Edo Tokyo History & Culture Tour with Licensed Local Guide

5.0 (25 reviews) 6 hours Free cancellation Private tour

out of 5

25 reviews

5.0

Edo Tokyo History & Culture Tour with Licensed Local Guide — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

Edo Tokyo History & Culture Tour with Licensed Local Guide, photo 2 — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

About this activity

In the modern city of Tokyo, it is easy to forget that things were once very different. Join our tour guides on a tour of Tokyo’s history and culture. Learn what it was like before the city became one of the biggest in the world. Your guide can take you to fascinating sights like:

Edo Tokyo Open Air Architectural Museum: Be transported back in time in this collection of Edo period buildings that are in a beautiful outdoor museum.

National Showa Memorial Museum: A look into the life of those in during and post-war Tokyo.

Ryogoku Area: Learn about the capital of Sumo in Japan. Try Chanko Nabe, the Sumo wrestler hotpot!

If you want to enrich your experience in Tokyo with some history, be sure to join us on this tour! Once you place your reservation, a guide will be in touch with you directly. Choose the top sights you would like to see and your guide will plan your private itinerary! If you need more time, please contact us for hourly extension fees.

We hope to guide you soon!

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At a glance

Duration: 6 hours
Confirmation: Instant confirmation
Ticket: Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group: Your group only
People per booking: 1–10
Guide: Japanese, English
Operated by: Japan Guide Agency

Ages: Infants (0–5 years) · Children (6–11 years) · Adults (12–99 years)

What is included

Included

Included: Meet up with guide on foot within designated area of Tokyo
Included: Customizable Tour of your choice of 3-4 sites from 'Itinerary' list
Included: Licensed Local English Speaking Guide

Not included

Not included: Transportation fees, Entrance fees, Lunch, and Other personal expenses
Not included: Private Vehicle
Not included: You cannot combine multiple tour groups.
Not included: Guide Entry fees are only covered for sights listed under 'Itinerary' list.

Itinerary

Imperial Palace

one hour Admission not included

**This tour does not include access to the inside of the Imperial Palace**

The current Imperial Palace (皇居, Kōkyo) is located on the former site of Edo Castle, a large park area surrounded by moats and massive stone walls in the center of Tokyo, a short walk from Tokyo Station. It is the residence of Japan's Imperial Family.

Edo Castle used to be the seat of the Tokugawa shogun who ruled Japan from 1603 until 1867. In 1868, the shogunate was overthrown, and the country's capital and Imperial Residence were moved from Kyoto to Tokyo. In 1888 construction of a new Imperial Palace was completed. The palace was once destroyed during World War Two, and rebuilt in the same style, afterwards.
Ryogoku Kokugikan

30 min

Ryogoku (両国, Ryōgoku) is a district of Tokyo where the sumo stadium, many sumo stables, chanko restaurants and other sumo related attractions can be found. It is the center of the sumo world. Sumo events have been staged in this area for a long time, but until the beginning of the 20th century, sumo tournaments were held outdoors at shrines and temples.

In 1909, the first permanent sumo hall was built in the Ryogoku area. Today's sumo stadium, the current Kokugikan, is the fourth built in Tokyo and has been in use since 1985. It seats over 10,000 visitors and hosts three of the six annual sumo tournaments (in January, May and September).
The Sumida Hokusai Museum

30 min Admission not included

The Sumida Hokusai Museum (すみだ北斎美術館, Sumida Hokusai Bijutsukan) is a museum dedicated to the ukiyo-e artist Katsushika Hokusai, commonly referred to as Hokusai. His most well-known works include The Great Wave off Kanagawa and Red Fuji, which are a couple of prints from the collection Thirty-Six Views of Mount Fuji. The museum was opened in November 2016 in Tokyo's Sumida Ward where Hokusai was born and where he spent most of his life.
Kanto Earthquake Memorial Museum

one hour Admission not included

Learn about the Great Kanto earthquake and how to city of Tokyo rebuilt.
Ryogoku Edo Noren

45 min Admission not included

Enjoy some Tokyo style dishes in this food court that is styled to look like Edo period Japan.
Nihonbashi

Passing by

Nihonbashi was once the starting point of five main roads that ran through and across Japan and prospered as the center of Edo, the present-day Tokyo. Nihonbashi still has an old and traditional Japan's feel to it while continues to develop as a modern town. One of its charms is an easy access from Tokyo station; it only takes less than 10-minute walk to get to Nihonbashi.
Sumida River

Passing by

The Sumida River (Sumidagawa) is one of Tokyo's main rivers, and the most familiar Tokyo river to visitors. The Sumida River starts directly north of Tokyo, then out eastward through eastern Tokyo.
Edo-Tokyo Open Air Architectural Museum

15 min Admission not included

Located in western Tokyo, the Edo-Tokyo Open Air Architectural Museum offers an off-the-beaten-track look at Japanese culture. The museum was established in 1993 by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government. Despite its young age, the architectural park serves as a cultural center with centuries-old buildings relocated and preserved on its grounds. Spend hours exploring historical buildings and discover the cultural heritage behind their walls.
Fukagawa Edo Museum

30 min Admission not included

The Fukagawa Edo Museum in Tokyo offers a unique glimpse into life during the Edo period (1603–1868). Unlike traditional museums, it recreates an entire Edo-era neighborhood with streets, houses, shops, and a canal, allowing visitors to walk through history. Interiors are furnished with period-appropriate items, and staff sometimes dressed in Edo-style clothing provide explanations and demonstrations. Exhibits showcase traditional crafts, festivals, and daily life, from samurai residences to commoners’ homes. Interactive elements let visitors explore and experience history firsthand. This immersive museum is perfect for families, students, and anyone interested in Japanese culture and history.

Meeting point and pickup

The operator picks every participant up from their accommodation or the points below.

Pickup points

APA Hotel Ginza Kyobashi Minami
Courtyard by Marriott Tokyo Station
Hotel Villa Fontaine Tokyo-Hatchobori
Smile Hotel Tokyo Nihombashi
Smile Hotel Nihonbashi Mitsukoshimae
Mitsui Garden Hotel Kyobashi
Aman Tokyo
MIMARU Tokyo Hatchobori
Sotetsu Fresa Inn Nihombashi-Kayabacho
HOSHINOYA Tokyo
Ascott Marunouchi Tokyo

and 38 more pickup points

This private tour is a walking day tour. A private vehicle is not included. Public transportation or local taxis maybe used to transfer between sites. Exact transportation costs can be discussed with the guide after a reservation is finalized. Please have Japanese Yen on hand for your transportation costs. If you wish to arrange for a private vehicle, please contact us directly. All Private vehicles must be booked 5 days in advance. Maximum number of passengers: 7