Exploring Toranagas Edo

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Duration:3 hours (approx.)
Location: Tokyo, Kanto

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Providing more backdrop to the epic historical TV drama 'Shōgun,' discover what it must have been like walking the Shogun's Castle grounds and surrounding areas with 'Exploring Toranaga’s Edo.' This unique walking tour guides you through the remnants of Edo Castle, along ancient Samurai pathways, and into hidden cultural treasures, offering distinctive and personalized insights. Experience the rich blend of historical narratives and contemporary Tokyo as you explore districts once teeming with nobles, samurai, and merchants. Capture the essence of Tokyo’s storied past and vibrant present. Join us in 'Exploring Toranaga’s Edo: Footsteps of a Shogun' to uncover more about the heart and history of the Edo period in Japanese history!

WHAT'S INCLUDED

WHAT TO EXPECT

1. Soto Sakuradamon Gate
Sakuradamon Gate: A Portal Through Time - Completed around 1620, Sakuradamon Gate stands as one of the grandest surviving gateways into the former Edo Castle, still offering prime access to the Imperial Palace Grounds. This site serves as both a historical entry point and as a silent witness to the pivotal "Sakuradamon Incident" of 1860, where Ii Naosuke, the then Tairo and Chief Minister of the Tokugawa Shogunate, was assassinated by ronin samurai. As you explore, marvel at the high stone walls that are a notable feature throughout the castle grounds. These stones were transported over 100 kilometers from the Izu Peninsula and meticulously fitted together without mortar, forming an almost impenetrable barrier. Today, the gate is celebrated as an Important Cultural Property of Japan, encapsulating centuries of history and architectural mastery.
2.
Nijubashi Bridge: The Iconic Double Bridge - Located just a few hundred meters from Sakuradamon, the iconic Nijubashi Bridge, known as the "Double Bridge," is one of Japan's most photographed spots. Viewed from the front, it appears as a two-storied structure, although it consists of two separate bridges: the "Stone Bridge of the Main Gate" in the foreground and the "Steel Bridge of the Main Gate" in the background, which is often referred to as "Nijubashi." Historically, the Steel Bridge was made of wood and reinforced with additional wooden beams, creating the impression of a double bridge, which led to its name. Reconstructed in 1964, today, the bridge is opened only for special occasions, such as official state visits and formal ceremonies at the Imperial Palace.
3. Kokyo Gaien National Garden
Kokyo Gaien National Garden: A Historical Oasis - Situated in front of the Imperial Palace, Kokyo Gaien National Garden extends over a square kilometer, offering a rich blend of history and natural beauty. The garden features a beautifully landscaped plaza, 12 ancient moats, and the tranquil Kitanomaru Garden—all remnants of the former Edo Castle, originally built in 1457. Visitors are invited to explore its preserved moats, gates, bridges, watchtowers, and formidable stone walls. Many of these elements are recognized as Special Historic Sites and Important Cultural Properties of Japan, making this garden not only a stunning natural retreat but also a monument to Japan’s rich historical heritage.
4.
Kikyō-mon: The Bellflower Gate - Originally named Uchi-Sakurada-mon (inner Sakurada-mon) in contrast to Soto-Sakurada-mon (outer Sakurada-mon, now known as Sakurada-mon), Kikyō-mon holds a special place in Tokyo's architectural history. One popular theory about the origin of the name "Kikyō-mon" suggests it comes from the bellflower (Kikyō) depicted on the roof tiles of the gate, a motif from the family crest of Ōta Dōkan, believed to be the builder of Edo Castle. Constructed in 1614, this gate features an earth-paved bridge that spans the Inner Moat, connecting Kokyo Gaien National Garden with the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace. The name reflects the lasting influence of the family's heraldry on the site’s design and history.
5.
Ote-mon Gate: The Main Gateway to Edo Castle - During the Edo period, Ote-mon served as the principal entrance to Edo Castle and was known for being the most heavily fortified. The design of the gate system, as noted by François Caron of the Dutch East India Company, was strategically complex to disorient outsiders. Gates were staggered rather than aligned, requiring visitors to turn 90 degrees to advance, a defensive layout known as masugata, or "square" formation. Historical accounts, including one by the Spanish Governor-General of the Philippines in 1609, Rodrigo de Velasco, highlight the scale of the castle's defenses. He recounted passing between two rows of 1,000 musket-armed soldiers and noted substantial military resources, including stables for 200 horses and an armory equipped for 10,000 men. Ote-mon was not just a gate but a formidable barrier designed to protect the Shōgun's seat of power.
6. The East Gardens of the Imperial Palace (Edo Castle Ruin)
Edo Castle Ruins: From Shogunate Seat to Imperial Palace - The site now occupied by the Imperial Palace has been of central importance since 1457, beginning with a fortification built by the samurai Ota Dokan. It later became the residence of Lord Tokugawa Ieyasu, the founder of the Tokugawa Shogunate, who moved there in 1590. Edo Castle, as it was known, served as the home of the Tokugawa Shoguns and the administrative heart of feudal Japan from 1603 until the shogunate's dissolution in 1867. After the feudal era ended, the shogun vacated the castle, and it was transferred to the new Imperial Government. The Emperor relocated from Kyoto to Tokyo in 1869, marking the beginning of the site's transformation into the Imperial Palace. Despite many original structures being lost to fires, including the Great Fire of Meireki in 1657 which claimed 100,000 lives and nearly the entire castle complex, the site remains steeped in history.
7.
Tenshudai: The Foundation of the Main Keep - Located in the northern corner of the Honmaru, Tenshudai, or the Main Keep Tower base, measures 41 meters (135 ft) in width from east to west, 45 meters (148 ft) in length from north to south, and stands 11 meters (36 ft) high. Originally, a magnificent five-storey keep towered over this base, reaching a height of 51 meters (167 ft)—making it the tallest castle tower in Japan and a grand symbol of the shogun's power. Constructed in 1607 and richly ornamented with gold, the keep was a marvel of Edo architecture. However, it was destroyed in the catastrophic Fire of Meireki in 1657 and was never rebuilt. Today, only the foundation remains, serving as a poignant reminder of past splendor and historical resilience.
8. Kita Hanebashi-mon Gate
Kita-hanebashi-mon Gate: Gateway to the Northern Defenses - The Kita-hanebashi-mon, or "Northern Drawbridge Gate," is situated on the north side of the Tokyo Imperial Palace, leading from the Nippon Budokan and Iidabashi areas. Originally featuring a functional drawbridge during the Edo period, this gate now stands as a fixed structure but retains the metal clamps on its roof as a historical remnant of its drawbridge past. Constructed in the Masugata (square gate) style, it features a double-storied gateway. The outer section of the gate is dark gray with one canopy, while the inner section boasts three canopies, two of which are purely decorative. Historically, the gate's second level served as a crucial defensive position for the fortress. The bridge, once mobile, is now permanently secured to the ground, adding a layer of history to this architectural feature.
9. Nippon Budokan
Nippon Budokan: Japan's Martial Arts and Music Mecca - The Nippon Budokan, often simply referred to as "The Budokan," was originally constructed for the judo competition of the 1964 Summer Olympics. While it continues to serve as a premier venue for martial arts events, the Budokan has also achieved global renown as an iconic music performance venue. This dual identity was cemented by historic concerts by the Beatles in 1966, Led Zeppelin in 1972, and Bob Dylan in 1979, making it a pilgrimage site for both sports fans and music lovers alike.
10.
Tayasu-mon Gate: A Portal to Edo's Past - Situated at the northern outermost part of the former Edo Castle, Tayasu-mon Gate marks what was once the rural district of "Tayasudai" before the castle's construction. This gate, exemplifying the typical Masugata-mon (square gate) style, was initially built around 1607 and later reconstructed in 1636 to its current form. Alongside Shimizu-mon Gate, the eastern gate of Kitanomaru Garden rebuilt in 1658, Tayasu-mon was designated as an Important Cultural Asset of Japan in June 1961. Both gates are celebrated as significant remnants of Edo Castle, holding substantial historical importance and offering a glimpse into the architectural strategies of feudal Japan.
11. Yasukuni Shrine
Yasukuni Shrine: A Monument of National Peace and Remembrance - The shrine's towering main torii gate, installed in 1921, is the tallest and largest in Japan, with pillars 25 meters high and a 34-meter lintel, collectively weighing 100 tons. Emperor Meiji's visit in 1874 marked a significant moment, during which he composed a poem assuring that those who fought and died for their country would forever be remembered here in Musashino. Named "Yasukuni," meaning "to preserve peace for the nation," the shrine honors the sacrifices of those who dedicated their lives to Japan. It remains deeply connected to the Japanese Imperial family and is visited by over five million people annually, serving as a central institution for commemorating those who fought and lost their lives for Japan.
12.
Waseda-Dori Avenue: The Samurai Pathway to Edo Castle - Waseda-Dori Avenue extends from the Tayasu-mon entrance of Edo Castle to the lively Edo entertainment district of Kagurazaka, renowned for its traditional ryotei (restaurants where one could engage with geisha). Historically, this avenue was a vital thoroughfare for samurai and noblemen residing in the area, providing them direct access to the castle. Today, it connects key cultural landmarks, offering visitors a unique glimpse into the rich cultural history and the daily lives of those who once walked this path during the Edo period.
13. Tokyo Daijingu Shrine
Tokyo Daijingu: The Shrine of Love and Tradition - Tokyo Daijingu, affectionately known as the shrine of marriage blessings, is a cherished destination for those seeking good fortune in love. Historically, during the Edo period (1603-1867), the ultimate spiritual journey for many Japanese was a pilgrimage to the revered Ise Jingu, home to Amaterasu-Sume-Ohkami, the ancestral deity of the Imperial Family. Recognizing the challenges of the lengthy journey to Ise, some 350km away, Emperor Meiji authorized the creation of a new shrine in 1868. This allowed Tokyo residents to venerate the Ise deities locally. Initially named Hibiya Daijingu after its original location, the shrine was relocated to Iidabashi after the Great Kanto Earthquake in 1923 and renamed Tokyo Daijingu. It also holds the distinction of conducting the first Shinto wedding ceremony in Japan, a tradition that has since become a widespread practice across the nation.
14. Ushigome Bridge
Remains of Ushigome-mon Gate: A Gateway to Edo Castle - The remains of the imposing Ushigome-mon Gate, which once granted access to Edo Castle from the bustling entertainment district of Kagurazaka, crosses the outermost moat at Iidabashi. The area beyone the gate was historically reserved for high-ranking samurai residences, providing a strategic yet culturally rich buffer to the castle's defenses. Kagurazaka, renowned for its geisha culture and cobbled streets, still retains a few traditional ryotei (private guest houses), though it has also gained fame for its contemporary French cuisine. Explore the echoes of samurai heritage that linger in this intriguing neighborhood, bridging the past with the present.
15.
The Canal Café: A Serene Retreat and a Fond Farewell - Situated on the banks of the outermost moat and looking up at Ushigome Bridge, the Canal Café offers a peaceful haven to relax and enjoy a well-deserved meal (and perhaps a drink) after your walking tour of Edo Castle and its surrounds. This optional experience is the perfect place to take a moment to reflect on your adventure through the heart of historical Tokyo. With its convenient location just across the street from the vibrant Kagurazaka, near both the Yurakucho Subway and Iidabashi Station on the Chuo Line, it serves as an ideal endpoint for your tour. Here, your guide will bid you a fond farewell, leaving you with cherished memories of your journey through Toranaga's Edo.

Retrieving available

Tickets

Exploring Toranagas Edo

WHAT'S INCLUDED

WHAT TO EXPECT

1. Soto Sakuradamon Gate

2.

3. Kokyo Gaien National Garden

4.

5.

6. The East Gardens of the Imperial Palace (Edo Castle Ruin)

7.

8. Kita Hanebashi-mon Gate

9. Nippon Budokan

10.

11. Yasukuni Shrine

12.

13. Tokyo Daijingu Shrine

14. Ushigome Bridge

15.

ADDITIONAL INFO

CANCELLATION POLICY

Partner Resources

How it works

Travel

Insurance

Adventure

Contact

Retrieving available

Tickets

Exploring Toranagas Edo

WHAT'S INCLUDED ⟱

WHAT TO EXPECT ⟱

1. Soto Sakuradamon Gate

2.

3. Kokyo Gaien National Garden

4.

5.

6. The East Gardens of the Imperial Palace (Edo Castle Ruin)

7.

8. Kita Hanebashi-mon Gate

9. Nippon Budokan

10.

11. Yasukuni Shrine

12.

13. Tokyo Daijingu Shrine

14. Ushigome Bridge

15.

ADDITIONAL INFO ⟱

CANCELLATION POLICY ⟱

Partner Resources

How it works

Travel

Insurance

Adventure

Contact

WHAT'S INCLUDED

WHAT TO EXPECT

ADDITIONAL INFO

CANCELLATION POLICY