around

Public transport

Tokyo's subway system is efficient, clean, and punctual. It consists of multiple lines operated by Tokyo Metro and Toei Subway.

Taxis

Available • Apps: JapanTaxi, DiDi

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Shibuya Shinjuku Asakusa Ginza Akihabara

Day trips

Nikko

120 km (75 miles) from Tokyo • Full day

Nikko is a city known for its beautiful shrines, temples, and natural scenery. It's a UNESCO World Heritage site and offers a peaceful retreat from the bustling city.

Kamakura

50 km (31 miles) from Tokyo • Half day to full day

Kamakura is a coastal town known for its historic temples, shrines, and the Great Buddha statue. It's a great place to experience traditional Japanese culture.

Hakone

90 km (56 miles) from Tokyo • Full day or overnight

Hakone is a hot spring resort town known for its onsen (hot springs), scenic views of Mount Fuji, and the Open-Air Museum. It's a popular destination for relaxation and nature.

Festivals

Sannō Matsuri • Mid-June (every 2 years) Kanda Matsuri • Mid-May (every 2 years) Sumida River Fireworks Festival • Last Saturday of July

Pro tips

Use IC cards like Suica or Pasmo for convenient and discounted public transport.
Download useful apps like Google Maps, Japan Transit Planner, and Japan Travel by Navitime.
Learn a few basic Japanese phrases to enhance your experience and show respect for the local culture.
Carry cash, as some smaller shops and restaurants may not accept credit cards.
Visit popular attractions early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds.