Modern Japanese History Tour in Tokyo

In this three-hour small group Modern Japanese History Tour, you’ll be guided by an English-speaking guide as you visit the historic landmarks with relics of the recent WWII.

In this three-hour small group Modern History Tour, you’ll be guided by an English-speaking guide as you visit the historic landmarks with relics of WWII. At 9 AM, meet with your tour guide at Kudanshita Station (designated meet-up spot will be provided after booking).

Guests will pay a visit to Yasukuni Shrine, which commemorates 2.5 million of Japan’s war dead since 1869. Learn about the history and controversy that surrounds the shrine before heading to Yushukan, the military and war museum dedicated to the souls of soldiers who died fighting for their country.

In this tour, guests will learn how the Japanese commemorate and pay their respects to those who have perished from war, the issues that civilians faced during WWII such as starvation, how Japanese soldiers felt and behaved during the war.

Yasukuni Shrine, located in Tokyo, honors Japan’s war dead with impressive traditional architecture and tranquil surroundings. Visitors can explore the shrine grounds and a museum featuring artifacts that offer insight into Japan’s military history, providing a reflective experience in the heart of Tokyo.

The Yushukan Museum, located on the grounds of Yasukuni Shrine, offers a comprehensive look at Japan’s military history. This museum features exhibits of historical artifacts, documents, and military equipment, providing visitors with a unique insight into Japan’s past through powerful and thought-provoking displays.

The National Showa Memorial Museum, also known as Showa-kan, provides a detailed look into the lives of Japanese civilians during and after World War II. Through exhibitions of personal items, photographs, and narratives, visitors can explore the impact of the war on everyday life in Japan and the resilience of its people during the challenging Showa era.

• Wheelchair accessible
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels
• A minimum of 2 people per booking is required
• Standard Cancellation Policy:
• Cancellation fee of 100% is charged if cancelled 7 days or less before the event
• Cancellation fee of 50% is charged if cancelled 14 days or less before the event
• Cancellation fee of 25% is charged if cancelled 20 days or less before the event
• Important Update: Yushukan Museum Closure
• From November 17 to December 30, 2024, the Yushukan Museum will be temporarily closed. During this period, the tour will instead include a visit to Chidorigafuchi National Cemetery, a solemn site dedicated to honoring Japan’s unknown soldiers and civilians who perished in conflicts. This adjustment offers an equally meaningful experience, allowing guests to reflect on Japan’s wartime history in a place of peace and remembrance.
• Will this be a sensitive topic for some people?
• While the purpose of this tour is to educate and inform about Modern Japanese history (from over 70 years ago until recent times), it may still be a sensitive topic to some people. We really hope that everyone who comes will keep an open mind and will not put our tour guides in a difficult situation; if the tour guide may feel threatened at any point, please note that the tour may have to end and the tour guide may contact local law enforcement if necessary.
• What is the purpose of this tour?
• In this tour, guests will learn how the Japanese people commemorate and pay their respects to those who have perished from war, the issues that civilians faced during WWII such as starvation, how Japanese soldiers felt and behaved during the war, learn why kamikaze (also known as tokotai) was so prevalent and how the soldiers told their family members before their inevitable fates.

• Private + Tokyo 4-hour tour
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  Private Option
  Add-on Tokyo 4-hour Tour (Private Vehicle)
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• Pvt+Tokyo 4 hours(Public)
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  Public Transportation
  Private+Tokyo 4 hours: Private Option
  Add-on Tokyo 4-hour Tour (Public Transportation)
• Join-in Tour
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• Private Tour
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  In this Japanese Modern History Tour, guests will enjoy private tour to Showa-kan Museum, Yasukuni Shrine and Yushukan Shrine in three-hours.

• English speaking guide
• Photo opportunities

• Food and drinks
• Souvenirs (available for purchase)
• Hotel pickup and drop-off

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• Dress code is smart casual
• Comfortable walking shoes are recommended

Please be advised..

• This Tour is Provided by Japan Awaits.
• Tour Timezone & Starts at Asia/Tokyo.
• Mobile or paper ticket accepted.
• All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
• This Tour is Rated 4.5 Stars based on 3 valid reviews on TRIPADVISOR.
• Minimum 1 Travelers is required to book.
• Maximum 15 Travelers is accepted for booking.