Modern Japanese History Tour in Tokyo

4.8 (5 reviews) 3 hours Private tour

out of 5

5 reviews

4.8

Modern Japanese History Tour in Tokyo — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

Modern Japanese History Tour in Tokyo, photo 2 — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

About this activity

On this 3-hour Modern History Tour, explore Tokyo’s wartime past with your English-speaking guide. Begin at Kudanshita Station (9:00 AM) and visit key landmarks that hold relics and memories of World War II.

Pay respects at Yasukuni Shrine, which commemorates 2.5 million war dead since 1869, and learn about the history and controversies surrounding it. Continue to the Yūshūkan War Museum, dedicated to the soldiers who lost their lives, and discover artifacts that shed light on Japan’s military past.

Throughout the tour, gain insight into how Japanese people commemorate those lost to war, the struggles civilians faced such as starvation, and the experiences of soldiers—including the mindset behind Kamikaze missions.

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At a glance

Duration: 3 hours
Confirmation: Instant confirmation
Ticket: Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group: Your group only
People per booking: 1–15
Guide: Japanese, English
Operated by: Japan Awaits

Ages: Adults (0–99 years)

What is included

Included

Included: Entrance fees to all scheduled sites (Yūshūkan War Museum & Showa Memorial Museum)
Included: English-speaking guide (history expert)
Included: Photo opportunities

Not included

Not included: Food and drinks
Not included: Souvenirs (available for purchase)
Not included: Hotel pickup and drop-off
Not included: Admission fees for additional attractions
Not included: Gratuities (optional)

Itinerary

Yasukuni Shrine

30 min Admission included

Yasukuni Shrine, located in Tokyo, honors Japan's war dead with impressive traditional architecture and tranquil surroundings. Visitors can explore the shrine grounds and a museum featuring artifacts that offer insight into Japan’s military history, providing a reflective experience in the heart of Tokyo.
Stop 2

1 h 30 min Admission included

The Yushukan Museum, located on the grounds of Yasukuni Shrine, offers a comprehensive look at Japan’s military history. This museum features exhibits of historical artifacts, documents, and military equipment, providing visitors with a unique insight into Japan’s past through powerful and thought-provoking displays.
Stop 3

one hour Admission included

The National Showa Memorial Museum, also known as Showa-kan, provides a detailed look into the lives of Japanese civilians during and after World War II. Through exhibitions of personal items, photographs, and narratives, visitors can explore the impact of the war on everyday life in Japan and the resilience of its people during the challenging Showa era.

Meeting point and pickup

Everyone meets at the meeting point.

Meeting point

The direction to the meeting point will be provided after booking.

End point

The direction to the meeting point will be provided after booking.

Using your ticket

Dress code is smart casual
Comfortable walking shoes are recommended

Cancellation

All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.

If you cancel	You get back
Less than a day before	0%

The operator may cancel if too few people book; you then get another date or your money back.

Good to know

Wheelchair accessible
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Will this be a sensitive topic for some people?
While the purpose of this tour is to educate and inform about Modern Japanese history (from over 70 years ago until recent times), it may still be a sensitive topic to some people. We really hope that everyone who comes will keep an open mind and will not put our tour guides in a difficult situation; if the tour guide may feel threatened at any point, please note that the tour may have to end and the tour guide may contact local law enforcement if necessary.
What is the purpose of this tour?
In this tour, you will learn how the Japanese people commemorate and pay their respects to those who have perished from war, the issues that civilians faced during WWII such as starvation, how Japanese soldiers felt and behaved during the war, learn why kamikaze (also known as tokotai) was so prevalent and how the soldiers told their family members before their inevitable fates.
Operating Days (Please select your preferred date accordingly)
This tour operates from Tue to Sun each week (except on public holidays), from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM.
Standard Cancellation Policy:
Cancellation fee of 100% is charged if cancelled 7 days or less before the event
Cancellation fee of 50% is charged if cancelled 14 days or less before the event
Cancellation fee of 25% is charged if cancelled 20 days or less before the event
Confirmation will be received at time of booking, unless booked within 7 days of travel. In this case confirmation will be received within 48 hours, subject to availability