Kyoto Imperial Palace (Kyoto Gosho)

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Facts & Figures

Kyoto Imperial Palace (Kyoto Gosho) has a history of over one thousand years. It is located within the beautiful Kyoto Gyoen National Garden (size: 1300m x 700m) and near Sento Imperial Palace. Kyoto Gosho was the home of the Emperor of Japan and his family until the capital was moved to Tokyo in 1869 (Meiji Restoration). The walled complex consists of many historical buildings including Seiryoden (Emperor's Habitual Residence), Shisinden (Hall for State Ceremonies), Kogosho (Court Room), Otsunegoten (Emperor's residence), Ogakumonjyo (Imperial Library) and beautiful gardens. Experience the Ultimate Japanese Hospitality at a Kyoto Ryokan.
 Find Your Perfect Ryokan Now > In the past, before entering the palace grounds, you had to apply for tickets from the Imperial Household Agency Office (northwestern corner of Kyoto Imperial Palace Park), but these days are over. Now you can immediately enter the palace without any restrictions. Tours (50 minutes each) with English, Japanese, or Chinese-speaking guides are available two times a day at 10:00 am and 2:00 pm. The surrounding Kyoto Gyoen National Garden is open to the public and a great place to enjoy the blossoming of plum and cherry trees in spring (late February or March).

• Kyoto Imperial Palace:
• Opening hours - 9:00 am to 5:00 pm (April to August, last entry 40min before closing)
• Opening hours - 9:00 am to 4:30 pm (September and March, last entry 40min before closing)
• Opening hours - 9:00 am to 4:00 pm (October to February, last entry 40min before closing)
• Closed - on Mondays, National Holidays and 28th of Dec. to 4th of Jan.
• Admission - free

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How about exploring the best parts of my favourite city Kyoto with a local guide? The personalized tour by our partner GetYourGuide can take between 2 - 8 hours. For more details check out this page >

History

Kyoto Imperial Palace was home to the Emperor and its family for nearly one thousand years until 1868. In 1869 the capital of Japan was moved from Kyoto to Tokyo including the official residence of the Emperor. Its origin dates back to 794 in the Heian Period (794 - 1185) when Emperor Kanmu (735 – 806) moved the capital to Heian-kyo (Kyoto). During the Edo period (1603 - 1868) the center of the political power of the country was concentrated here. It was a time when the imperial family extended the property to add more beautiful gardens to the palace. The complex was destroyed by many fires through the centuries. The current complex was rebuilt in 1855. After World War 2 the Imperial Guard, which was located here, was disbanded as part of the country’s demilitarisation process. State ceremonies and the enthronement of a new emperor were still held at the palace grounds, even after the capital and Imperial Court moved to Tokyo. It was Emperor Taisho (1912 - 1926) and Emperor Showa (1926 - 1989), which had their enthronement ceremonies here.

Sightseeing spots at the Kyoto Imperial Palace grounds

Top:

Seiryoden (state receiving hall) - It is the Emperor´s former residence during the Heian Period (794 - 1185). Seiryoden is one of the most impressive structures of the Kyoto Imperial Palace. The Hinoki cypress-bark-shingled roof was built in the Irimoya style. Inside you will find the Imperial Throne known as Michodai.

Shisinden - The main building/hall of the Imperial Palace complex was used for State Ceremonies like succession to the throne. The Hinoki cypress-bark-shingled roof, like the Seiryoden, was built in the Irimoya style.

Kenrei-mon (Kenrei Gate) - The gate is only open during the time of the Emperor´s or foreign heads of state visits.

Otsune-goten - The former residence of the Emperor during the Muromachi Period. This large building dates back to 1590 and consists of 15 rooms.

Kogosho - Court Room was a place to meet the Emperor or used for ceremonies. The original building dates back to the 13th century. It has three tatami-mat rooms (Upper, Lower, and Middle Room) in its center.

Ogakumonjyo - This is the imperial library and it consists of six rooms.

Higyosha and Kogogu Tsunegoten - A place where the Empress lived.

Omima - This beautiful palace with three rooms was constructed in 1855.

East Garden - A beautiful Japanese garden with a pond and a tea house.

Gonaitei Garden - The garden was built in 1855. It took one year for the completion of the project. Many items (lanterns, stones, etc…) you see today were donated by samurai lords, priests, and court nobles.

Festival & Events in Kyoto (dates can change without notice)

April

Miyako Odori (1st - 31th)
The traditional annual spring dance of the Kyoto district Gion Kobu performed by Geiko and Maiko is a must-see on your Kyoto visit. Don't miss the most popular dances the Miyako Odori "Cherry Blossom Dances" or "Dances of the Old Capital" at the Gion Kobu Kaburenjo Theater (located close to Gion Corner).

May

Aoi Matsuri (15th)
The highlight of this festival is a large parade from the Imperial Palace through the Shimogamo Shrine to the Kamigamo Shrine. More than 500 people wearing aristocratic costumes from the Heian Period (794 - 1185). The Aoi Matsuri belongs with the Gion Matsuri and Jidai Matsuri as the three most famous festivals in Kyoto.

June

Aoba Matsuri (Green Leaf Festival) at Chishaku-in (15th)
The festival is an ancient ritual of followers of the Shingon sect of Buddhism, which is called Yamabushi. They participate in a series of ceremonies like celebrating the birth of founder Kobo-Daishi (744 - 835).

July

Gion Matsuri (whole month)
The month of July is full of different events like the Yoiyama - Kyoto's Magical Night (locals in kimonos look at the giant Gion floats the day before the parade) or the famous Yamaboko Junko (float procession on the 17th of July).

October

Jidai Matsuri ("Festival of Ages") (22nd)
People celebrate with a large parade between Imperial Palace to Heian Shrine the anniversary of the foundation of Kyoto. App. 2000 participants wearing historical costumes from different time periods. Enjoy this great festival which lasts around 2 hours.