• Ushigome Bridge - Remains of Ushigome-mon Gate: A Gateway to Edo Castle - The remnants of the grand Ushigome-mon Gate, which once provided northern access to Edo Castle from the lively entertainment district of Kagurazaka, span the outermost moat at Iidabashi. Historically, the area beyond the gate was reserved for the residences of high-ranking samurai, offering a strategic yet culturally rich buffer to the castle’s defenses. Kagurazaka, famous for its geisha culture and cobblestone streets, still boasts a few traditional ryotei (private guest houses), while also gaining recognition for its modern French cuisine. Discover the echoes of samurai heritage that linger in this fascinating neighborhood, connecting the past with the present.
• Tokyo Daijingu Shrine - Tokyo Daijingu: The Shrine of Love and Tradition - Tokyo Daijingu, fondly known as the shrine of marriage blessings, is a beloved destination for those seeking good fortune in love. During the Edo period (1603-1867), the ultimate spiritual journey for many Japanese was a pilgrimage to the revered Ise Jingu, home to Amaterasu-Sume-Ohkami, the ancestral deity of the Imperial Family. Acknowledging the challenges of the long journey to Ise, some 350km away, Emperor Meiji authorized the creation of a new shrine in 1868, allowing Tokyo residents to venerate the Ise deities locally. Initially named Hibiya Daijingu after its original location, the shrine was relocated to Iidabashi following the Great Kanto Earthquake in 1923 and renamed Tokyo Daijingu. It also holds the distinction of conducting the first Shinto wedding ceremony in Japan, a tradition that has since become widespread across the nation.
• Yasukuni Shrine - Grand Torii Gate: A Monument of National Peace and Remembrance - Yasukuni’s towering Grand Torii Gate, installed in 1921, is the tallest and largest in Japan, with pillars 25 meters high and a 34-meter lintel, collectively weighing 100 tons. Emperor Meiji’s visit in 1874 marked a significant moment, during which he composed a poem assuring that those who fought and died for their country would forever be remembered here in Musashino. Named “Yasukuni,” meaning “to preserve peace for the nation,” the shrine honors the sacrifices of those who dedicated their lives to Japan. It remains deeply connected to the Japanese Imperial family and is visited by over five million people annually, serving as a central institution for commemorating those who fought and lost their lives for Japan.
• Tayasumon Gate - Tayasu-mon Gate: A Portal to Edo’s Past - Situated at the northern part of the outer Edo Castle, Tayasu-mon Gate marks what was once the rural district of “Tayasudai” before the castle’s construction. This gate, exemplifying the typical Masugata-mon (square gate) style, was initially built around 1607 and later reconstructed in 1636 to its current form. Tayasu-mon was designated as an Important Cultural Asset of Japan in June 1961 and is celebrated as a significant remnant of Edo Castle, holding substantial historical importance and offering a glimpse into the architectural strategies of feudal Japan.
• Nippon Budokan - Nippon Budokan: The Nippon Budokan, often simply referred to as “The Budokan,” was originally constructed for the judo competition of the 1964 Summer Olympics. While it continues to serve as a premier venue for martial arts events, the Budokan has also achieved global renown as an iconic music performance venue. It is located in the Kitanomaru Gardens, formerly part of the Shogun’s estate outside the main Edo Castle grounds.
• Kita Hanebashi-mon Gate - Kita-hanebashi-mon Gate: Gateway to the Northern Defenses - The Kita-hanebashi-mon, or “Northern Drawbridge Gate,” provides entry into the north side of the Tokyo Imperial Palace. Originally featuring a functional drawbridge during the Edo period, this gate now stands as a fixed structure but retains the metal clamps on its roof as a historical remnant of its drawbridge past. Historically, the gate’s second level served as a crucial defensive position for the fortress. The bridge, once mobile, is now permanently secured to the ground, adding a layer of history to this architectural feature.
• Tenshudai (Remains of the main tower) - Tenshudai: The Foundation of the Main Keep - Located in the northern corner of the Honmaru, Tenshudai, or the Main Keep Tower base, measures 41 meters (135 ft) in width from east to west, 45 meters (148 ft) in length from north to south, and stands 11 meters (36 ft) high. Originally, a magnificent five-storey keep towered over this base, reaching a height of 51 meters (167 ft)—making it the tallest castle tower in Japan and a grand symbol of the shogun’s power. Constructed in 1607 and richly ornamented with gold, the keep was a marvel of Edo architecture. However, it was destroyed in the catastrophic Fire of Meireki in 1657 and was never rebuilt. Today, only the foundation remains, serving as a poignant reminder of past splendor and historical resilience.
• The East Gardens of the Imperial Palace (Edo Castle Ruin) - Edo Castle Ruins: From Shogunate Seat to Imperial Palace - The site now occupied by the Imperial Palace has been of central importance since 1457, beginning with a fortification built by the samurai Ota Dokan. It later became the residence of Lord Tokugawa Ieyasu, the founder of the Tokugawa Shogunate, who moved there in 1590. Edo Castle, as it was known, served as the home of the Tokugawa Shoguns and the administrative heart of feudal Japan from 1603 until the shogunate’s dissolution in 1867. After the feudal era ended, the shogun vacated the castle, and it was transferred to the new Imperial Government. The Emperor relocated from Kyoto to Tokyo in 1869, marking the beginning of the site’s transformation into the Imperial Palace. Despite many original structures being lost to fires, including the Great Fire of Meireki in 1657 which claimed 100,000 lives and nearly the entire castle complex, the site remains steeped in history.
• Ōte-mon Gate - Ote-mon Gate: The Main Gateway to Edo Castle - During the Edo period, Ote-mon served as the principal entrance to Edo Castle and was known for being the most heavily fortified. The design of the gate system, as noted by François Caron of the Dutch East India Company, was strategically complex to disorient outsiders. Gates were staggered rather than aligned, requiring visitors to turn 90 degrees to advance, a defensive layout known as masugata, or “square” formation. Historical accounts, including one by the Spanish Governor-General of the Philippines in 1609, Rodrigo de Velasco, highlight the scale of the castle’s defenses. He recounted passing between two rows of 1,000 musket-armed soldiers and noted substantial military resources, including stables for 200 horses and an armory equipped for 10,000 men. Ote-mon was not just a gate but a formidable barrier designed to protect the Shōgun’s seat of power.

• Personalized walking experience through Edo castle and surrounds

Delve deeper into the epic historical TV drama ‘Shōgun’ by experiencing ‘Exploring Toranaga’s Edo.’ This exceptional walking tour takes you through the remains of Edo Castle, along ancient Samurai routes, and into hidden cultural gems, providing unique and personalized insights. Immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of historical tales and modern Tokyo as you wander through districts once bustling with nobles, samurai, and merchants. Embrace the essence of Tokyo’s illustrious past and dynamic present. Join ‘Exploring Toranaga’s Edo: Footsteps of a Shōgun’ to discover more about the core and history of the Edo period in Japanese history!

• Not recommended for small children
• Not recommend for anyone who cannot walk comfortably for 2-3 hours

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