Kyoto Imperial Palace

Kyoto Imperial Palace

Kyoto Imperial Palace is a place of great importance in Japanese history and culture. This vast area is located within the Kyoto Gyoen in the city center of Kyoto, covering approximately 650,000 square meters. The grounds are enclosed by earthen walls and a clear stream, measuring about 250 meters east to west and 450 meters north to south. Once you step inside, a tranquil world unfolds, far removed from the bustle of the city.

Originally established in 794 when Emperor Kammu moved the capital to Heian-kyo (modern-day Kyoto), it served as the residence of the emperor for nearly 1,000 years until the Meiji Restoration. Historical buildings, including the Shishinden (the Hall of State), have been preserved, and important rituals are still held here.

The buildings have suffered from numerous fires, with the last major reconstruction being completed in 1855 during the Ansei era. Notably, the Shishinden is where the enthronement ceremonies of successive emperors took place and reflects the architectural style of the Heian period. Additionally, the grounds feature the Empress's Palace and beautiful gardens, attracting many tourists and researchers throughout the year.

Since 2016, the palace has been open to the public without the need for reservations, allowing visitors to experience Japan's history and culture up close. Thus, the Kyoto Imperial Palace is valued not only for its historical and cultural significance but also serves as an urban green space, beloved by many.

Basic Information

Spot Name
Kyoto Imperial Palace
Location
〒602-8611 3 Kyotogyoen, Kamigyo Ward, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture, Japan 
Access
Get off at Imadegawa Station on the Karasuma Subway Line and walk for 5 minutes.
Get off at Karasuma Imadegawa on the city bus and walk for 5 minutes.
Get off at Demachiyanagi Station on the Keihan Electric Railway and walk for 20 minutes.
Parking
Parking available
Business Hours
April to August: 9:00 AM - 4:20 PM (Last entry by 5:00 PM)
September and March: 9:00 AM - 3:50 PM (Last entry by 4:30 PM)
October to February: 9:00 AM - 3:20 PM (Last entry by 4:00 PM)
Regular Holiday
Closed on Mondays (the following day if it's a holiday), during the year-end and New Year period (12/28 to 1/4), and on days when events are held that may cause disruptions.
Fees
Free admission.
Contact Information
Phone Number:075-211-1215
Official Website

Map

Kyoto Imperial Palace Movies

京都に住む夫婦が普通に京都御所を散歩する動画.part4(タートルベアンドふうふ)
【京都府】人気すぎる京都に行くのは勇気が要ったけど・・・
京都の観光名所「京都御所」の様子
京都 京都御所周辺散歩
一度は行くべき 京都御所 (20230617)
SUB【京都vlog】女ひとり、京都御苑さんぽ|オススメランチ、カフェ、パン屋さん|京都御所
【京都市民推薦】京都御所5分圏内のみ/カフェ巡り/ランチ/お茶
【京都御所】 伝統と格式の京都御所の魅力に触れる ~古の天皇のお住まいを参観、笹屋伊織のカフェで一休み~
Kyoto Tourist Attractions
View List
Tofuku-ji Temple

Tōfuku-ji is the head temple of the Rinzai sect of Zen Buddhism, founded in 1236 by Kujō Tadayoshi, with its main hall completed in 1255. It is counted among the fiv...

Nijo Castle

Nijo Castle, originally built as a retreat for the Shogun, can be described as a place condensed with Japan’s history and culture. Constructed in 1603 by the first S...

Sanjusangen-do Temple

Sanjusangendo, officially known as Rengeoin, is a Tendai Buddhist temple located in Kyoto. Rebuilt during the Kamakura period, this temple boasts a main hall that is...

Togetsukyo Bridge

The Togetsukyo Bridge, which connects Arashiyama and Sagano, is a bridge rich in history and charm, spanning the Katsura River. The first bridge was built by the mon...

Kenninji Temple

Kennin-ji Temple, founded in 1202 by the Zen master Eisai, is the oldest Zen temple in Kyoto and serves as the head temple of the Kennin-ji branch of the Rinzai sect...

To-ji Temple

Toji Temple (official name: Kyo-o Gokokuj), is the only existing structure from the Heian-kyo period and is registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Founded two y...

Kyoto National Museum

The Kyoto National Museum was opened in 1897 as the Imperial Kyoto Museum. Located in Kyoto, this museum houses approximately 14,600 artworks and cultural properties...

Kamikamo Shrine

Kamigamo Shrine (Kamo-wake-ikazuchi Shrine) is one of the oldest shrines in Kyoto, dedicated to the god of thunder, Kamo-wake-ikazuchi no Ōkami. The shrine grounds h...

Nearby Hotels

京町家雅 宮木邸
[Lowest Price] ¥67500~

Information Plans

丸 和泉屋町
[Lowest Price] ¥52380~

Information Plans

西陣 藤田
[Lowest Price] ¥56400~

Information Plans

京の宿 縁 四条
[Lowest Price] ¥52250~

Information Plans

栄の屋
[Lowest Price] ¥69000~

Information Plans

京蘭ー瑠安邸
[Lowest Price] ¥52875~

Information Plans

南禅寺参道 菊水
[Lowest Price] ¥52910~

Information Plans

東山 四季花木
[Lowest Price] ¥46200~

Information Plans

京町屋 錦花
[Lowest Price] ¥47040~

Information Plans

京蘭ー鏡月邸
[Lowest Price] ¥47250~

Information Plans

花築・青楓ハウス
[Lowest Price] ¥45454~

Information Plans