Kyoto Imperial Palace

Experience the Culture of the Japanese Imperial Family

The Kyoto Imperial Palace served as the residence of the Emperor until the mid-19th century and was long the center of Japanese politics. While opportunities for the general public to enter were limited in the past, since 2016 it has been freely open to the public without the need for reservations.

The Kyoto Imperial Palace is located within the Kyoto Imperial Park, a vast expanse covering around 90 hectares. Within this park, in addition to the Kyoto Imperial Palace, are the Sento Imperial Palace and the Kyoto State Guest House. The Kyoto Imperial Palace alone spans about 11 hectares, so it is highly recommended to wear comfortable shoes for walking.

The entrance for tourists is solely through the Seishomon gate on the west side. Upon entry, there will be a brief baggage inspection.

Visitors are generally free to explore the palace grounds at their leisure. There are two free guided tours conducted daily, one in English and the other in Chinese, each lasting about 50 minutes.

Note
Due to the effects of the novel coronavirus outbreak, the guided tours are suspended for the foreseeable future.

Basic Information

Location Kyoto Imperial Palace in Kyoto City

Access:
5-minute walk from Imadegawa Station on the Karasuma Subway Line
5-minute walk from Karasuma Imadegawa bus stop on Kyoto City Bus

Duration All year round

April – August: 9:00 – 17:00 (Last admission at 16:20)
September & March: 9:00 – 16:30 (Last admission at 15:50)
October – February: 9:00 – 16:00 (Last admission at 15:20)
※Closed: Every Monday (If Monday is a holiday, then the following day), New Year’s holidays.

Tour Details General admission is free.
Additionally, free guided tours in English and Chinese (approximately 50 minutes each) are conducted at 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM. ※Please note that the guided tours are currently suspended due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Tour Type General Viewing
Pre-application Not required
URL https://sankan.kunaicho.go.jp/english/guide/kyoto.html

GETYOURGUIDE: Kyoto: Imperial Palace & Nijo Castle Guided Walking Tour

MAP

Guide Map of Kyoto Imperial Palace

Source: https://sankan.kunaicho.go.jp/english/guide/access_map_kyoto.html

PHOTOS

Kyoto Gosho

Kyoto Imperial Palace (Kyoto)

Kyoto Imperial Palace (Kyoto)

Kyoto Gosho

Related Tours

  1. Sento Imperial Palace

  2. Half-Day Guided Bike Tour of North Kyoto with Lunch

    Half-Day Bicycle Tour Exploring Northern Kyoto

  3. The Imperial Palace

    General Public Viewing of the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace

  4. Shugakuin Imperial Villa

    Shugakuin Imperial Villa

  5. Kimono Experience in Kyoto MAIKOYA

    Experience Wearing Kimono in Kyoto

  6. Kyoto: Morning Japanese Bento Cooking Class

    Learn Japanese Bento Cuisine in Kyoto

  7. Katsura Imperial Villa2

    Katsura Imperial Villa

  8. Kyoto Arashiyama and Miyama Full-Day Private Taxi Tour

    Day Trip from Kyoto to Visit the Thatched-Roof Village of Miyama Town

  9. Kimono Tea Ceremony Experience KYOTO MAIKOYA2

    Kimono Tea Ceremony Experience at MAIKOYA Kyoto

  10. Experience a tea ceremony at Kanazawa Kenrokuen Garden, one of the three major gardens in Japan.

Your Favorite Tours

      No favorited articles registered