The Kyoto Imperial Palace served as the main residence of the Japanese Emperor until 1868. In that year, the capital was moved to Tokyo.
The vast grounds are located in the northern part of the centre and include many buildings and extensive gardens.
The main part of the complex are two palaces:
- The Imperial Palace - a complex of about 15 buildings used as the main residence for the reigning emperor
- Imperial Sento Palace - a smaller complex used as a residence for the former emperor
The gardens and park are huge and cover an area of about 1.5 square kilometres.
Admission and opening hours
Entrance is possible to the entire site, but only to the grounds, gardens and outdoor areas.
Entry inside the buildings is not possible even with a guide.
The palace grounds are open every day except Mondays. If Monday is a public holiday, it remains open but will be closed on the following Tuesday.
Opening hours are always from 9:00 am and closing times vary according to the season (4:00 pm in winter, 5:00 pm in summer). The last entry is always 40 minutes before closing time.
Admission is free.
Official website: sankan.kunaicho.go.jp.
Although the grounds are quite large, there is only one main entrance and exit, located on the west side of the palace (see map).
However, access to the gardens and parks is possible at several points around the perimeter of the grounds.
How to get there
Kyoto Imperial Palace is easily accessible by metro and bus lines:
- Metro - Green Line to Imadegawa Station (approx. 350 metres)
- Buses - lines 3, 4, 7, 59, 102, 201, 203, 205 to Kawaramachi Imadegawa stop
What to see around
Discover all the places to see in Kyoto.
