Free Tour William Adams in Edo City in Tokyo
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Follow William Adams’s legacy on an early morning walking tour around Tokyo Station. Learn how his insight shaped the Tokugawa shogunate in the 17th century, visiting key sites linked to his life and remarkable influence on Japanese history.
In April 1600, approximately six months before the decisive battle which allowed to establish Tokugawa shogunate, the Dutch ship Liefde arrived in Bungo Province.
The ship departed Rotterdam, Netherlands, in June 1598, with a crew of 110, but arrived in Bungo with only 24 remaining.
Among the crew were the Dutchman Jan Joosten and the Englishman William Adams, the first Dutchman and Englishman to arrive in Japan.
Both men served Ieyasu, the first Shogun of Tokugawa shogunate as diplomatic advisors, and William Adams in particular became an unprecedented foreign feudal lord in Japanese history. William Adams's outstanding insight contributed greatly to the fledgling Tokugawa shogunate amidst a difficult international situation in 17th century. He died in Japan in 1620 at the age of 56. Many biographies have been written, among those a television drama starring William Adams, "Shogun" (based on the 1975 novel "Shogun" by James Clavell). This early morning walking tour traces the legacy he left to Japanese society and his outstanding character, focusing on places around Tokyo Station associated with William Adams.
Meeting point
Yaesu Central Exit (Ground floor)
Before you go
- Length
- About 1h
- Languages
- English
- Usual start times
- 07:00 (Tokyo time)
- Coming up
- 25 departures in 3 months, 2 this week
Questions about this tour
How much does this tour cost?
Nothing up front. You book for free and tip your guide at the end. Many travellers tip around €5 to €15 per person, depending on the length and quality of the tour.
How long does it take?
About 1h.
Where does it start?
The meeting point is Yaesu Central Exit (Ground floor). The map on this page shows the exact spot.
What languages is it in?
Upcoming departures are in English. Pick your language in the calendar to see only those.
When does it run?
25 departures are listed in the next three months, 2 of them in the next 7 days, usually at 07:00. Times are local to Tokyo.
Do I need to book?
Booking is a good idea: groups are limited and popular times fill up. Create a free Tripsora account, pick a day and time, and press Book to finish with the tour provider.
Is it accessible?
The tour provider has added accessibility information for this tour. Check the details with them when you book, and tell your guide about any needs on the day.
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Accessibility information available
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