HomeJapanKyoto Imperial Palace

Kyoto Imperial Palace

Tourist attraction
★ 4.9 (21K+ reviews) • 238K+ 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

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★ 4.2 (20)
From HK$ 432
Kyoto Day Tour

Kyoto Day Tour

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★ 4.7 (62)
From HK$ 943
Kyoto Morning Tour (Round Trip from Kyoto)

Kyoto Morning Tour (Round Trip from Kyoto)

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★ 4.4 (40)
HK$ 502
Kyoto and Nara Day Tour from Kyoto

Kyoto and Nara Day Tour from Kyoto

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★ 4.8 (29)
From HK$ 1,039
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$ 2,334
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$ 878
Special offer
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$ 2,451
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$ 740
HK$ 1,184
Kyoto and Nara Private Car Charter with English Speaking Guide

Kyoto and Nara Private Car Charter with English Speaking Guide

Private group
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★ 5.0 (6)
HK$ 7,998
HK$ 8,531
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$ 1,134
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 (380)
From HK$ 100
Kimono Rental Experience by Wakana Kimono in Kyoto

Kimono Rental Experience by Wakana Kimono in Kyoto

Bestseller
Private group
Easy refund
★ 4.8 (510)
From HK$ 191
HK$ 251

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 (39)
From HK$ 2,065.4
hotel MONday Kyoto Marutamachi

hotel MONday Kyoto Marutamachi

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★ 4.5 (479)
From HK$ 459.5
HK$ 1,160.2
Ace Hotel Kyoto

Ace Hotel Kyoto

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★ 5.0 (635)
From HK$ 1,622.9
Park Hotel Kyoto

Park Hotel Kyoto

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★ 4.4 (292)
From HK$ 406.7
HK$ 470
Rinn Shiki Juraku

Rinn Shiki Juraku

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★ 4.6 (20)
From HK$ 1,484.8
HK$ 2,243.1
insomnia KYOTO OIKE

insomnia KYOTO OIKE

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★ 4.8 (124)
From HK$ 570
HK$ 575.8
Hotel Resol Trinity Kyoto

Hotel Resol Trinity Kyoto

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★ 4.5 (494)
From HK$ 544.7
HK$ 734
Oakwood Hotel Oike Kyoto

Oakwood Hotel Oike Kyoto

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★ 4.6 (499)
From HK$ 390.1
HK$ 506.7
hotel MONday Kyoto Karasuma Nijo

hotel MONday Kyoto Karasuma Nijo

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★ 4.5 (387)
From HK$ 500.6
HK$ 1,197.6
Hearton Hotel Kyoto

Hearton Hotel Kyoto

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★ 4.3 (872)
From HK$ 374.3
HK$ 505.8
The Ritz-Carlton, Kyoto

The Ritz-Carlton, Kyoto

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★ 4.7 (218)
From HK$ 9,934.4
Hotel Okura Kyoto

Hotel Okura Kyoto

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★ 4.6 (947)
From HK$ 976

Trouble-free transport

Sagano Romantic Train Ticket

Sagano Romantic Train Ticket

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★ 4.5 (2,910)
HK$ 44
Randen Pass

Randen Pass

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★ 4.5 (754)
From HK$ 35
Kyoto car rentals | Choose from multiple car models

Kyoto car rentals | Choose from multiple car models

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From HK$ 351 /day
Eizan Railway Ee Kippu 1-Day Pass

Eizan Railway Ee Kippu 1-Day Pass

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★ 4.7 (64)
HK$ 60
Kyoto to Tokyo - Japan Rail Shinkansen (Bullet Train) Ticket

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

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HK$ 677
Kyoto to Shinagawa - Japan Rail Shinkansen (Bullet Train) Ticket

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

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HK$ 677

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 (217)
From HK$ 266
Guenpin in Gion- Puffer Fish Specialist

Guenpin in Gion- Puffer Fish Specialist

Bestseller
Easy refund
★ 4.5 (421)
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 (74)
From HK$ 386
Kyo Kurozakura in Kyoto Gion

Kyo Kurozakura in Kyoto Gion

Easy refund
★ 4.2 (61)
From HK$ 364
Sopporo Kaniya - Crab Specialty in Kyoto

Sopporo Kaniya - Crab Specialty in Kyoto

Easy refund
★ 4.0 (50)
From HK$ 396
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$ 1,144
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$ 1,536
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$ 236
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 (11)
From HK$ 567
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$ 1,270
Hamatoku (濱登久) in Kyoto - Creative Kaiseki

Hamatoku (濱登久) in Kyoto - Creative Kaiseki

Easy refund
★ 4.1 (20)
From HK$ 497

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 (332)
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
21K+ reviews
Read all reviews
Mehjabeen ***********
3 Nov
We had an enlightening experience walking through the Gion streets. Zeid, our fife gave detailed explanations about the construction of the houses, the Geisha lifestyle and about the Shinto and Buddhist religion.
2+
LI *****
3 Nov
The subway coupon you paid is very useful. You can use it to take the Lanshan train when you go to Arashiyama! I really recommend Arashiyama. It’s very comfortable to visit there. I highly recommend it!
Angela ***
3 Nov
Our photographer, Kuriya was fantastic! She texted us a day before the shoot to confirm, guided us through poses perfectly, and captured beautiful photos full of Japanese culture and vibe. We got the raw images in three days and the edited ones in a week. Highly recommend her!
2+
chim ****
2 Nov
The staff responsible for explaining are very professional and attentive! The explanations are mixed in English and Mandarin and we are very encouraged to share and try more. Let our tourists who are experiencing Chacha culture for the first time understand its meaning! I really like it~ and the pastries are also delicious😋If I have the chance, I hope to experience more🤩
2+
Klook User
2 Nov
very friendly. detailed oriented. very professional hair and makeup, makeup was light and japanese style. lots of kimono to choose
Klook User
2 Nov
very friendly. detailed oriented. very professional hair and makeup, makeup was light and japanese style. you can ask for basic customization
Klook User
2 Nov
very friendly. detailed oriented. very professional hair and makeup, makeup was light and japanese style
Klook User
2 Nov
very good and detail photographer. worth trying. she does her best service and work over time a bit to accomodate. she does not mind receiving feedback

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FAQs about Kyoto Imperial Palace

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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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