Historical Journey including Akasaka Palace Admission Ticket

4.9 (7 reviews) 4 hours Free cancellation Private tour

out of 5

7 reviews

4.9

Historical Journey including Akasaka Palace Admission Ticket — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

Lunch Time after the tour — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

About this activity

Discover the refined charm of Akasaka, a Tokyo district where history, diplomacy, and elegance meet. This tour takes you through hidden corners rich in samurai heritage, luxurious Western-style architecture, and long-standing artisan traditions. Perfect for those seeking a deeper cultural perspective beyond the city's usual tourist routes.

・Step inside Japan’s first Western-style guesthouse, a Versailles-inspired palace used to host royalty and world leaders

・Explore the historic Toyokawa Inari Shrine and stroll through Akasaka’s geisha-rooted “Karyukai” district

・Admire handcrafted traditional art at Aoyama Square and enjoy a refined Japanese lunch in a symbolic local restaurant

Half-day Tours Private and Luxury Private Sightseeing Tours Cultural Tours Historical Tours Walking Tours Short term availability Weather Dependent - Moderate

At a glance

Duration: 4 hours
Confirmation: Confirmed within 48 hours
Ticket: Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group: Your group only
People per booking: 1–8
Guide: Japanese, English
Operated by: Trip Designer Inc.

Ages: Infants (0–5 years) · Children (6–12 years) · Adults (13–75 years)

What is included

Included

Included: Admission Ticket
Included: Private tour
Included: Professional guide
Included: Local taxes

Not included

Not included: Food and drinks
Not included: Hotel pickup and drop-off
Not included: Private transportation: Taxi / Private Car or Bus

Itinerary

Akasaka Palace (State Guesthouse)

one hour Admission included

This guest house (a bit of a misnomer – it should be thought of as more of a palatial hotel) was the first Western style grand building in Japan, built by the then crown prince, later the Taisho Emperor, with stylistic reference to France’s Versailles. Total construction cost was the equivalent to over 100 billion yen in today’s money. Construction took about ten years, and it used the latest in building chic and decoration technology. It is now used as a facility to host state guests such as foreign kings or presidents, and it is also used as a stage for summit talks and dinner parties.
Toyokawa Inari Tokyo Betsuin

30 min

Ooka Echizennokami, who was an Edo town donor in the 18th century, has been deemed to have dedicated Echizennokami it from his house in Toyokawa Inari of Aichi Prefecture as a shrine to the residence. Since the latter half of the 19th century, Akasaka has been the gathering place of restaurants and also, as geisha gathered here in the “Karyukai,” inflows of people who live with artists increased. Even now the area is known as a popular area among prominent celebrities and famous athletes.
Japan Traditional Crafts Aoyama Square

30 min

Aoyama Square displays and sells selected traditional craft items from all over Japan. A wide range of treasures and handicrafts are available, all made using the finest techniques that will allow for enjoyment 100 years or more. The shop invites craftsmen from all over the world to hold workshops from time to time, so you can also often see these artisans at work first-hand.
Korekiyo Takahashi Memorial Park

15 min

Small classic Japanese garden in the middle of the city. Refresh from the hustle and bustle.
Stop 5

20 min

Toraya is a Japanese confectioner with 500 years of history. Its newly refurbished flagship store in Akasaka will reopen on Monday, October 1, 2018. Inside, you will find a shop, a factory, a cafe and a gallery. The building facade is covered in glass, giving it an open and inclusive atmosphere. The wooden interior, made from Japanese cypress, embodies the best of elegant tradition.

Meeting point and pickup

Everyone meets at the meeting point.

Meeting point

Yotsuya Station

End point

Using your ticket

・Please join us wearing shoes that are easy to walk in. The tour includes approximately 3.5km of walking.

Times are subject to change due to local traffic conditions.

Cancellation

Free cancellation

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

If you cancel	You get back
At least one day before	100%
Less than a day before	0%

Good to know

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
A maximum of 8 people per booking
The guest house (palace) visitation includes the front garden, main house, and main garden.
Please join us wearing shoes that are easy to walk in. The tour includes approximately 3.5km of walking.