All Destinations Japan Tokyo

Introduction to Tokyo Tour, with Imperial Palace Gardens and Nihonbashi - Spanish

Get acquainted with Tokyo and its history with a leading expert

Walking Tour
3 hours
Tokyo
The Finer Details
Uncover the fascinating history of Tokyo’s development from a village called Edo into Japan’s largest metropolis in this introductory Tokyo city tour led by a local private tour guide. Your highlights tour will center around the Nihonbashi area and the neighboring Imperial Palace Gardens - an area that had flourished into a mercantile center even before Japan’s capital was officially relocated from Kyoto to Tokyo in 1868.

Please note: This Tokyo highlights tour visits the Imperial Palace East Gardens on the days they are open to the public. If your tour falls on a Monday, Friday, or national holiday, you will visit the Imperial Palace Outer Gardens (Kokyo Gaien National Garden) instead.

Tour Description

Our Introduction to Tokyo city tour is an entirely outdoors walking tour, so we will only look at the exteriors of the venues mentioned. Also, although the gardens surround the palace, the view of the Imperial Palace is blocked by high protective walls.

Starting at Tokyo Station, your expert will peel back the layers of history in this district, showing you how the city changed and developed over time. From here, you’ll make your way over to the Imperial Palace Gardens, where you’ll learn the fascinating story of Japan's capital relocation from Kyoto to Tokyo, a pivotal moment in the nation's history.

The next stops on your route will vary depending on your interests and your guide’s expertise, but you may make your way down to Ginza, Tokyo’s premier shopping district, or head straight up to Nihonbashi to take a look at the Tokyo Stock Exchange or the Bank of Japan’s Currency Museum to learn about the evolution of Japanese commerce. You’ll finish with a visit to Nihonbashi Bridge, where you’ll learn about the city’s changing relationship with water, and Nihonbashi Mitsukoshi - Japan’s oldest department store. You’ll part ways with your expert, having gained a newfound understanding of how Tokyo came to be.

Sites Visited

  • Imperial Palace Gardens - the gardens surrounding the Imperial Palace and the former site of the Edo Castle’s circles of defense
  • Tokyo Station - the city’s busiest station in terms of trains passing through daily
  • Nihonbashi Bridge - a modern reconstruction of the 17th-century bridge that played a vital role in Edo-Kyoto trade
  • Nihonbashi Mitsukoshi - Japan’s oldest department store, which can trace its history back to the 17th century

Logistics 

General Information
  • There will be a break in the tour to stop and use bathroom facilities, as well as opportunities to stop and rest along the way if needed. Please communicate any mobility needs or concerns with our team at the time of booking. 
Transport
  • This tour has an optional meeting point transfer if you'd like a private car to pick you up from your accommodation. If you choose to add this service, please add a note requesting a car transfer and include the address of your accommodation in the Additional Details section, as we will get back to you with a quote before confirming.

Accessibility 

Wheelchair accessibility
  • The Imperial Palace Gardens are partially wheelchair accessible - some paths are a little steep and some are covered in gravel, but most are usable.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour in Spanish?
Yes, this tour is given in Spanish. 

Is this a walking intensive tour?
This walk usually covers at least 3 miles overall at a moderate pace. There are occasional opportunities to sit, use the bathroom, and get something to drink if needed.

Will we visit the Imperial Palace Gardens from the inside? 
The visit includes only the gardens, without any buildings. Furthermore, the gardens are generally closed twice a week, so the guide reserves the freedom to replace this stop with another venue or point of interest.

Is it okay to tip my guide in Japan?
Context clients generally tip anywhere from 10-25% of the purchase price of a personal service such as this, depending on the quality of the experience and their tipping habits.

For more information about Context tours, please visit our FAQs.

Cancellation Policy

Book with confidence — see Context's cancellation policy here.
Book a Tour
Meet the Experts
Angel Archaeologist Angel
Rafael Architect Rafael
Where You’ll Go

From iconic landmarks to tucked-away local favorites, these are the places you’ll explore and experience firsthand with your Expert.

  • Imperial Palace Gardens
  • Tokyo Station
  • Nihonbashi Bridge
  • Nihonbashi Mitsukoshi
What’s Included As Standard
Here’s a look at what your tour covers, plus anything you’ll want to consider arranging separately, so you can plan with confidence.
Included
  • English-speaking expert guide
    Tours led in English, offering you unbroken understanding throughout.
  • Intentionally sized groups
    A smaller group means more time for conversations and questions.
  • Tickets and entrance fees
    All entry tickets included (unless clearly stated otherwise).
  • Headsets
    Headsets are included on tours that need them, so every word can be heard.
Excluded
  • Gratuities
    We encourage tipping as a way to thank your guide after your experience.
  • Food and drink
    Refreshments are only included during a tour when clearly noted.
  • Transportation to and from the meeting point
    Guests organize pre- and post-tour transport themselves - this service can be added by request.
  • Hotel pickup or drop-off
    Unless noted, travel to or from accommodation isn’t included - this service can be added by request.
Where You'll Explore
Map of Introduction to Tokyo Tour, with Imperial Palace Gardens and Nihonbashi - Spanish general meeting point area

Make the Most of Your Tour

Some helpful advice for getting the most from your experience, from practical prep to small on-the-day tips.

Dos:
  • Wear comfortable footwear
  • Check the weather and dress appropriately
  • Bring a bottle of water (no glass)
  • Feel free to ask your Expert anything
Don'ts:
  • Bring firearms or weapons
  • Bring sharp objects (e.g. knives, swiss army knives, switchblades, hiking sticks)
  • Dress inappropriately to enter religious sites or sacred monuments
Any questions? You can always contact us.

Don’t just take our word for it

0 Reviews

Let Your Curiosity Shape Your Journey

Join passionate experts on intimate walking tours that reveal a city’s unique stories, spark conversations, and leave you seeing the world—and yourself—a little differently.

Structured, never scripted

Your interests guide your Expert, leading to stories and perspectives that matter to you.

Crafted for conversation

With ten or fewer guests, ask questions, engage with your Expert, and fully immerse yourself.

Experts, not guides

Explore with 1,200+ Experts—from historians and architects to archaeologists and chefs.

You May Also Be Interested In…