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

Tokyo’s rich samurai history comes alive on this immersive half-day tour. Explore key sites like the Edo Castle Ruins and uncover the fascinating tales of the 47 Ronin. With a maximum of 10 participants, this engaging journey highlights the virtues of Bushido and the legacy of Japan’s storied past. For just $23.31, experience the enduring spirit of the samurai that continues to captivate visitors from around the world.

Key Points

• A 4-hour, $23.31 per person tour focused on exploring Tokyo’s 1,000-year-old samurai heritage, including visits to Edo Castle ruins and Sengaku-ji cemetery.
• Tour highlights include learning about the samurai code of Bushido and the tragic tale of the 47 Ronin.
• Participants can expect an immersive experience into the rise and decline of the samurai class, from the 900s to the late 19th century.
• The tour includes occasional public transport usage and entry fees, but no food stops, and is not suitable for wheelchair users or those over 95.
• The tour is limited to 10 participants, conducted in English, and starts at Marunouchi Square and ends at Takanawa Gateway Station.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview

The "Tokyo: 1000 Years of Samurai History" is a half-day tour that provides an in-depth exploration of the rich samurai heritage in the Japanese capital.

The 4-hour tour is priced at $23.31 per person, a 40% discount from the original $38.85, and is limited to 10 participants.

Conducted in English, the tour begins at Marunouchi Square outside Tokyo Station and concludes at Takanawa Gateway Station.

Highlights include visits to the Edo Castle Ruins, Sengaku-ji (47 Ronin Gravesite), and Taira no Masakado’s Grave, where participants can learn about the samurai’s origins, virtues, and historical significance.

Samurai History: 900s to 1868

Although the samurai class had its origins in the 900s, the height of their power and influence spanned several centuries, from the Kamakura period in the 12th century to the Tokugawa shogunate’s decline in 1868.

Samurai were known for their strict code of honor, known as Bushido, which emphasized virtues such as:

1. Loyalty to one’s lord
2. Stoicism in the face of adversity
3. Bravery in battle

The samurai’s decline began with the rise of modernization and the end of the feudal system in the late 19th century.

Despite their eventual demise, the samurai’s legacy continues to captivate people worldwide.

Guided Tour Highlights

This guided tour offers an immersive experience into Tokyo’s 1,000-year-old samurai history.

Guests will explore the Edo Castle ruins, uncover the tragic tale of the 47 Ronin at Sengaku-ji, and visit the grave of the notorious samurai Taira no Masakado.

Through these key sites, the tour delves into the virtues and historical significance of the samurai, from their origins in the 900s to their decline in 1868.

With a focus on providing truth about samurai life, the tour promises an engaging and educational journey into Japan’s storied past.

Exploring Edo Castle Ruins

As visitors arrive at the Edo Castle Ruins, they’ll encounter the remnants of this once-grand fortification, which served as the seat of power for Japan’s legendary samurai rulers.

The tour guide will point out:

1. The impressive stone walls and moats that once protected the castle.
2. The foundations of the former main keep, which stood as a symbol of the shogun’s authority.
3. Remnants of the Ninomaru Palace, where samurai would have carried out important ceremonies and meetings.

Through these evocative ruins, participants can glimpse the grandeur and strategic importance of Edo Castle during the samurai era.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

Visiting the 47 Ronin Gravesite

Next, the tour heads to Sengaku-ji, the gravesite of the legendary 47 ronin. Here, visitors learn about the samurai’s virtues of loyalty and honor. The guide explains the ronin’s daring plot to avenge their lord’s death, and how they were later pardoned and buried at the temple. A visit to the museum provides insight into their daily lives and the significance of their actions. The tour then proceeds to Taira no Masakado’s Grave, where the guide delves into the rise and fall of this powerful samurai warlord from the 10th century.

Sengaku-ji	47 Ronin Gravesite
105 minutes	Explore the site where the legendary samurai were laid to rest
Museum Visit	Learn about the ronin’s virtues and their famous vendetta
Significance of the Site	Understand the historical importance of the ronin’s actions
Guide Explanation	Gain insights into the daily lives and significance of the samurai

Taira No Masakado’s Grave

The tour then proceeds to Taira no Masakado’s Grave, where the guide delves into the rise and fall of this powerful samurai warlord from the 10th century.

Masakado’s legacy is both celebrated and controversial – he was a skilled military leader who briefly declared himself the "New Emperor" before being assassinated.

Visitors will learn:

1. Masakado’s origins as a provincial governor in eastern Japan and his gradual accumulation of power.

2. The events leading to his declaration of imperial rule and the shogunate’s swift response to eliminate this threat.

3. How Masakado’s gravesite has become a site of pilgrimage for those fascinated by Japan’s samurai past.

Tour Experience and Logistics

After exploring the fascinating history of the infamous samurai warlord Taira no Masakado, the tour moves on to provide an immersive experience for participants.

The focus is on understanding the truth about samurai life, their virtues, and historical significance. Public transport is used occasionally, with the cost of transport around 400 yen per person.

Entry fees for Sengaku-ji cemetery and museum are 300 yen and 500 yen respectively. Participants are advised to bring snacks, as there are no food stops during the tour.

The tour isn’t suitable for wheelchair users or those over 95, and extra breaks can be arranged for those who tire easily.

Customer Feedback

How does the tour fare in customer feedback? Based on a single review, the tour receives an impressive 5/5 overall rating.

The reviewer highlights three key aspects that contributed to their positive experience:

1. The tour was "very educational", providing deep insights into the rich history of the samurai.
2. The guide was effective in keeping the group "interested and engaged" throughout the various historical locations.
3. The tour locations, which include the Edo Castle Ruins and Sengaku-ji, were described as "nice", complementing the informative content.

The glowing customer feedback suggests this tour offers a compelling exploration of Tokyo’s samurai legacy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Get a Private Tour With Just My Group?

Yes, this tour can be booked as a private tour just for your group. Private tours allow you to customize the experience and enjoy a more personalized exploration of the samurai history and sites.

Is There a Student Discount Available for the Tour?

The tour does not offer a student discount. However, the tour has a special offer of 40% off the regular price, making the current price $23.31 per person for all participants, regardless of student status.

What Is the Best Way to Get to the Meeting Point?

The best way to get to the meeting point at Marunouchi Square, outside Tokyo Station, is to take the subway or train. Participants can use their JR Pass or purchase a single-ride ticket to travel to the meeting location.

Can the Tour Be Customized Based on My Interests?

The tour can be customized to an extent based on the participant’s interests. While the core itinerary remains the same, the guide can provide additional context or focus on specific aspects that align with the participant’s preferences.

Do I Need to Bring Any Specific Equipment or Gear for the Tour?

The tour doesn’t require any specialized equipment or gear. However, the guide recommends bringing snacks, as there are no food stops during the tour. Comfortable walking shoes are also advised due to the extensive walking involved.

The Sum Up

This half-day tour offers a unique opportunity to explore Tokyo’s rich samurai history. Visitors will explore key sites, uncover the virtues of Bushido, and learn about the captivating tales of the 47 Ronin. With a small group size, the tour provides an immersive and engaging experience, allowing participants to gain a deeper understanding of Japan’s storied past for just $23.31.

You can check if your dates are available here: