Enjoy a comprehensive walking tour around the historic and cultural sites of central Tokyo. Ideal for first-time visitors, or those short on time.
This experience is on request only. Please contact us for pricing.
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Chiyoda: Japan's Historic Heart
Things to know
Duration:
5 hrs
Suitable for:
Family, History Buffs, Intellectually Curious, Seniors
Private Tour:
You and our own professional guide. 100% exclusive
Transport Mode:
Walking tour: no transportation is included
Tickets:
Tickets to the Showakan and Yushukan are included
Other inclusions:
Free concierge service if you need any advice
Meeting points: Outside Kudanshita Metro Station by the Showakan
What makes this tour special
The history of Japan, especially its recent history, is closely linked with Tokyo’s political center. A hub of government since before the Meiji reforms, it holds the city’s most historic buildings, and the location of the national decision-making . Go with your private and expert guide around these sites and gain a new appreciation for Japan’s past.
Visit the Yasukuni Shrine
Climb the ruins of Edo Castle
Go around the Yushukan and Showakan
Look at the art collection of former emperors in the Imperial Collection
The Problems of the Past
Japanese history – especially of the Showakan period – is riddled with controversy. This tour will not provide an answer for a rather glossier image of the period than that held by Gaikokujin. It will, however, help you better understand this view by visiting the best places to see history in action.
Join your guide as they take you to the Yasukuni Shrine, where the fallen from wars are remembered. Your guide will talk about its history and also explain why it remains a source of controversy to some. If you wish, you can go inside the Yushukan, a museum dedicated to the war dead that reviews the actions of the Japanese military between 1937 and 1945. Your guide will also take you to the Showakan, a museum covering how people lived during the reign of Emperor Hirohito. Covering the tribulations of the Allied bombing, and later occupation, its approximately 800 exhibits on display focus on the hardships faced by the Japanese in this period.
Ruins and Memory
Leaving the 20th century behind, you will walk with your guide around the ruins of Edo Castle. The former base of the Tokugawa Shoguns for over 260 years, it boasts a history dating back to the 15th century. Although much has been destroyed over the years, a great deal of the original stonework has remained, including the famous Otemon Gate. Your guide will also take you through the scenic East Gardens of the Imperial Palace to the Imperial Collection, where artworks belonging to the Imperial Family are shown to the public. This includes a number of important pieces of Japanese art, especially Moko Shurai Ekotoba’s Illustrated Account of the Mongol Invasion and Kano Eitoku’s Chinese Lions.
QWill there be other people on the tour or is it just us?
AAll of our tours are 100% private and exclusive, which means that it will just be you, your group and your guide on the tour.
Your tour will be completely tailored to your needs and we will make sure to find a guide that best suits your group.
QAre entrance tickets and transport included in the cost of the tour?
AIn the ‘Things to Know’ section at the top of this page you will find details of whatever entrance tickets and transport are included in the tour. If you have any questions about this, then you can either use the chat button in the bottom right hand corner, send an email to <reservations@travelcurious.com> or call 1-212-710-1322 (US) or +44 20 3009 2392 (UK).
QWhat is your cancellation policy?
AOn tours cancelled more than 48 hours before the scheduled departure time, we are happy to offer our customers a full refund - minus a 5% credit card fee and the cost of any tickets that have been purchased.
For tours cancelled less than 48 hours before the scheduled departure time, we are unfortunately unable to offer refunds. If you would like to reschedule a tour, this is usually possible if we are given enough notice, but we cannot guarantee the same guide.
Changes made to bookings may be subject to rebooking fees to cover the cost of tickets purchased, transport, guide rescheduling and administration.
To cancel or change your booking, please contact us at <reservations@travelcurious.com> or call 1-212-710-1322 (US) or +44 20 3009 2392 (UK).
QWho do I contact if I have any questions about this tour or if I want to make changes to my tour?
AAt Travel Curious, we provide a free concierge service to help you plan your time abroad and they will be able to answer any questions you may have about this tour or any other tours. We are normally able to customise or personalise tours to suit your needs.
Please do get in touch by either using the chat button in the bottom right hand corner, sending an email to <reservations@travelcurious.com> or calling 1-212-710-1322 (US) or +44 20 3009 2392 (UK).
QAm I able to book more than one tour?
AAbsolutely, you can book as many tours as you like! You can add them to your cart by clicking the ‘Book Now’ button or you can get in touch and we can put together an itinerary for you. To get in touch, you can either use the chat button in the bottom right hand corner, send an email to <reservations@travelcurious.com> or call 1-212-710-1322 (US) or +44 20 3009 2392 (UK).
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