Japan · CASTLES AND HISTORIC SITES IN TOKYO
The good ones go weeks ahead and the great ones go sooner. Below: the 15 to book early, what each includes and how they differ once you read past the headline.
Explore Tokyo’s Imperial Palace East Gardens, Edo Castle ruins, and shogun history on a friendly, small-group walking tour.
“Great experience. Worth every penny. Mitchi was amazing guide and storyteller. I would recommend to everyone.”
Walk Tokyo’s Imperial Palace grounds, explore Edo Castle ruins, and learn samurai history with a friendly English-speaking guide.
“Fuma was a fantastic tour guide. He was so passionate about Tokyo and Japan. Answered all of our questions and gave great recommendations for the rest of our trip. Don’t hesitate to book this tour.”
Tokyo’s Samurai Ninja Museum tour blends Japanese history, armor displays, samurai dress-up, and shuriken throwing in a fun one-hour visit.
“An enthusiastic guide makes a tour worthwhile and this one didn’t disappoint. Great history lesson done in a fun way.”
Walk Tokyo’s Imperial Palace gardens with an English-speaking guide, explore Edo Castle ruins, samurai history, koi ponds, and royal gardens for $32.
“Mika was a wonderful guide and did an excellent job of explaining the history of the castle and of Japan. We would highly recommend this tour!”
Explore Tokyo’s Imperial Palace East Gardens, Edo Castle ruins, Ninomaru Garden, and koi ponds on a lively two-hour guided walk.
“Embla, our tour guide, gave historical background that made us understand the significance, meaning and history of the areas and things we saw!”
Explore Edo Castle and Imperial Palace gardens on a two-hour English walking tour with samurai stories, gates, ruins, and koi ponds.
“The walk was fantastic. We had a great guide who explained the history behind the palace and gardens. It took around 2 hours, with a comfort break about an hour in. It was very hot so make sure you have water, and hat/umbrella for protection as most of the walk is exposed to the sun. Plus, wear comfortable footwear!”
Train with a samurai descendant near Tokyo, practicing sword forms, sparring, target cutting, and traditional Japanese archery in a real dojo.
“The activity was well planned and organised. The costume provided is very clean! The instructor is very professional and he is proud of being a samurai. He shared details and history of the samurai and correct what was mislead by movies. We enjoyed and highly recommend this activities.”
Review of Tokyo’s $25 Imperial Palace East Garden tour, with Edo Castle ruins, expert guides, practical tips, value, and honest drawbacks.
“A wonderful tour walking around the gardens of the Imperial Palace. Glenda was fabulous and very knowledgeable about the history. The gardens were so stunning. A really enjoyable experience”
Dress as a samurai, learn basic katana moves, and stage a choreographed battle in a lively one-hour Tokyo dojo experience.
“The Samurai Experience exceeded every expectation we had! Our entire family had an amazing time—honestly, it ended up being one of our favorite activities in all of Tokyo. The instructors were fantastic, the atmosphere was authentic, and the kids were completely obsessed with learning real samurai moves using the katana. We had so much fun and made memories we’ll never forget. Highly, highly recommend!”
Dress as a ninja, learn about samurai weapons, throw stars, and hunt for treasure in this lively 75-minute Tokyo family experience.
“Was a great experience. Very enjoyable and entertaining. Staff were very friendly and interactive. Good experience and highly recommended”
Review the Tokyo Samurai Entertainment Night Show at Kanda Shrine, with dinner, drinks, live swordplay, cast photos, timing, and practical tips.
“Amazing food, unlimited drinks, the show was amazing. It was a great experience and I’m really glad I went, everybody was so accommodating and friendly, you can see the hard work and practice put into it. It’s like a visual dance arts play, there isn’t much speaking but you get a sheet of paper that tells you what will happen at each part of the play (read this while you eat or drink). It’s best to get there early so you can drink as much as you want because I think once the show starts food and drinks are finished, you have to pay for the food but it’s cheap…”
Explore Tokyo’s Imperial Palace East Gardens, Edo Castle ruins, shogun history, Ninomaru Garden, and seasonal beauty on a 2.5-hour tour.
“Tatsie was just lovely and gave us so much lightly imparted info on history, shogun, Japanese customs and of course the gardens. Highly recommend”
Review of Tokyo’s four-hour Hato Bus tour, covering the Imperial Palace outer grounds, Sensō-ji, Nakamise Street, and Tokyo Tower.
“Haruhi was very informative, nice, and humorous during the tour. Thank you. Would recommend if you’re interested in seeing some of the big tourist items while making it easy to get around.”
Dress as a samurai, learn Iaido basics, tour a Tokyo museum, and try a safe sword fight at this lively Asakusa activity.
“The tour in the museum was fine, but there was no small group, we were with at least 40 persons in the museum and 25 with the swordcutting. And you have to get in queue for cutting, everybody is watching, what doesnt make it a nice experience and definitely not a 100 euro worth experience.”
Learn samurai sword skills, wear armor, tour a Tokyo museum, throw ninja stars, and take memorable photos in a 2-hour Asakusa activity.
“It was a fun learning experience, good for all ages. Highly recommend. :)”
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