Kyoto Imperial Palace — Emperor's Former Residence

Published: Jun 2, 2026

Updated: Jun 2, 2026

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Kyoto Imperial Palace — Emperor's Former Residence

Kyoto Imperial Palace (京都御所) served as the emperor's residence from 794 to 1869 when the capital moved to Tokyo. The palace complex covers 84 hectares and includes the main ceremonial halls, private imperial quarters, gardens, and gates. The architecture exemplifies Japanese palatial style — unpainted cypress wood, white gravel courtyards, and interconnected buildings with raised floors.

Visits are free but require advance reservation. The 50-minute guided tour (Japanese/English audio guide) explains the palace's 1,000-year history, court ceremonies, and architectural features. The palace grounds (Kyoto Gyoen National Garden) surrounding the palace are freely accessible year-round.

Opening Hours

Guided tours: 10:00 AM, 11:00 AM, 1:30 PM, 2:30 PM, 3:30 PM | Office: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Closed: Closed Sundays, national holidays, and New Year period (December 25–January 5)

Entrance Fee

Free (advance reservation required via Imperial Household Agency)

Best Season

Spring (late March–early April, 5,000+ trees in surrounding Gyoen park) | Autumn (November, foliage)

Visit Duration

50 minutes (fixed guided tour)

Getting There

Access Information

3 Kyoto-Gyoen, Kamigyo Ward. 15-min walk from Marutamachi Station or Imadegawa Station. Free guided tours (reservation required via Imperial Household Agency website). Tours: 10:00, 11:00, 13:30, 14:30, 15:30 daily (50 min). Same-day standby possible (limited). English audio guide provided.

Insider Guide

Premium

**Reservation strategy:** Online reservations open 1st of month for 2 months ahead (same system as Katsura Villa). Unlike Katsura, Kyoto Imperial Palace tours have higher capacity and don't book out a