Castle & Palace · Kyoto Gyoen / Kamigyo

Kyoto Imperial Palace 京都御所

The emperors' residence until 1869, open free without reservation, where you walk past the Shishinden throne hall, cypress-bark roofs and pond gardens inside the huge Kyoto Gyoen park.

About

The Kyoto Gosho was the residence of Japan's emperors until the capital moved to Tokyo in 1869. The present buildings were rebuilt in 1855 in the Heian style, and the self-guided route takes you past the vermilion Kenreimon gate, the Shishinden ceremonial hall where the enthronements of the Taisho and Showa emperors were held, the Seiryoden, the Kogosho and Gogakumonsho halls, and the Oikeniwa pond garden. You see the buildings from outside, but the doors are often open to reveal painted interiors, and free guided tours run in English. The palace is set in Kyoto Gyoen, a 65-hectare national garden with gravel avenues, a plum grove, the famed Konoe weeping cherry and the Sento Imperial Palace in its southeast corner. Visitors enter through the Seishomon gate after a bag check.

Highlights

• Shishinden, the hall of enthronement ceremonies
• Kenreimon gate and cypress-bark roofs
• Oikeniwa pond garden
• Free English guided tours
• Kyoto Gyoen park with plum and weeping cherry groves

Tips

• No reservation needed; enter at Seishomon on the west side. Bag checks apply.
• Closed on Mondays (or the next day if a holiday).
• The special spring and autumn openings show more interiors and court costume displays.
• Rent a bike: Kyoto Gyoen's gravel paths are a lovely ride, and the Konoe weeping cherry blooms late March.

Open in Google Maps · Info checked 2026-10-09

Nearby

• Kyoto State Guest HouseCastle & Palace · 350 m away
• Sento Imperial PalaceCastle & Palace · 620 m away
• Camera no OkawaCamera Store · 680 m away
• Kyoto Gyoen National GardenPark · 780 m away
• DemachizaMovie Theaters · 780 m away
• Demachi Masugata ShotengaiLocal Secret · 810 m away
• Demachi Masugata Shopping StreetShopping Street · 810 m away
• Demachi FutabaUnique Store · 850 m away