7:00 AM — Meet at Hanzomon Station
We’ll meet in front of the 7-Eleven near Exit 5 of Hanzomon Station.
One of the best things about starting at 7:00 AM is experiencing central Tokyo before the crowds arrive. The streets are surprisingly peaceful, giving you a completely different perspective on one of the world’s largest cities.
From there, we’ll walk through the Bancho area, a historic area that was once home to samurai who served the Tokugawa shogunate during the Edo period.
As someone who lives in this area, I’ll share not only its history, but also stories about what everyday life is like just steps away from the Imperial Palace.
7:15 AM — Chidorigafuchi
Our next stop is Chidorigafuchi, a beautiful moat beside the Imperial Palace and one of Tokyo’s most famous cherry blossom spots. Its greenery and peaceful atmosphere make it a wonderful place for a morning walk throughout the year.
Around 7:30 AM — Yasukuni Shrine
We’ll then visit Yasukuni Shrine, a Shinto shrine with a complex place in Japan’s modern history.In the quiet morning atmosphere, you’ll have the opportunity to learn about basic Japanese shrine customs and experience how people traditionally pay their respects at a Shinto shrine.
I’ll also introduce some of the historical background surrounding the shrine and its connection to modern Japanese history.
Around 8:00 AM — Kitanomaru Park & Your Japanese Kanji Name
Next, we’ll take a relaxing walk through Kitanomaru Park, a peaceful green space that was once part of Edo Castle.Here, we’ll do something a little different.If you'd like, I’ll create a “Japanese-style kanji version of your name” as a small souvenir from your time in Tokyo.
Japanese names are especially fascinating because each kanji character can carry its own meaning. I’ll explain how Japanese parents choose names for their children and how kanji can combine sound, meaning, and personal wishes.Then we’ll create a kanji name inspired by your own name and personality — something completely unique to you.
Around 8:30 AM — Imperial Palace & Nijubashi
From Kitanomaru Park, we’ll continue towards the Imperial Palace, walking around the former grounds of Edo Castle.We’ll visit the famous Nijubashi area and talk about the transformation of this place from the political centre of the samurai era into the heart of modern Japan.
Along the way, you’ll see the contrast between the stone walls and moats of old Edo and the skyscrapers of modern Tokyo.
9:00 AM — Tour Ends at Tokyo Station
We’ll finish our morning walk in front of Tokyo Station, one of the iconic buildings in the city.By 9:00 AM, Tokyo is beginning to come alive — just as our tour comes to an end.From here, you can continue exploring the city, visit the Imperial Palace East Gardens, enjoy breakfast, or simply begin the rest of your Tokyo adventure.
Throughout the tour, I’ll share not only historical facts, but also stories and perspectives from actually living beside the Imperial Palace.
