The 4 Palace Tours in Japan That Earn Their Price

1.Kyoto: Nijo-jo Castle and Ninomaru Palace Guided Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 1,020 reviews · 1 hour · from $16Our pick

Spend one hour touring Nijo Castle, from the East Main Gate and ornate Karamon Gate to Ninomaru Palace and its gardens. An English-speaking guide such as Ai, Miki, Kaoru, or Don explains shogun politics, palace art, room functions, and access to areas normally closed to the public. Admission costs extra.

“Definitely worth to visit the Shogun's home and political seat! This castle was a political power center, rather than a military one. The guided tour helps you to grasp the symbols, art and rooms meaning. For a little bit on top of the price maybe better to also include the entry tickets, which are 1300 yen extra.”

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2.Imperial Palace East Garden and Edo Castle Walking Tour in Tokyo

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 510 reviews · from $25Top rated

Walk from Wadakura Fountain Park into Tokyo’s Imperial Palace East Gardens, where guides such as Kenta, Glenda, Sato, and Kei explain Edo Castle, samurai life, emperors, gardens, and castle ruins. This 2.5-hour tour stays outdoors and does not enter palace buildings.

“Satoko was a very friendly and informative guide. It was a marvellous experience. I wish there were more interior areas though”

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3.Kyoto: Imperial Palace & Nijo Castle Guided Walking Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 453 reviews · 3 hours · from $49

Walk from Nijo Castle to Kyoto Imperial Palace with a TripGuru guide in a group of up to nine. You’ll see Ninomaru Palace and Garden, learn how shogun and emperor power differed, and finish near Imadegawa Station. English, French, and Spanish tours are available.

“Eloise was absolutely wonderful. She was knowledgeable, kind and caring. We really appreciated her ability to answer all of our questions, I'd highly recommend this tour. Thank you so much!”

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4.Tokyo: Edo Castle Ruins & Imperial Palace East Garden Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 13 reviews · 2 hours · from $37

Meet your English-speaking guide at Wadakura Free Rest Area for a compact walk through Edo Castle’s gates, guardhouses, Honmaru ruins, Tenshu-dai, and Ninomaru Garden. Guides such as Mari and Isao are noted for answering questions and adding extra history, though the quality can vary.

“Sehr interessante Tour mit vielen historischen Fakten - unser Guide war super und hat geduldig alle unsere Fragen beantwortet!”

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