Kyoto Imperial Palace – Guided Tours, Hours & Nearby Attractions in Japan

Kyoto Imperial Palace is a window into Japan’s rich imperial history, offering visitors a glimpse of its elegant architecture and serene gardens. Surrounded by a vast park, the palace grounds provide a peaceful retreat from the city’s busy streets, making it an ideal spot for a leisurely stroll. While the interiors remain closed to the public, the beautifully maintained pathways, traditional gates, and historical significance make it a must-visit destination for history enthusiasts and culture lovers alike. Exploring the area allows visitors to appreciate Kyoto’s timeless charm while learning about the traditions that once shaped Japan’s imperial past.

Before moving to Tokyo Imperial Palace in 1869, the Emperor of Japan and the Imperial Family lived in Kyoto in what is now one of the city’s most visited tourist attractions. Kyoto Imperial Palace (also known as Kyoto Gosho) consists of four main buildings, plus several smaller halls and residences. While the buildings can only be admired from the outside, visitors can enjoy Kyoto Imperial Palace guided tours to view the gorgeous grounds and learn more about the history of this incredible landmark in Kyoto.

Kyoto Imperial Palace Guided Tours, Admission Fees & Hours of Operation

In addition to it being an important historic landmark, a key reason to visit the Kyoto Imperial Palace is its free admission. Travelers on a budget will love spending a morning or afternoon exploring the regal gardens and viewing the palace buildings at no cost. Visitors can also take advantage of the free 50-minute guided tours in English, which are available at 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM any day the Imperial Palace is open. The Imperial Household Agency conducts these tours. No prior registration is required: simply head to the Visitor’s Room shortly before the tour is scheduled to begin to join the group. Japanese and Chinese tours are also available throughout the day.

Kyoto Imperial Palace hours of operation vary slightly depending on the time of year, and the last admission is always 40 minutes before closing. It is closed every Monday, on national holidays, and yearly from December 28th to January 4th. The Imperial Palace may also be closed to visitors periodically for imperial events, so travelers should be sure to check the schedule before making travel plans.

Hours of Operation

• September and March: 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM (last entry at 3:50 PM)
• October to February: 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM (last entry at 3:20 PM)
• April to August: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM (last entry at 4:20 PM)

Visiting Kyoto Imperial Palace

When visiting Kyoto Imperial Palace, tourists are sure to be blown away by all of the gorgeous architecture and incredible scenery there is to experience. Taking a guided tour is truly one of the best ways to explore the palace grounds, especially since it’s free. A tour allows visitors to see all of the important landmarks and hear about the historical and cultural facts at the same time. They may also learn some tips about nearby Kyoto tourist attractions. Tour groups will not be permitted to enter the palace buildings, but hearing about them from a knowledgeable palace expert is still a great experience.

Travelers may also choose to tour the grounds by themselves. Some of the buildings that can be viewed from the outside are the Hall of State Ceremonies (Shishinden), the Imperial Study (Ogakumonjo), and the Court Room (Kogosho). These buildings are stunning examples of classic Heian period architecture. Perhaps even more beautiful are the palace grounds, which are meticulously cared for and filled with streams, rocks, bridges, and lush greenery.

Exploring Kyoto Imperial Park

After spending some time seeing the Imperial Palace, travelers can turn their attention to the rest of Kyoto Imperial Park. Also known as Kyoto Gyoen National Garden, this gorgeous green space is home to several other Japanese tourist attractions that are free to visit. Some are cultural sites, while others are religious landmarks or simply beautiful recreation areas.

Sento Imperial Palace: Located near Kyoto Imperial Palace is Sento Imperial Palace, a smaller palace complex. It was originally built as retirement lodgings for Emperor Gomizuno in 1630 and has been the home of many other Japanese emperors since then. Free tours of Sento Imperial Palace are available, and visitors can expect to see the north pond, south pond, various palace buildings, and the Seikatei teahouse. The Imperial Household Agency also conducts these tours.

Itsukushima Shrine: This peaceful Shinto shrine is located near the park’s south gate, next to a small pond. While not to be confused with Miyajima’s famous floating Itsukushima Shrine in Hiroshima Bay, the Kyoto shrine is still worth a visit to see the stone torii (a traditional Japanese gate).

Kaninnomiya Mansion: This former residence of Fujiwara clan members is open to the public from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM every day except Mondays and holidays. The mansion is located near the south gate and is free to visit.

Konoe Pond: Visitors who enter through the north gate will likely pass by Konoe Pond, which is located on the site of the former Konoe family residence. The pond itself is quite small, but it is surrounded by gorgeous cherry blossom trees. Travelers who visit during cherry blossom season (usually the end of March to mid-April) will want to make the trip to bask in their beauty and maybe create a few posts for their social media accounts.

Kyoto Gyoen National Garden: The rest of the park itself is also a lovely Kyoto tourist attraction, where visitors can take a relaxing walk, read a book, have a picnic, or play sports. The gravel paths are always lined with locals and tourists walking, jogging, or cycling, and the hundreds of trees create lots of shady spots.

Check In to DoubleTree by Hilton Kyoto Station, Step Out to Sento Imperial Palace

Getting to Kyoto Imperial Palace

Kyoto Imperial Palace is located within Kyoto Imperial Park, just north of the city’s downtown core. With two stations located within walking distance, it is very easy to access via the subway system. Imadegawa Station, on the Karasuma Line, is only a minute’s walk from the park’s north gate and is the closest station to the palace. Marutamachi Station is located at the other end of the park, near the south gate, and is just a few minute’s walk from the palace. If taking the bus is more convenient, Karasuma Imadegawa is the nearest bus stop to the north gate.

Dining & Shopping near Kyoto Imperial Palace

After a busy day of absorbing Japanese culture and history, explore the surroundings of Kyoto Imperial Palace to find a spot for a great meal. There are several restaurants nearby to eat in or places to pick up some supplies for a picnic in Kyoto Imperial Park. The area around Kyoto Imperial Palace also is home to various souvenir shops and busy shopping districts.

Where to Eat near Kyoto Imperial Palace

• Kanei Restaurant: Flavorful and affordable noodle dishes created with traditional soba noodles made by hand.
• Marutamachi Jyunidanya: Authentic Kyoto dishes like ochazuke (dashi or Japanese tea over steamed rice) in a small space with a cozy atmosphere.
• Sarasa Nishijin: Coffee, tea, and cold drinks, as well as cafe-style snacks and meals.
• Isami Sushi: Fresh, delicious sushi with bar seating available for tourists to watch the chef at work.
• Grand Burger: American-style meals featuring burgers, French fries, and coleslaw.

Shopping near Kyoto Imperial Palace

• Demachiyanagi Shopping Street: A diverse shopping street with fresh food stands, prepared snacks, clothing, books, and much more.
• UCHU Wagashi: Colorful and delicious Japanese sweets cut into fun shapes.
• Seikosha Books: An independent bookstore with a focus on rare and beautiful books.
• Teramachi Street Shopping District: A covered shopping street with restaurants, clothing stores, and classic Kyoto souvenir shops.
• Nishiki Market: A famous fresh food market selling sushi, Kyoto confections, and knives and cookware.

Check In to Miyako Hotel Kyoto Hachijo, Step Out to Teramachi Street Shopping District

Nightlife near Kyoto Imperial Palace

In addition to the great restaurants and shopping options, there are also several top Kyoto nightlife spots in the immediate area. For tourists who’d like to spend the night relaxing and recharging, there’s an incredible bathhouse located about three kilometers from Kyoto Imperial Palace. Downtown Kyoto is also nearby, with various bars and clubs located about 20 minutes away by public transport.

• Funaoka Onsen: The most popular bathhouse in Kyoto, open daily until 1:00 AM. This public bath features gorgeous original artwork and a variety of hot and cold bath options.
• Kyoto Station Sky Garden: Located on the 15th floor of Kyoto Sky Building at Kyoto Station, this free garden is a great spot to see the city lights from above.
• Man in the Moon Kyoto Station: A cozy bar with a wide selection of beers and other alcoholic beverages.
• Bar Rocking Chair: High-end cocktails in a classy bar setting, complete with a few fun rocking chairs.
• Kitsune Kyoto: A two-floor nightclub that’s open seven days a week and plays great dance music.

Check In to Hotel M’s Est Kyoto Station South, Step Out to Funaoka Onsen

Hotels near Kyoto Imperial Palace

With dozens of hotels in the surrounding area, visitors will have plenty of options to choose from when finalizing their Kyoto travel plans. These three hotels are near Kyoto Imperial Palace and also have top guest ratings and reviews. Their exceptional amenities and reasonable room rates add to their appeal.

• Daiwa Royal Hotel Grande Kyoto: Conveniently located near the Kyoto Imperial Palace and the downtown core, DoubleTree by Hilton Kyoto Station is a gorgeous four-star hotel that is a favorite for Kyoto travelers. Guest amenities include free Wi-Fi, flat-screen televisions, coffee makers, and traditional Japanese room decor.
• Hotel The Celestine Kyoto Gion: The stunning five-star Hotel The Celestine Kyoto Gion is located within walking distance of popular landmarks like Kiyomizu Temple and Sanjusangendo Hall. Enjoy peaceful relaxation at their on-site hotel public bath and Japanese garden.
• Miyako Hotel Kyoto Hachijo: Children stay free at the lovely four-star Miyako Hotel Kyoto Hachijo, ideal for family trips. Their miniature shopping mall, complete with a souvenir shop, convenience store, and a beauty salon, is perfect for doing some quick shopping without leaving the hotel.

Check In to a hotel in Kyoto, Step Out to Kyoto Imperial Palace

DoubleTree by Hilton Kyoto Station

Hotel The Celestine Kyoto Gion

Miyako Hotel Kyoto Hachijo

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