What makes this place special?

At a Glance

Kyoto Imperial Palace, also known as Kyoto Gosho, was the former residence of Japan’s emperors from 1337 to 1869. Set within Kyoto Gyoen in Kamigyo Ward, its preserved grounds and buildings are open to the public with guided tours.

Ancient

Why you should go

Kyoto Imperial Palace served as the emperor's residence from 1337 to 1869, spanning more than 530 years.

After the capital moved to Tokyo in 1869, preservation of Kyoto Imperial Palace was officially ordered in 1877.

Even after the Meiji Restoration, Emperors Taisho and Showa held their enthronement ceremonies at Kyoto Imperial Palace.

The current palace sits on the site of a temporary residence, not the original 794 Heian Palace, which was located 1.7 kilometers west. It became the permanent Imperial Palace after the original was abandoned in the 12th century.

Know before you go

Plan to spend 2 to 3 hours exploring the palace grounds and surrounding Kyoto Gyoen park, as the guided tours typically last about 1 hour plus additional time for strolling the gardens.
Register for the free guided tours at the Kikyo-mon gate upon arrival with your passport, as tours run twice daily except on Sundays, Mondays, national holidays (unless on Saturday), and afternoons from July 21 to August 31.
Visit during plum or cherry blossom seasons for the most spectacular garden views, though the palace and surrounding park remain beautiful throughout all four seasons.
Allow extra time to explore the preserved palace grounds inside Kyoto Gyoen, not just the main buildings.
Take the Karasuma subway line to Marutamachi Station (one stop north of city center) for the most convenient access, as it's only a 10-minute walk to the palace entrance.