A Journey Designed for You
[1 day] Tokyo’s Past and Present: Tokyo Station, Marunouchi, and the Imperial Palace
Overview
Tokyo’s transformation from the feudal shogun’s capital of Edo into a vast modern city of skyscrapers and train stations is one of the greatest stories in world history. A tour of the varied architecture at Tokyo’s heart is a great way to begin to understand how the city has evolved through the past four centuries.
This one-day itinerary begins with an architecture tour of the Marunouchi district and Tokyo Station, followed by a visit to the grounds of the Imperial Palace and Chidorigafuchi Moat. The nearby National Museum of Modern Art (MOMAT) is the perfect place to round off your day with its world-class art collection and expansive views of the Imperial Palace and Marunouchi.
location_on Tokyo | schedule 1 day |
account_balance_wallet Approx. ¥77,000 / person (for a group of 2 people) | group 1 - 6 participants |
record_voice_over Available in English | event_available Cancel free up to 11 days prior |
*The indicated price is a reference estimate based on the selection of all listed content. Each component can be arranged individually. The price represents the lowest available rate.
*The itinerary and prices depicted are a model plan. Itineraries can be customized at guest request, so please feel free to enquire.
*For groups of three or more, an additional fee applies. Please contact us for more information.
*Additional fees apply for optional features.
Details
10:00 AM1. Marvel at Tokyo’s Modernization in Marunouchi
Once home to the families of regional samurai lords kept in Edo to keep them loyal to the shogun, Marunouchi has been at the center of Tokyo’s modern evolution, persevering through the vicissitudes of earthquakes, fires, and economic fluctuations. Your day in Marunouchi will begin with a guided tour with architectural culture curator Shuko Koike, who will lead you through the district’s architectural history, including such landmarks as KITTE Marunouchi, the Tokyo International Forum, and historic Tokyo Station (restored in 2012).
Why Visit: An architecture tour through the heart of Tokyo is a great way to understand how the great city modernized and evolved.
local_taxi3 min by car (2.9 km)
1:30 PM 2. Stroll the Historic Grounds of the Imperial Palace
It is a short walk from Marunouchi to the Imperial Palace, long the abode of the Tokugawa shoguns, when it was known as Edo Castle, and now home to the Imperial Family. Take a moment as you approach to gaze across the wide moat to the towering stone blocks of its outer walls. While not all of the Palace is open to the public, you are welcome to stroll through the immaculately groomed East Gardens, home to many historic sites including the few remaining vestiges of the Tokugawa shogun’s former castle.
Why Visit: The Imperial Palace in Tokyo has stood at the center of power in Japan since the early 1600s, first under the Tokugawa shoguns and later the Imperial Family.
local_taxi3 min by car (1.3 km)
2:30 PM3. Pause at Chidorigafuchi Moat to Reflect on Tokyo's History
Edo Castle was originally surrounded by several rings of moats, many of which have been buried now under roads or other structures (for example, Sotobori-Dori means “Outer Moat Road”). Chidorigafuchi is a stretch of moat located to the northwest side of Imperial Palace that is the perfect spot to relax and reflect after your visit to the Palace. Rent a boat and drift atop the water or take a leisurely stroll along the 700-meter moatside path. The path is lined with cherry blossom trees that form a pink canopy in springtime, blanketing the moat with petals when their blossoms fall.
Why Visit: Chidorigafuchi is a beautiful and photogenic spot to take a break and reflect on all you’ve seen.
local_taxi6 min by car (4.2 km)
3:30 PM4. Explore Contemporary Art at the National Museum of Modern Art (MOMAT)
Step back into the modern world with a visit to MOMAT, home to the world’s premier collection of modern Japanese art. Housing over 13,000 works of art, including over a dozen designated Important Cultural Properties, the museum typically showcases approximately 200 pieces at a time and frequently hosts special exhibitions. Through the art displayed at MOMAT, you can get a fresh perspective on Japan’s most transformative era through the eyes of the country’s most insightful modern artists. Wrap up your day at A Room with a View, which offers sweeping vistas of the Imperial Palace and Marunouchi skyline.
Why Visit: MOMAT’s modern and contemporary Japanese art collection will make you think and rethink the country’s modern era.
Tokyo Station Marunouchi South Exit
location_on1-9-1 Marunouchi Chiyoda City, Tokyo
100-0005
near_meClose to Tokyo Station Marunouchi South Exit (JR Lines)
Imperial Palace
location_on1-1 Kokyogaien, Chiyoda Ward, Tokyo 100-0002
near_meApproximately 10 minutes walk from Nijubashimae Station (Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line) or Otemachi Station (Toei Mita Line and Tokyo Metro Lines)
near_meApproximately 15 minutes walk from Tokyo Station (JR Lines and Tokyo Metro Lines)
Chidorigafuchi
location_on2 Saki, Sanbancho, Chiyoda Ward, Tokyo 102-0075
near_meApproximately 3 minutes walk from Kudanshita Station (Tokyo Metro Tozai and Hanzomon Lines, and Toei Shinjuku Line)
near_meApproximately 5 minutes walk from Hanzomon Station (Tokyo Metro Hanzomon Line)
The National Museum of Modern Art (MOMAT)
location_on3-1 Kitanomaru-koen, Chiyoda Ward, Tokyo 102-8322
near_meApproximately 3 minutes walk from Takebashi Station (Tokyo Metro Tozai Line)
near_meApproximately 15 minutes walk from Kudanshita Station (Tokyo Metro Tozai and Hanzomon Lines, and Toei Shinjuku Line)
near_meApproximately 15 minutes walk from Jimbocho Station (Tokyo Metro Hanzomon Line, and Toei Shinjuku and Mita Lines)
Things to know
Maximum number | Up to 6 people per booking Arrangements for groups of 7 or more may be possible depending on the specific experience selected. Please contact us in advance for details. All experiences are private for your group. We do not arrange mixed sessions. |
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Booking Deadline | Inquiry Deadline for Arrangements: If you wish to arrange the following services, please contact us no later than the deadlines below: <Experience> At least 3 days before the experience date <Chauffeur / Private Car Service> At least 14 days before the service date We may not be able to accommodate your request after the above deadlines, and we appreciate your understanding |
Cancellation Policy | You may cancel your reservation and receive a refund as follows: <Experience> 11 or more days before the experience date: 100% refund 10 days or less before (including same-day cancellation or No-show)100% cancellation fee <Chauffeur / Private Car Service> 11 or more days before the service date: 100% refund 10 days or less before (including same-day cancellation or No-show): 100% cancellation fee Cancellations are calculated based on the experience date. Please contact us by 5:00 PM (JST) on the day you wish to cancel. Important Notes: Changes to the reservation (including number of guests or schedule) are not permitted after the cancellation policy takes effect. If you wish to make changes, please contact us before the cancellation policy applies. |
Further Remarks | All experiences are exclusive. Arrival later than 15 minutes after the starting time will result in cancellation. Due to unavoidable circumstances, programs or workshops are subject to last-minute changes and cancellations. |
Itinerary Request
[1 day] Tokyo’s Past and Present: Tokyo Station, Marunouchi, and the Imperial Palace
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