Tokyo in One Day: Chidorigafuchi & Asakusa — Guide Danda

What Is a Private Walking Tour of the Edo Castle Grounds and Imperial Palace Like in Tokyo? A Licensed Guide's Report

I guided a group visiting from North America. They had requested to walk from the Budokan, through Kitanomaru Park, and along the outer perimeter of Edo Castle to the Otemon Gate. After leaving Kudanshita Station, the view of Ushigafuchi moat covered in lotus flowers at the start drew high praise. While taking in the scenery, we spent quite some time talking about the Edo shogunate and Edo Castle. Since the guests were fans of the Beatles, they had especially wanted to visit the Budokan, where the Beatles performed in 1966 (they had hoped to go inside and tried to apply for concert tickets, but these were sold out). This may have been the first time I guided someone with such strong interest in Edo Castle rather than the Imperial Palace itself. The question "Did Japan become better after the Meiji Restoration?" was fascinating, and I answered that, thanks to the many policies of the Edo shogunate, Japan is what it is today, so I felt the governance of the Edo shogunate was better. There were also many questions about the stone walls, walls, moats, and gates, as well as bronze statues and stone lanterns. The highlight of the day was the view of the deep moat and high stone walls between Kitahanebashimon Gate and Hirakawamon Gate. It is a place with nothing much in particular, but it may evoke an atmosphere reminiscent of the old days. I was able to answer "Where did the stones for the walls come from?" but when asked "How many stones are there?", I thought about it and replied "Maybe a million," though that was a difficult one. Overall, they showed relatively little interest in newer structures, including the JR Tokyo Station building. It was a tour different from the usual, and I thought this was a rather worthwhile route, while enjoying the many wide-ranging questions and conversation as I guided. A notable stop on the tour was Edo Castle, the grounds of which now form the Tokyo Imperial Palace. Built in the 15th century and later greatly expanded by the Tokugawa shogunate, it was once one of the largest castle complexes in the world, and today visitors can still admire its impressive stone walls, moats, and historic gates that recall the era of the samurai.

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Tour Report by Danda

Nice to meet you. I am delighted to introduce myself. My nickname is Danda. I live in Saitama prefecture next to Tokyo, but I was brought up in Kanazawa, one of the most popular tourist destinations in Japan. My favorite things are bonsai and hiking. Also, I have been a big fun of history and sumo since my childhood. As for the guide, I have enjoyed making communication with foreign visitors since 2019. I have taken more than 30 private groups to not only major scenic spots but also their favorite places such as tea ceremony, maid cafe, sumo tournament, bonsai village, fire ritual and so on. I can arrange the original tour based on your requests and curiosity. It will be only for you. I look forward to meeting you soon. Thank you.