Kyoto Imperial Palace

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  • Kyoto Imperial Palace - Kyoto-gosho

    Kyoto Imperial Palace (Kyoto-gosho)

  • Kyoto Imperial Palace Shishinde

    Kyoto Imperial Palace Shishinde

  • Outer Wall of Kyoto Imperial Palace

    Outer Wall, Kyoto Imperial Palace

  • Outer Wall of Kyoto Imperial Palace

    Outer Wall, Kyoto Imperial Palace

  • Seisho-mon Gate of Kyoto Imperial Palace

    Seisho-mon Gate, Kyoto Imperial Palace

  • Gishu-mon Gate of Kyoto Imperial Palace

    Gishu-mon Gate, Kyoto Imperial Palace

  • Jomei-mon Gate, Kyoto Imperial Palace

    Jomei-mon Gate, Kyoto Imperial Palace

  • Kogosho, Kyoto Imperial Palace

    Kogosho, Kyoto Imperial Palace

  • Kyoto Imperial Palace Garden

    Kyoto Imperial Palace Garden

  • Kyoto Imperial Palace Garden

    Kyoto Imperial Palace Garden

  • Kyoto Imperial Palace Garden

    Kyoto Imperial Palace Garden

  • Kyoto Imperial Palace Garden

    Kyoto Imperial Palace Garden

  • Kyoto Imperial Palace Garden

    Kyoto Imperial Palace Garden

  • Kyoto Imperial Palace Garden

    Kyoto Imperial Palace Garden

  • Kyoto Imperial Palace Garden

    Kyoto Imperial Palace Garden

  • Kyoto Imperial Palace Garden

    Kyoto Imperial Palace Garden

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Facts & Figures

Kyoto Imperial Palace (Gosho) is located within the beautiful Kyoto Imperial Palace Park (size: 1300m x 700m). The walled complex consits of many buildings including Seiryoden (Emperor's Habitual Residence), Shisinden (Hall for State Ceremonies), Kogosho (Court Room), Otsunegoten (Emperor's residence) and Ogakumonjyo (Imperial Library). Best Ryokans in Kyoto Explore Ryokans in Kyoto >
Ryokans are the perfect way to discover old Japanese culture and traditions.
Important to know that before you enter the palace grounds by a guided tour (Japanese or English) you have to apply for a permission with your passport by the Imperial Household Agency Office (northwestern corner of Kyoto Imperial Palace Park). You can apply without problems for the same day. There are several tours a day. The Kyoto Park (Gyoen) is open to the public and a great place to enjoy the blossoming of plum and cherry trees in spring (late Feb, late March).

  • Imperial Household Agency Office:
  • Opening Hours - 8:45am to 12:00am and 1:00pm to 5:00pm (Mo - Fr)
  • Kyoto Imperial Palace Park:
  • Open - whole day, 365 days a year
  • Guided Tours Kyoto Imperial Palace:
  • Standard tour route (1hr): - 9:00am, 11:00am, 1:30pm, 3:00pm
  • Short tour route (30min): - 11:00am or 3:00pm
  • English Tours (60min): - 10:00am or 2:00pm
  • Closed: - National Holidays, most Saturdays, always on Sunday

My tips for local activities

Local guide in Kyoto

How about exploring the best parts of my favourite city Kyoto with a local guide? The personalized tour by our partner GetYourGuide can take between 2 - 8 hours. For more details check out this page >

History

Kyoto Imperial Palace was home of the Emperor and its family till 1868. In 1869 the capital of Japan was moved from Kyoto to Tokyo including the official residence of the Emperor. Its origin dates back till 794. The complex was destroyed by many fires through the centuries. The current complex was rebuilt in 1855. State ceremonies and enthronement of a new emperor are still held at the palace grounds.

Location

Map of Japan

Kyoto Imperial Palace is located in Kamigyo Ward in the center of Kyoto.
Address: Kyoto Gyoen 3, Kamigyo-ku, 602-0881 Kyoto City

How to get to Kyoto Imperial Palace?

  • 10min from Kyoto St. to Marutamachi or Imadegawa St. by Karasuma Subway Line

Sightseeing spots

Top:

Seiryoden - Emperor´s former residence during Heian Period (794 - 1185)

Shisinden - main building/hall of the Imperial palace complex and still used for State Ceremonies like succession to the throne

Kenrei-mon (Kenrei Gate) - only open during the time of the Emperor´s or foreign heads of state visits

Otsune-goten - former residence of the Emperor during Muromachi Period (1337 - 1573), huge building with 15 rooms

Kogosho - Court Room was a place to meet the Emperor or used for ceremonies

Ogakumonjyo - Imperial Library

Higyosha and Kogogu Tsunegoten - place where the Empress lived

Festival & Events (dates can change without notice)

April

Miyako Odori (1st - 31th)
The traditional annual spring dance of the Kyoto district Gion Kobu performed by Geiko and Maiko is a must-see on your Kyoto visit. Don't miss the most popular dances the Miyako Odori "Cherry Blossom Dances" or "Dances of the Old Capital" at the Gion Kobu Kaburenjo Theater (located close to Gion Corner).

May

Aoi Matsuri (15th)
The highlight of this festival is a large parade from Imperial Palace through Shimogamo Shrine to the Kamo Shrines. More than 500 people wearing aristocratic costumes from the Heian Period (794 - 1185). The Aoi Matsuri belongs with the Gion Matsuri and Jidai Matsuri to the three most famous festivals in Kyoto.

July

Gion Matsuri (whole month)
The month July is full of different events like the Yoiyama - Kyoto's Magical Night (locals in kimonos look at the giant Gion floats the day before the parade) or the famous Yamaboko Junko (float procession on the 17th of July).

October

Jidai Matsuri ("Festival of Ages") (22nd)
People celebrate with a large parade between Imperial Palace to Heian Shrine the anniversary of the foundation of Kyoto. App. 2000 participants wearing historical costumes from different time periods. Enjoy this great festival which last around 2 hours.

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