Kyoto’s Imperial Palace (known as Gosho in Japanese) is the Emperor’s official residence in Kyoto. The structures, though modern reconstructions, are lovely.
Kyoto Imperial Palace: beibaoke / Shutterstock.com
Sitting in the middle of the sprawling Kyoto Imperial Palace Park, the Kyoto Imperial Palace is a walled compound containing several sumptuous buildings built in the classical Japanese style. If you’re expecting a European-style palace, you might be surprised to discover the low rooflines and wooden construction of the Kyoto Imperial Palace. It’s a bit troublesome to apply to visit (see below) and touring the compound as part of a guided tour with a big group can make you feel a bit like you’re on a school excursion, but the Imperial Palace might hold some interest for serious fans of Japanese history. That said, of the four imperial properties in Kyoto – Kyoto Imperial Palace, Katsura Rikyu, Sento Gosho, and Shugaku-in Rikyu – this is probably our least favorite – the buildings are a little too new, the gardens are not as good as others in Kyoto and the tour tends to be a little too structured.
Admission To Kyoto Gosho
Unlike previous years, you do not have to apply to visit the Kyoto Gosho/Imperial Palace. Admission is free and children are welcome. Simply walk to the main entrance on the west side of the palace.
English address:
Kyoto Gyoen 3, Kamigyo-ku
Japanese address:
上京区京都御苑3
Guided Tour Hours:
Tours in Japanese:
Standard tour route (Approximate time required: 60 minutes):
9:00am, 11:00am, 1:30pm, 3:00pm
Short tour route: (Approximate time required: 35 minutes):
11:00am or 3:00pm
Tours in English (Approximate time required: 60 minutes):
10:00am or 2:00pm
Admission: Free
Non-smoking area:: Yes
Nearest Transport:
10min walk from Imadegawa Station, Karasuma subway line
Nearest Hotels:
:: Check availability and pricing for hotels near to Kyoto Imperial Palace on Booking.com or Agoda.com.
Telephone:
211-1215 (8.45am-noon, 1pm-5pm, Mon-Fri)
Website:
Official website (English)
Near To Here:
Kyoto Gosho is located in Central Kyoto. See our complete list of things to do in Central Kyoto, including places to eat, nightlife and places to stay.
Where Is This Place Located?
See these places on our Kyoto Google map:- Open the Kyoto map
- You will see the list of places on the left hand side. (Click the 3-line icon in the top left corner if not). Scroll down or use the map search (the magnifying glass icon) to find the place you want.
- Click the name of the place in the list. Its location pin will be highlighted on the map.
- Map pins are color coded - BLUE: Hotels | VIOLET: Ryokan | PINK: Places to Eat | YELLOW: Things to See and Do
- If you're using the map on your phone, open the map and then search for the name of the place. The map will then zoom in on its location.
Kyoto Vacation Checklist
- For all the essentials in a brief overview, see my First Time In Kyoto guide
- Check Kyoto accommodation availability on Booking.com and Agoda.com - often you can book with no upfront payment and free cancellation
- You can buy shinkansen (bullet train) tickets online from Klook - popular routes include Tokyo to Kyoto, Kyoto to Osaka and Kyoto to Tokyo
- Need tips on where to stay? See my one page guide Where To Stay In Kyoto
- See my comprehensive Packing List For Japan
- You can buy an eSim to activate in Japan or buy a data-only SIM card online for collection when you arrive at Tokyo's Narita or Haneda Airports or Kansai International Airport. You can also rent an unlimited data pocket wifi router
- Compare Japan flight prices and timings to find the best deals
- If you're making frequent train journeys during your visit, you might save money with Japan Rail Pass – see if it's worth it for you
- World Nomads offers simple and flexible travel insurance. Buy at home or while traveling and claim online from anywhere in the world
- Do you want help planning your trip? Chris Rowthorn and his team of Japan experts at Japan Travel Consulting can help
