HomeJapanKyoto Imperial Palace

Kyoto Imperial Palace

Tourist attraction
★ 4.9 (22K+ reviews) • 250K+ booked
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

Kyoto Imperial Palace & Nijo Castle Small Group Guided Walking Tour

Easy refund
Instant confirmation
★ 4.2 (23)
From HK$ 432
Kyoto Day Tour

Kyoto Day Tour

Easy refund
Instant confirmation
★ 4.7 (62)
From HK$ 946
Kyoto Morning Tour (Round Trip from Kyoto)

Kyoto Morning Tour (Round Trip from Kyoto)

Easy refund
Instant confirmation
★ 4.4 (40)
HK$ 503
Kyoto and Nara Day Tour from Kyoto

Kyoto and Nara Day Tour from Kyoto

Easy refund
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★ 4.8 (29)
From HK$ 1,041
Departing from Osaka | Urban/Kyoto/Kobe/Nara boutique private customized chartered one-day tour

Departing from Osaka | Urban/Kyoto/Kobe/Nara boutique private customized chartered one-day tour

Private group
Easy refund
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★ 4.3 (32)
From HK$ 2,335
Kyoto and Nara Golden Route 1 Day Bus Tour from Kyoto

Kyoto and Nara Golden Route 1 Day Bus Tour from Kyoto

48-hour confirmation
★ 4.7 (36)
HK$ 880
Special offer
Kyoto and Nara Private Car Charter with English Speaking Guide

Kyoto and Nara Private Car Charter with English Speaking Guide

Private group
Instant confirmation
★ 5.0 (6)
HK$ 8,017
HK$ 8,552
Cruise Stop-over: Day Tour to Kyoto from Kobe Port

Cruise Stop-over: Day Tour to Kyoto from Kobe Port

Private group
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HK$ 2,419
Kyoto Day Tour with Local Guide from Osaka Port

Kyoto Day Tour with Local Guide from Osaka Port

Private group
Easy refund
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★ 5.0 (1)
From HK$ 731
HK$ 1,169
Kyoto Nijo Castle & Nishiki Market One Day Tour with Tea Ceremony

Kyoto Nijo Castle & Nishiki Market One Day Tour with Tea Ceremony

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HK$ 1,137
NAKED Autumn Festival 2024 World Heritage Nijo-jo Castle Admission in Kyoto

NAKED Autumn Festival 2024 World Heritage Nijo-jo Castle Admission in Kyoto

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★ 4.4 (450)
From HK$ 101
Kimono Rental Experience by Wakana Kimono in Kyoto

Kimono Rental Experience by Wakana Kimono in Kyoto

Bestseller
Private group
Easy refund
★ 4.9 (529)
From HK$ 191
HK$ 252

Make it a getaway

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THE JUNEI HOTEL Kyoto Imperial Palace West

THE JUNEI HOTEL Kyoto Imperial Palace West

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★ 4.7 (40)
From HK$ 2,043
hotel MONday Kyoto Marutamachi

hotel MONday Kyoto Marutamachi

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★ 4.5 (552)
From HK$ 460.4
HK$ 1,101.5
Hotel Resol Trinity Kyoto

Hotel Resol Trinity Kyoto

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★ 4.5 (563)
From HK$ 543
HK$ 731.6
insomnia KYOTO OIKE

insomnia KYOTO OIKE

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★ 4.8 (164)
From HK$ 582
HK$ 588.3
hotel MONday Kyoto Karasuma Nijo

hotel MONday Kyoto Karasuma Nijo

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★ 4.5 (471)
From HK$ 460.4
HK$ 1,101.5
Hearton Hotel Kyoto

Hearton Hotel Kyoto

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★ 4.3 (1,007)
From HK$ 337.5
Park Hotel Kyoto

Park Hotel Kyoto

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★ 4.4 (362)
From HK$ 405.3
HK$ 468.4
Hyatt Place Kyoto

Hyatt Place Kyoto

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★ 4.7 (544)
From HK$ 829
Oakwood Hotel Oike Kyoto

Oakwood Hotel Oike Kyoto

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★ 4.6 (632)
From HK$ 388.8
HK$ 504.9
Hotel Okura Kyoto

Hotel Okura Kyoto

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★ 4.6 (1,002)
From HK$ 933.1
HK$ 963.8
Rinn Shiki Juraku

Rinn Shiki Juraku

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★ 4.6 (24)
From HK$ 1,616.2
HK$ 2,131.4
SHIZUTETSU HOTEL PREZIO Kyoto Karasumaoike

SHIZUTETSU HOTEL PREZIO Kyoto Karasumaoike

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★ 4.6 (131)
From HK$ 461.8

Trouble-free transport

Sagano Romantic Train Ticket

Sagano Romantic Train Ticket

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Easy refund
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★ 4.5 (2,997)
HK$ 44
Randen Pass

Randen Pass

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★ 4.5 (759)
From HK$ 35
Kyoto car rentals | Rent a car for Fushimi Inari Taisha, Kiyomizu Temple, Golden Temple Kyoto, Osaka International Airport

Kyoto car rentals | Rent a car for Fushimi Inari Taisha, Kiyomizu Temple, Golden Temple Kyoto, Osaka International Airport

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From HK$ 360 /day
HK$ 400
10 off
Eizan Railway Ee Kippu 1-Day Pass

Eizan Railway Ee Kippu 1-Day Pass

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★ 4.6 (71)
HK$ 60
Kyoto - Tokyo Night Bus by VIP Liner

Kyoto - Tokyo Night Bus by VIP Liner

★ 4.5 (110)
From HK$ 402
Kyoto to Tokyo - Japan Rail Shinkansen (Bullet Train) Ticket

Kyoto to Tokyo - Japan Rail Shinkansen (Bullet Train) Ticket

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HK$ 679
Kyoto to Shinagawa - Japan Rail Shinkansen (Bullet Train) Ticket

Kyoto to Shinagawa - Japan Rail Shinkansen (Bullet Train) Ticket

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HK$ 679

All that's good & tasty

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Nanzenji Junsei Traditional Tofu Kaiseki Cuisine - Kyoto

Nanzenji Junsei Traditional Tofu Kaiseki Cuisine - Kyoto

Bestseller
Easy refund
★ 4.6 (218)
From HK$ 266
Guenpin in Gion- Puffer Fish Specialist

Guenpin in Gion- Puffer Fish Specialist

Bestseller
Easy refund
★ 4.5 (422)
From HK$ 272
Gion Kawakami (祇園川上) in Kyoto Gion

Gion Kawakami (祇園川上) in Kyoto Gion

Easy refund
★ 4.4 (75)
From HK$ 387
Kyo Kurozakura in Kyoto Gion

Kyo Kurozakura in Kyoto Gion

Easy refund
★ 4.2 (62)
From HK$ 364
Sopporo Kaniya - Crab Specialty in Kyoto

Sopporo Kaniya - Crab Specialty in Kyoto

Easy refund
★ 4.0 (50)
From HK$ 397
Kichisen in Kyoto Gion - Michelin Three Starred Kaiseki Restaurant

Kichisen in Kyoto Gion - Michelin Three Starred Kaiseki Restaurant

Easy refund
★ 4.6 (10)
From HK$ 1,147
Kameya Honke (かめや本家) in Omiya - Traditional Tofu & Yuba Kaiseki

Kameya Honke (かめや本家) in Omiya - Traditional Tofu & Yuba Kaiseki

Easy refund
★ 4.8 (30)
From HK$ 289
Mokube in Gion - Michelin Starred Kaiseki

Mokube in Gion - Michelin Starred Kaiseki

Easy refund
★ 4.9 (29)
From HK$ 1,539
Yamabana Heihachidiya in Kyoto - Centuries old Japanese Traditional Kaiseki

Yamabana Heihachidiya in Kyoto - Centuries old Japanese Traditional Kaiseki

Easy refund
★ 4.7 (15)
From HK$ 237
Tempura Endo Yasaka (天ぷら八坂圓堂) Tempura in Gion Kyoto

Tempura Endo Yasaka (天ぷら八坂圓堂) Tempura in Gion Kyoto

Easy refund
★ 4.8 (12)
From HK$ 568
Gion Nanba (祇園なん波) in Kyoto Gion - Michelin one Starred Kaiseki

Gion Nanba (祇園なん波) in Kyoto Gion - Michelin one Starred Kaiseki

Easy refund
★ 4.1 (16)
From HK$ 1,273
Hamatoku (濱登久) in Kyoto - Creative Kaiseki

Hamatoku (濱登久) in Kyoto - Creative Kaiseki

Easy refund
★ 4.1 (20)
From HK$ 498

More to explore

Kyoto Hop-On Hop-off sightseeing bus by Skyhop Bus (1day / 2days ticket)

Kyoto Hop-On Hop-off sightseeing bus by Skyhop Bus (1day / 2days ticket)

Bestseller
Easy refund
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★ 4.1 (343)
From HK$ 201
Bic Camera Tourist Privilege Discount Coupon in Kyoto

Bic Camera Tourist Privilege Discount Coupon in Kyoto

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★ 4.8 (88)
Free
ENTER NOH ~Masked StageArt of Japan~

ENTER NOH ~Masked StageArt of Japan~

From HK$ 176
Intimate Concerts with Japanese traditional instrument in Kyoto

Intimate Concerts with Japanese traditional instrument in Kyoto

From HK$ 241

Why people love Kyoto Imperial Palace

4.9 /5
22K+ reviews
Read all reviews
Yau *********
5 days ago
this is fabulous experience to visit japanese castle in the night time. the light show is good and worth to visit it
Fellendorf ******
5 days ago
We had a great evening, I'm very happy that I bought the tickets here through Klook. Everything went smoothly and the event is definitely worth seeing. Everything was beautifully lit and illuminated.
Klook User
5 days ago
The sceneries during fall colors are amazing!! It was a good trip for our family. The tickets for the ramantic train sold out fast, so it is good to book early to secure a seat.
Joana ******
5 days ago
OOkini’s staffs are very helpful and professional. they really know what’s their craft. they will suggest the best dress and hairstyles that suits your facial features.
Klook User
5 days ago
Very nice place with friendly people! great customer service. Fast and lot of beautiful kimonos to chose from.
2+
. *****
5 days ago
It is really convenient to buy online. If you are not satisfied with your order, you can change your seat for free. I really recommend taking the train from Kameoka Station back to Saga Arashiyama Station. The scenery is very beautiful, so remember not to get off at the wrong station.
2+
. *****
5 days ago
There are so many people in Nijo Castle during the day. If you are tired of queuing, you might as well check out Nijo Castle at night. You don’t have to queue and just swipe your electronic ticket to enter. The projection sculptures inside are beautiful, there are not many people and there are some small vendors, making it very comfortable to stroll around.
2+
Klook User
5 days ago
Raphael was a great guide, showing us everything around Gion and more, with Easter eggs and even taught us the proper etiquette and method of praying at a Shinto Shrine or a Buddhist Temple.
2+

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FAQs about Kyoto Imperial Palace

Where is Imperial Palace Kyoto?

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What to see in Kyoto Imperial Palace?

What to know before visiting Kyoto Imperial Palace

What to know before visiting Kyoto Imperial Palace

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.

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