following the shogun

How to join the free 75-minute Imperial Palace tour: same-day tickets from 9:00 at Kikyo-mon Gate, ID required, with six featured stops including Nijubashi Bridge covered in this guide.

Edo Castle's main gate, designed by Todo Takatora in the Keicho era. Koraimon, Watariyagura, guardhouses, plus a museum reopening autumn 2026. Free entry.

Edo Castle's only surviving three-story turret, plus the Matsu-no-Oroka site where the 47 Ronin story began. Five spots with history, photos and access.

Climb the 11-metre stone base where Japan's tallest castle keep stood until 1657. Honmaru Site, Fujimi-tamon and 7 spots in all, with 360-degree photos.

The quieter side of the East Gardens: Ninomaru Garden, Suwa-no-Chaya teahouse, Hirakawa Gate and Shiomizaka Slope. Five spots with history and access.

Nine sites you can visit without entering the East Gardens: Sakuradamon Incident site, three Important Cultural Property gates and Chidorigafuchi.