Kyoto Imperial Palace
京都御所
The imperial palace where emperors lived before the 1869 move to Tokyo. Its palace complex, including the Shishinden hall, can be visited for free without a reservation.
The Kyoto Imperial Palace was the residence of successive emperors until the capital moved to Tokyo in 1869. Most of the current buildings date from a reconstruction in 1855. The Shishinden hall, Seiryoden hall, Ko-gosho, and Oike garden show the palace architecture and garden styles from the Heian to Edo periods. Since 2016, it has generally been open to the public for free without a reservation. The entrance is at Seishō Gate, and security screening is required. The surrounding Kyoto Imperial Park is a free public park, and the Konoe Residence cherry trees are beautiful in spring. It is closed on Mondays and during the New Year holidays. Opening hours are about 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. (changing with the seasons), and it is about a 5-minute walk from Imadegawa or Marutamachi subway stations.
Opening hours
09:00–16:00 (closed Mondays; hours vary by season)
Nearby sights
- Shimogamo Shrine
- Nijo Castle
- Pontocho
- Nishiki Market
- Heian Jingu
- Daitoku-ji
- Gion & Hanamikoji Street
- Yasaka Shrine