The Kyoto Imperial Palace was once the seat of the Japanese government and now is one of Japan’s most important historic sites. This was the emperor’s former residence and a symbol of ancient Japanese grandeur. The Kyoto Sento Imperial Palace was for retired emperors and the Omiya Palace was for state ceremonies and imperial court functions.
As you walk around the palace grounds, you’ll find the imperial study where the court nobles met and various buildings where the Tokugawa shogun and Emperor Go-Mizunoo lived. The beautiful gardens and Kyoto Imperial Park provide a peaceful backdrop to the palace’s historic buildings.
Guided tours will tell you about the emperors, the imperial family and the palace’s role in Japanese history. From the pieces of the original structure such as the wooden tiles to the stories of royal feasts and wars, every corner of Kyoto Imperial Palace has over 100 years of memories. Kyoto Imperial Palace is not just a tourist spot; it’s a time machine that allows you to walk back in time.
Brief History of the Kyoto Imperial Palace
For many years Kyoto was home to multiple Dairi, the house of the Emperor, the heart and soul of Japan’s culture. The original residence, Heian Palace, has a history dating back to 794 when Emperor Kanmu moved the capital from Nara to Heian-kyō (the old name for Kyoto). After decades of war and natural disasters the old residence was never rebuilt after a fire in 1227.
The Kyoto Imperial Palace has been standing in this location since 1331 when Emperor Kogon ascended the throne here. The palace was rebuilt during the Muromachi and Edo Shogunates. But the current structure is less than two hundred years old. It was built in 1855 after a fire destroyed the previous layout. Soon it stopped being the main residence of the Japanese imperial family in 1869 when the capital was moved to Tokyo permanently during the Meiji Restoration. So the current buildings of Kyoto Imperial Palace are less than two hundred years old, but its history goes back to the 8th century.
Book your Kyoto Imperial Palace tour accompanied by a government-licensed English guide today to learn the history of the ancient halls, see the beautiful architecture and walk through the peaceful gardens of the imperial palace in Kyoto. Conclude your city tour with 17th-century Nijo Castle and 70-year-old Kinkakuji Temple.
Address | 3, Kyoto Gyoen National Garden, Kamigyo-ku, Kyoto, 602-0811 (Map) |
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Opening Hours | Tue to Sun: 9am to 5pm (Apr-Aug), 9 am to 4:30 pm (Sep-March), 9am to 4pm (Oct-Feb). Admission closes 40 minutes before closure. Mondays closed. Dec 28-Jan 4 closed every year. |
Importance of the Kyoto Imperial Palace in Japanese History
The Kyoto Imperial Palace was the imperial residence from Emperor Kōgon in 1331 to Emperor Meiji in 1869. Although the government changed, the palace remained culturally and historically significant. Meiji’s successors, Emperors Taisho and Showa had their Enthronement Ceremonies held in the halls of Kyoto Imperial Palace.
The imperial palace has been the backdrop for many historical events over the past thousand years including the 11th century novel The Tale of Genji by Japanese noblewoman, poet, and lady-in-waiting Murasaki Shikibu around 1021. The story is about Hikaru Genji, an emperor’s son, and his life in the palace and beyond.
In 1944-45 during World War II, some of the buildings were removed to prevent the US air raids. But even today, it’s still important - the royal family holds some court events here such as the Kyoto Imperial Palace Tea Party attended by state guests and nobles. Undeniably, the imperial palace is a piece of the city’s cultural asset and Japan’s imperial history.
Kyoto Imperial Palace: Best Things to Know and See
Architecture and Design
The complex is surrounded by a high wall on all sides, incorporating architectural elements from different periods throughout the city’s history. The palace buildings are a mix of old Japanese national style architecture with cypress bark roofs and plain wood construction, a big change from the earlier Chinese influences. This is a reflection of Kyoto’s cultural and architectural history. As one of the oldest buildings in Kyoto, the palace is a symbol of the city’s cultural heritage and craftsmanship, offering a glimpse into Japan’s past greatness.
Must-See Attractions and Buildings
Shishinden is the most important building, used for ceremonies like enthronement and engagements. Make sure to visit popular tourist spots such as Seiryoden, the Emperor's habitual residence, the Seiryōden hall where the emperor held various rites and rituals, Kogosho, the courtroom, Ogakumonjo, Shodaibu-no-ma, the waiting room for visitors, the Imperial Library, Higyosha, the ladies' quarters, and Shinmikurumayose, the carriage entrance, allowing you to take a peek back in time.
The palace has multiple ornate gates too - Kenreimon for the dignitaries, Gekkamon for commoners, Kenshunmon for other purposes, and several other inner gates.
Kyoto Imperial Garden also houses Kaninnomiya Mansion, a former residence of court nobles, and a small branch shrine of Miyajima's famous Itsukushima Shrine on a small pond island in the southwestern corner.
The palace grounds can be entered and explored without joining a tour, but visitors cannot enter any of the buildings.
Planning Your Visit
Application and Admission Information
Kyoto Imperial Palace and Kyoto Gyoen National Garden do not require an application for admission. For daily operating hours and details, check the Kyoto Imperial Palace details page. However, the Kyoto Sento Imperial Palace does. You cannot visit the Kyoto Sento Imperial Palace without guided tours by the Imperial Household Agency, for which you have to fill up an online application in advance on the official website providing the preferred date and time. You can also go for the walk-in registration reserved for 105 persons per day, but there could be a chance you may not get a slot. Visitors can also find the latest information on the Imperial Household Agency’s official website.
Best Time to Visit and Opening Hours
The palace is open year-round, but the best time to visit is during spring (late March to early April) and autumn (late October to early November). During spring, the palace grounds are awash with bright greens of new foliage. But the main attraction is the vivid pinks and whites of Japanese sakura.
Autumn transforms the beautiful gardens into a painting of red, orange, and golden yellow almost rivalling the cherry blossoms of spring. While the palace is a year-round destination, the cool and pleasant weather makes spring and autumn the ideal times to visit.
Also, do take note that the palace is open from 9:00 to 17:00, with last entry at 16:00.
Getting There and Directions from Kyoto Station
Kyoto Imperial Palace is easily accessible from the city. It is a short subway ride away from Kyoto Station along the Karasuma Line. There are two stops you can get off at along the Karasuma Line:
Get off at Imadegawa Station (approximately a 10-minute-ride costing 260 yen), take Exit 3, and walk for 5-10 minutes to the north entrance (main gate of the Imperial Palace).
For the south entrance, get off at Marutmachi Station (approximately a 7 minute-ride costing 260 yen) and take Exit 2.
Purchase your Randen & Kyoto Subway 1-Day Ticket in advance for hassle-free travel and enjoy unlimited rides on Randen (Arashiyama Honsen/ Kitano Line) and Kyoto Subway (Karasuma Line / Tōzai Line) for 1 day
If you're taking the bus, alight at Karasuma-Imadegawa Bus Stop and walk for 7 minutes to reach your destination.
Visiting Tips and Etiquette
Dress Code and Etiquette
Visitors are requested by the official website to wear comfortable clothing and shoes as the route is open-air in the sun and covered with gravel stones on the ground.
Wear covered and modest clothing out of respect for the location.
Pets are not allowed.
Big pieces of luggage are not allowed.
Smoking, drinking, outside food, photography drones, signboards, microphones etc. are strictly prohibited.
Wheelchairs are available upon request.
Use the multipurpose restrooms for any personal grooming or nursing sessions.
Free parking is not available. Use the paid parking lot at the Kyoto Imperial Garden or use public transport.
Photography Rules and Restrictions
Taking photographs is allowed in the palace grounds with no extra charge, but not inside the palace buildings. However, using camera stands, tripods, or other extended equipment utilised for commercial filming is strictly prohibited. Visitors are only allowed to see most of the buildings from the inside and entering is not permitted. Do not try to take pictures of the interiors through windows or gaps. Also, avoid taking photos of the imperial family or official residence without permission.
Nearby Attractions
Kyoto Gyoen National Garden
Kyoto Gyoen National Garden, sprawling 1.3 km north to south and 700 metres east to west, is the green patch of land where the Imperial Palace sits. The garden has trails, lush grass fields, and seasonal flowers such as cherry blossoms, wisterias, plums, and lilies. Visitors can take in the large, opulent gates from the outside and walk the length of the impressive palace walls that once separated the emperor from the masses.
During the Edo era, it was the Court Nobles Residential Area, now it’s a peaceful park and a great place to take a quiet walk. Enjoy the scenery, sit under the trees, walk across the bridges, and relax by the koi ponds and streams.
Other Imperial Palaces in Kyoto (Sentō and Ōmiya)
The grounds of Kyoto Gyoen National Garden where the garden sits is also home to two other palaces - Kyoto Sento Imperial Palace and Kyoto Omiya Imperial Palace.
Kyoto Omiya Palace was the residence for the consort of the abdicated emperor, with a garden designed by Kobori Enshu. Notably, members of the imperial family still live there when they visit Kyoto.
The former was built in 1630 as a retirement home for Emperor Gomizuno. Later it became a refuge for many emperors and nobles after their life at court was over.
A Glimpse of Japan's Imperial Past
The architectural fabric of Kyoto is witness to thousands of years of Japan's mighty, enigmatic imperial past, showcasing traditional Japanese design and craftsmanship. The palace is an inseparable part of said history and therefore a must-visit for history enthusiasts and culture lovers. Pelago by Singapore Airlines offers comprehensive tours, narrated in English by professional guides, to help you tailor the perfect visit.
While admission is free for Kyoto Imperial Palace, remember to plan your visit according to the palace’s opening hours and admission requirements. Also, book your trip in advance as it will help with the application process for the Sento Palace.
When visiting, be mindful of the palace’s rules and etiquette to ensure a memorable and enjoyable visit. Lastly, take pictures - lots and lots and lots of them. Don't forget to buy some souvenirs as well!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it worth visiting the Kyoto Imperial Palace?
As one of the oldest and culturally rich centres of ancient Japan dating back to the Heian era, Kyoto Imperial Palace is worth a visit. Take note of its architectural excellence as well as its historical significance.
Is Kyoto Imperial Palace open to the public?
Yes, Kyoto Imperial Palace is open to the public.
What is Kyoto Imperial Palace famous for?
Kyoto Imperial Palace used the residence of the Japanese emperors until 1968. It houses many traditional halls, shrines, and gardens that exude history and charm.
Can you visit Kyoto Imperial Palace without a tour?
Kyoto Imperial Palace can now be visited without a tour, but not Kyoto Sento Imperial Palace. You will need to fill out an advanced online application or walk-in registration (only if slots are available) for a guided tour to see the latter.