Tokyo: 1000 Years of Samurai History (Half-Day Tour)

Step back in time and uncover the captivating legacy of the samurai in Tokyo. This half-day tour delves into over 1,000 years of Japan’s iconic warrior culture, from the Edo Castle Ruins to the gravesite of the 47 Ronin. Enjoy the honor, loyalty, and profound impact of the samurai, as a knowledgeable guide shares engaging narratives at each historical site. With a small group size, this tour promises an intimate exploration of a bygone era that continues to fascinate the world.

Key Points

• This half-day tour provides an in-depth exploration of Tokyo’s samurai history from the 900s to 1868 through visits to key historical sites.
• The tour includes guided visits to the Edo Castle Ruins, Sengaku-ji Temple known for the 47 Ronin, and the grave of the 10th-century samurai Taira no Masakado.
• The tour is limited to 10 participants, conducted in English, and priced between $31.48 and $39.35 per person, excluding Sengaku-ji entry fees.
• The tour offers flexible booking with a free cancellation policy, allowing participants to easily adjust their plans.
• Each site visited during the tour provides unique insights into the samurai era, focusing on historical significance and cultural impact.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

The tour offers an in-depth exploration of Tokyo’s rich 1000-year samurai history, spanning from the 900s to 1868.

Over the course of 4 hours, you will visit key sites including the Edo Castle Ruins, Sengaku-ji, and the grave of Taira no Masakado.

The knowledgeable guide will provide context and insights into the samurai era.

The tour is limited to 10 people and conducted in English.

Priced at $31.48 to $39.35 per person, it includes the guide fee and transportation costs, but excludes entry fees for Sengaku-ji.

With flexible booking and free cancellation, this tour is a must for history enthusiasts.

Itinerary Highlights

Spanning the samurai era from the 900s to 1868, the tour’s itinerary highlights key historical sites across Tokyo. First, guests explore the Edo Castle Ruins, the former seat of power for the shoguns. Next, they visit Sengaku-ji, a temple famous for the 47 Ronin, tragic samurai who took revenge on their lord’s killer. Finally, the tour concludes at Taira no Masakado’s Grave, the resting place of an influential 10th-century samurai.

Site	Duration	Description
Edo Castle Ruins	30 minutes	Former seat of power for shoguns
Sengaku-ji	105 minutes	Temple of the 47 Ronin
Taira no Masakado’s Grave	1 hour	Resting place of a 10th-century samurai

Guided Tour of Edo Castle Ruins

The guided tour of the Edo Castle Ruins kicks off the excursion, giving participants an immersive look into Japan’s samurai history.

Visitors explore the remnants of the historic castle, learning about its strategic location and importance as the seat of power for the Tokugawa shogunate.

The tour highlights:

1. The foundation stones of the former main castle tower
2. The remains of the outer moat and stone walls
3. Insights into the castle’s layout and defensive systems
4. The role of the Edo Castle in the samurai era, from the 900s to 1868

This gripping introduction sets the stage for the rest of the tour’s deep dive into samurai lore.

Guided Tour of Sengaku-ji

Departing from the Edo Castle Ruins, the tour takes participants to Sengaku-ji, a revered Buddhist temple that holds deep significance in the annals of samurai history.

Here, guests explore the 47 Ronin Gravesite, where the famous samurai who avenged their lord’s death are laid to rest. The guide provides in-depth commentary, recounting the dramatic events that unfolded in the early 18th century and their lasting impact on Japanese culture.

Visitors also have the opportunity to visit the temple’s cemetery and museum, which offer further insights into the samurai’s unwavering code of honor and loyalty.

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Visit to Taira No Masakado’s Grave

After exploring the historic significance of Sengaku-ji, the tour moves on to the next captivating destination – Taira no Masakado’s Grave.

This visit offers a glimpse into the life and legacy of one of Japan’s most notorious samurai.

Visitors will:

1. Learn about Masakado’s attempted rebellion against the imperial court in the 10th century.
2. Discover the legend surrounding his decapitated head.
3. Ponder the enduring mystique that surrounds this influential historical figure.
4. Appreciate the serene setting of the gravesite and its role in Japanese cultural history.

The tour’s focus on Masakado’s grave provides a compelling narrative within the broader exploration of Japan’s samurai legacy.

Exploration of the 47 Ronin Gravesite

From Taira no Masakado’s grave, the tour progresses to the captivating gravesite of the 47 Ronin. Here, the guide shares the legendary tale of the samurai who avenged their lord’s death, despite facing execution for their act of vengeance. Visitors can pay respects at the simple, yet poignant, tombstones.

Ronin Gravesite
Reverential	Somber Atmosphere
Reflective	Admiration for Honor

The tour concludes this impactful portion, leaving participants with a deeper understanding of the samurai code and the unwavering loyalty that defined it.

Inclusions and Exclusions

The tour includes the guide fee and the cost of transportation, which is approximately 400 yen per person.

However, the tour excludes:

• Entry fee for Sengaku-ji cemetery and museum, which are 300 and 500 yen respectively
• Lunch or snacks during the tour

Participants should come prepared with their own snacks, as there are no scheduled food stops during the tour.

While the tour isn’t suitable for wheelchair users or people over 95 years of age, it offers a flexible booking policy with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

Important Information

The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Booking is flexible, with no need to pay anything upfront. However, the tour isn’t suitable for wheelchair users or people over 95 years old.

Participants are advised to bring snacks, as there are no food stops during the tour.

The overall rating is an impressive 5/5 based on a single review, which describes the tour as "very educational" with "a lot of history to explore" and an "engaging guide."

Things To Know

How Much Walking Is Involved During the Tour?

The tour involves a fair amount of walking, with stops at several historical sites spanning about 4 hours. Guests can expect to walk for around 2-3 kilometers during the tour. Comfortable shoes are recommended.

Can We Stop for a Quick Snack or Bathroom Break?

The tour doesn’t include any scheduled food or bathroom stops, but participants can bring snacks and use restrooms at their own discretion during the tour. However, there aren’t any designated times for breaks.

Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Length?

While the tour doesn’t include any scheduled stops, the guide may be able to accommodate brief snack or bathroom breaks upon request. However, extending the tour length is not an option as the itinerary is fixed at 4 hours.

What Is the Dress Code for the Tour?

The tour doesn’t have a strict dress code, but comfortable walking shoes and casual, weather-appropriate clothing are recommended. There’s no need for formal attire, as the focus is on experiencing the historical sites.

Can We Bring Any Personal Items on the Tour?

Participants can bring personal items on the tour, such as small bags, cameras, and water bottles. The tour does not have any restrictions on what personal items can be brought, as long as they don’t interfere with the group.

Sum Up

Enjoy Tokyo’s captivating samurai legacy on this 4-hour guided tour. Explore iconic sites, uncover the honor and loyalty of the samurai, and gain a deeper understanding of their pivotal role in Japan’s history. With limited participants, this intimate experience promises an engaging and insightful exploration of the samurai’s enduring cultural significance.

You can check availability for your dates here: