Kyoto Imperial Palace
Tourist attraction
Kyoto Imperial Palace, also known as Kyoto Gosho, is a historic landmark in Kyoto, Japan. It sits in the spacious Kyoto Imperial Palace Park, a big, beautiful park in the middle of the city. It used to be the former ruling palace of the Japanese Imperial Family before they moved the capital to Tokyo in 1869. When you visit, you can stroll through the palace grounds and explore the impressive courtyards. Inside, you can explore the Emperor's Living Quarters, majestic halls used for state ceremonies, and beautiful gardens like the Tachibana Orange Tree Garden. You can also go on a guided tour of the palace, it's a great way to learn about the palace's history, from the Heian period to the Meiji Restoration. Besides its rich history, the palace is one of the best spots in the city to view cherry blossoms in the spring. With its central location near Kyoto Station and other historic sites like Nijo Castle, the Kyoto Imperial Palace is a must-visit destination. It shows off Kyoto's royal past and gives an educational experience in the city.
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3 Kyōtogyoen, Kamigyo Ward, Kyoto, 602-0881, Japan
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The best of Kyoto Imperial Palace
Bucket-list experiences
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Kyoto Imperial Palace & Nijo Castle Small Group Guided Walking Tour
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US$ 66.75
Kyoto Morning Tour (Round Trip from Kyoto)
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US$ 63.65
Kyoto Day Tour
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US$ 119.65
Departing from Osaka | Urban/Kyoto/Kobe/Nara boutique private customized chartered one-day tour
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US$ 360.00
Kyoto and Nara Day Tour from Kyoto
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US$ 131.75
Kyoto and Nara Golden Route 1 Day Bus Tour from Kyoto
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US$ 133.65
Kyoto and Nara Private Car Charter with English Speaking Guide
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US$ 1,217.09
Cruise Stop-over: Day Tour to Kyoto from Kobe Port
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US$ 372.75
Kyoto Day Tour with Local Guide from Osaka Port
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US$ 150.15
Kyoto Kimono and Yukata Rental at Kimono Miyabi Kyoto
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US$ 19.29
Kimono Rental Experience in Kyoto by KANWA Yasaka Shrine Branch
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Kyoto Prefectural Botanical Garden LIGHT CYCLES KYOTO Admission Ticket
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Make it a getaway
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THE JUNEI HOTEL Kyoto Imperial Palace West
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US$ 230.72
Hotel Resol Trinity Kyoto
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US$ 50.87
US$ 71.16
hotel MONday Kyoto Karasuma Nijo
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Rinn Shiki Juraku
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US$ 200.72
Oakwood Hotel Oike Kyoto
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US$ 63.43
The Chapter Kyoto, a Tribute Portfolio™ Hotel
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Park Hotel Kyoto
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hotel MONday Kyoto Marutamachi
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ShikiShiki Shinra
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The Royal Park Hotel Iconic Kyoto
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US$ 148.45
Hotel KADO Gosho - Minami Kyoto
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Petit Hotel Kyoto
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US$ 36.8
Trouble-free transport
Sagano Romantic Train Ticket
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Randen Pass
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Eizan Railway Ee Kippu 1-Day Pass
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Kyoto Private Car Rental with Driver
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Kyoto car rentals | Rent a car for Fushimi Inari Taisha, Kiyomizu Temple, Golden Temple Kyoto, Osaka International Airport
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Kyoto to Tokyo - Japan Rail Shinkansen (Bullet Train) Ticket
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Kyoto to Shinagawa - Japan Rail Shinkansen (Bullet Train) Ticket
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All that's good & tasty
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Nanzenji Junsei Traditional Tofu Kaiseki Cuisine - Kyoto
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US$ 33.69
Guenpin in Gion- Puffer Fish Specialist
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US$ 34.45
Gion Kawakami (祇園川上) in Kyoto Gion
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US$ 49.00
Kyo Kurozakura in Kyoto Gion
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US$ 46.10
Sopporo Kaniya - Crab Specialty in Kyoto
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US$ 50.19
Kichisen in Kyoto Gion - Michelin Three Starred Kaiseki Restaurant
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US$ 145.09
Kameya Honke (かめや本家) in Omiya - Traditional Tofu & Yuba Kaiseki
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US$ 36.59
Mokube in Gion - Michelin Starred Kaiseki
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US$ 194.75
Tempura Endo Yasaka (天ぷら八坂圓堂) Tempura in Gion Kyoto
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US$ 71.95
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US$ 29.95
Gion Nanba (祇園なん波) in Kyoto Gion - Michelin one Starred Kaiseki
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US$ 161.00
Hamatoku (濱登久) in Kyoto - Creative Kaiseki
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US$ 63.00
More to explore
Kyoto Hop-On Hop-off sightseeing bus by Skyhop Bus (1day / 2days ticket)
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Bic Camera Tourist Privilege Discount Coupon in Kyoto
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Old Kyoto Nighttime All-Inclusive Local Food Tour
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Nishiki Market Half Day Morning Walking Food Tour in Kyoto
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US$ 53.45
Nishiki Market & Teramachi Street
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US$ 198.55
Kyoto Night Foodie Tour
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US$ 164.19
Kyoto at Night: Food and Culture Tour (3 Hours)
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US$ 147.59
Kyoto Nishiki Market & Depachika: 2-hours Food Tour with a Local
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US$ 191.59
Sake and Whisky Tasting in Kyoto (3 Hours)
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US$ 319.25
Pontocho Food Tour, Kyoto (3 Hours)
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Why people love Kyoto Imperial Palace
唐 **
2 days ago
The light show is very beautiful. Dry ice is sprayed on the lake, and the lights change color all the time. With the music accompanying the shamisen, the whole thing is very fun.
Klook User
2 days ago
amazing experience! 10/10 would recommend this tour to everyone. Vincent, our guide, was knowledgeable about the history and was able to answer all questions, all while having a positive and humorous attitude. Just great!
Yuche ***
2 days ago
It's a special experience, we never weared a kimono before, and this experience is definitely different.
2+
cynthia ******
2 days ago
My son was super happy, he even made a drawing and put it on the mural they have at the entrance of the museum. Shopping with Klook is very practical and easy!
Klook 用戶
2 days ago
I hope you can add more itineraries so that it is really convenient to travel. I will consider hotel pick-up and drop-off next time. The weather is very cold these days. It is so comfortable to just get on the bus and sleep at a fixed point😌
1+
LIN *********
2 days ago
There is no private changing space, but each service staff's service is super fast, super perfect😍, and also full of emotional value. Warm packs will be given to you even if the weather is cold. Don’t be afraid to ask for a warm pack, otherwise you will freeze to death.
클룩 회원
2 days ago
I bought it on Klook for around 17,000 won! At first, I thought it was a little expensive, but it was decorated well and had a great feel. The garden is prettier than the main hall! If you don't have any plans at night, definitely go there once. Highly recommended!
2+
Florence ***
2 days ago
A must-book Sagano Scenic Train if you going to Arashiyama. The journey is simply too beautiful and unforgettable. We stopped at terminal Kameoka Station, this end stop has beautiful padi field scenery.😍 Booking on Klook is so hassle-free. Just need to enter with the QR code provided. Truly an unforgettable experience!
2+
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Things to do at Kyoto Imperial Palace
Take a Guided Tour
Take a tour of the Kyoto Imperial Palace with a guide from the Imperial Household Agency. These tours are full of interesting facts about the palace's history, culture, and buildings. You'll walk through the former ruling palace of Japan, and see places like the Emperor's living quarters.
Visit the Shishinden (Hall for State Ceremonies)
The Shishinden is one of the main buildings where important events like the enthronement ceremonies and other state functions were held. Inside, you can check out the building's amazing architecture and learn about the historical events that happened here. It's a cool way to see what life was like in the Imperial Palace long ago.
Explore the Imperial Palace Gardens
The Imperial Palace Gardens are a must-see. The Japanese garden has flowers that bloom in different seasons, well-kept lawns, and traditional Japanese sights like stone lanterns and bridges. It's a great place for a peaceful walk and to enjoy the natural beauty of Kyoto.
See the Sakura and Tachibana Trees
At the Kyoto Imperial Palace grounds, see up close the iconic sakura (cherry blossom) and tachibana orange trees. These trees are not only pretty but also important in history, making the palace even more special.
Must-see Attractions near Kyoto Imperial Palace
Nijo Castle
Just a short distance from the Kyoto Imperial Palace, Nijo Castle is a UNESCO World Heritage site that lets you see the beauty of the Edo period. You can explore the beautiful gardens, intricate sliding doors, and historic buildings. It's a must-visit to understand more about Japan's samurai history and imperial rule.
Kyoto Gyoen National Garden
Surrounding the Kyoto Imperial Palace Park, the Kyoto Gyoen National Garden is the perfect place to take a walk. This public park has big grassy areas, ponds, and lots of cherry blossom trees. It's an awesome spot for a picnic or to just relax in nature.
Heian Shrine
Not far from the palace, the Heian Shrine in Kyoto showcases Japan's amazing history. This shrine has a big torii gate, lovely cherry blossoms, and classic Japanese gardens. It's a beautiful and peaceful place to visit after exploring the imperial residence.