Modern Japanese History Tour in Tokyo
13,000
Explore recent Japanese military history on this 3-hour private guided excursion in Tokyo. Experience the lives of everyday people and soldiers during World War II at Yushukan Shrine, learn about military practices like Kamikaze attacks from an expert guide, and stop by a shrine that commemorates Japan’s 2.5 million victims of war since 1869.
It has been over 70 years since the surrender of Japan, which ended the Second World War. The global war, lasting from 1939 to 1945, was the most widespread in history, involving more than 100 million people from over 30 countries. Many lives were lost during the war, including the 129,000 to 226,000 fatalities caused by the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki.
Tokyo suffered greatly from the war, especially with the B-29 air raids in March 1945. These were regarded as the single most destructive bombing raid in human history, with most of central Tokyo annihilated, 1 million people made homeless, and an estimated 100,000 civilian deaths.
In this three-hour private Modern History Tour, you’ll be guided by an English-speaking expert as you visit historic landmarks with relics of WWII. At 9 AM, meet with your guide at Kudanshita Station (designated meet-up spot provided after booking).
During the tour, guests will visit the Yasukuni Shrine, which commemorates 2.5 million of Japan’s war dead since 1869. Learn about the history and controversies surrounding the shrine before heading to Yushukan, the military and war museum dedicated to the souls of soldiers who died fighting for their country.
This tour provides a deeper understanding of how the Japanese commemorate and pay respects to those lost in war. Discover the issues civilians faced during WWII, such as starvation, how soldiers felt and behaved during the war, why Kamikaze (also known as Tokotai) missions were so prevalent, and how soldiers communicated with their families before their final fates.
Availability
Tuesday – Sunday (except holidays)
9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Location: Meet at Kudanshita Station (designated exit and map provided after booking).
Pricing (Private Option Only)
Please select the number of participants in the booking calendar for exact pricing.
Optional Add-on: Enhance your experience with a private customizable Tokyo exploration after the Modern History Tour. Choose:
- 4 Hours (12:00 PM – 4:00 PM) — A condensed but enriching city tour.
- 6 Hours (12:00 PM – 6:00 PM) — A deeper dive into culture, landmarks, and hidden gems.
Travel by public transportation or private vehicle (transport cost included). Admission fees and optional activity costs are not included.
Included
- Private English-speaking guide
- Expert commentary on Japan’s WWII history and culture
- Entrance fees to all scheduled sites (Yūshūkan War Museum & Showa Memorial Museum)
- Photo opportunities at iconic landmarks
Excluded
- Food and drinks
- Souvenirs (available for purchase)
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Admission fees for add-on tours or additional attractions
- Gratuities (optional)
Additional Information
Attire
As the shrines in Japan are sacred places, we ask that all guests dress appropriately (no short skirts or shorts, or articles of clothing with an excessive amount of skin exposure). We also recommend smart casual attire with comfortable shoes, as there will be a moderate amount of walking.
Age Requirement
There is no age requirement, but a reservation must be made for all guests, and the cost is the same for all ages.
Payment
All bookings are payable via Stripe (Booking Checkout) or Flywire. Confirmations regarding your booking will be sent at least 10 days before your activity date.
Cancellation Policy
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
Q&A
What if I’m late?
Although this is a private tour, the guide will wait up to 30 minutes after the scheduled start time. If you do not arrive within this time, the tour will be considered cancelled.
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.
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.
Looking for a tour in a different city?
Japan Awaits is a licensed tour operator in Japan, with hundreds of registered and vetted tour guides nationwide. We offer tours in any location in Japan and manage all details, including transportation and tickets. Contact us and inquire about a custom experience today.
