[2025 Kyoto Attraction] Travel Guide for Kyoto Imperial Palace (Updated Jul)

~Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture~Kyoto Imperial Palace ☑️Located in the center of Kyoto, a part of the vast grounds can be visited ☑️There are many buildings that convey Japanese culture and traditions, creating a solemn atmosphere☑️You can enter the historic palace! Kyoto Imperial Palace was used as the imperial palace for many years. Now it is open to the public! The lush gardens are soothing. It is a recommended spot that all Japanese people should visit at least once. -How to visit Kyoto Imperial Palace-Entrance gate: Kiyosho Gate Baggage inspection upon entry 📍Kyoto Imperial Palace 〒602-0881 Kyoto Imperial Palace 3, Kamigyo Ward, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture #0 yen travel #Kyoto #Kyoto sightseeing #japantrip #japantravel #Historic sites that make you feel history #Travel to touch historical culture #Historical buildings #Travel around Japanese culture #Travel with me

🌸 Cherry Blossom Viewing Spots in Kyoto 🌸 Arashiyama🌄: Take a kobushi (tramcar) ride through the bamboo forest, especially charming during cherry blossom season. Kamogawa🦆: Stroll along the river. Spring evenings are a poetic sight of cherry blossoms and lanterns. 🏯 Historical Sightseeing 🏯 Kinkaku-ji🏅: A shining golden Zen temple and one of Kyoto's most iconic landmarks. Kiyomizu-dera💧: Walk around its ancient wooden stage and enjoy a panoramic view of Kyoto city. 🍵 Cultural Experience 🍵 Wafu Experience👘: Walk in a kimono on the traditional streets and feel the atmosphere of the ancient capital. Tea Ceremony Experience🍡: Take a tea ceremony class and learn about Japanese tea culture. 🍜 Gourmet Exploration 🍜 Gion🏮: Visit traditional restaurants and enjoy the delicious flavors of Kyoto. Nishiki Market🛍️: Enjoy shopping and try a variety of street foods. 🌃 Nightlife 🌃 Pontocho🍶: Explore traditional bars and izakayas to experience another side of Kyoto at night. 🛏️ Accommodation Recommendations 🛏️ Choosing Where to Stay🏨: It's convenient to choose a hotel or a traditional Japanese inn close to the city center. 💡 Tips 💡 Best Travel Time📅: Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are the best times to visit. Transportation Advice🚇: Buy a one-day or multi-day bus card and travel freely around the city.

#fallishere The Kyoto Imperial Palace((京都御所, Kyōto Gosho) ) is a historical landmark in Kyoto, It was the Imperial Family’s residence until 1868. This stunning palace is nestled within the Kyoto Gyeon National Park (京都御苑), an attractive park in the center of the city. The palace exudes an air of timeless elegance, showcasing traditional Japanese architecture at its finest. Operating hours: Wednesday to Sunday from 9am - 3.20pm, closed on Monday & Tuesday. Admission is FREE! The Kyoto Imperial Palace is a short subway ride from Kyoto Station along thei Karasuma Subway Line. Get off at Imadegawa Station (10 minutes, 260 yen). Imadegawa Station is closer to the entrance gate. #mytripvlog#awesomepic #timetotravel

Imagine the ancient towers of Kyoto towering from the top of the mountains as giant guardians as night falls, and the lanterns under the starry sky as lit firebugs, adding infinite romance and mystery to the night. Here is a city that hides the glamour of the ancient past. Climbing up the ancient pagoda is like travelling back in time. You will witness the vicissitudes and legends of history, transmitting a mysterious power from each stone brick. Gazing at the crown on top of the pagoda, it's as if you can feel the magic of the sunrise hour when it first shines on this ancient capital. In the evening, as the sun fades away, Kyoto has its moment of true magic. Stepping into the night, the entire city is surrounded by lights lit up like a starry sky. Strolling through the streets at night, it's as if time has been frozen, and there are different stories waiting to be discovered in every corner of the city. The warm glow of the lanterns illuminates the entire street as if leading you down a mysterious path. Walk with them and feel the blend of history and modernity. Whether it's a traditional red lantern or a modern neon sign, the city's unique charm and energy is reflected.Here, mystery meets romance and you can get lost in history. And most importantly, in Kyoto, you can find a return to inner peace and tranquillity. 🌌 This night, Kyoto awaits you! Come and feel the magic of this ancient city and the mysterious impact of those ancient pagodas, night views and lanterns! ✨🌃 Bring your curiosity and sense of discovery and come explore the wonders of this ancient city! Kyoto, waiting for you to unveil the charm of the ancient past! 🔍🔮

To truly appreciate the vibrant beauty of autumn leaves in Japan, Kyoto Prefecture is a must-visit destination.🇯🇵🍁 The combination of traditional kimono attire, serene temples, stunning architecture, and the vivid colors of maple leaves makes for an unforgettable experience.😉 
🪧 2023 Kyoto Autumn Leaves Frontline Report
Kyoto offers an abundance of places to enjoy autumn foliage, from the serene mountains to the bustling flatlands. This extended viewing period allows you to catch the breathtaking transformation of nature. The prime time for leaf-viewing typically falls between late November and early December. 
💡 Recommended Autumn Leaves Viewing Spots:
1. Kiyomizu Temple🍁 (November 24th to December 7th)
 - Famous for its "Kiyomizu Stage" with panoramic views of crimson maple leaves.
 - Don't miss the enchanting evening illumination event ✨ (October 21, 2023, to December 10, 2023; 17:00-21:30). 
2. Arashiyama🌿 (November 23rd to December 7th)
 - One of Japan's top three autumn foliage spots.
 - Choose between the Arashiyama Scenic Railway or the Hozugawa River Boat for leaf-viewing.
 - Experience the special "Arashiyama Maple Leaf Festival" 🍁 on the second Sunday of November. 
3. Kifune Shrine 🍂 (November 19th to December 1st)
 - Over 1600 years of history and a stunning autumn landscape make this a must-visit.
 - Witness the "Kifune Momiji Toro" festival 🏮 in 2023 (November 3rd to November 26th). 
4. Rurikoin Temple✨ (November 20th to November 30th)
 - A place where the interplay of light and shadows with red leaves creates a mesmerizing world.
 - Booking for 2023 available from November 1st to December 3rd. 
5. Kitano Tenmangu Shrine ⛩️
 - Explore the "Godoin Maple Leaf Garden" 🍁 and the picturesque "Uguisu Bridge" 🌉 for exceptional leaf-viewing. 
6. Kodaiji Temple ⛩️ 
7. Eikando Temple🍁
 - Renowned as Kyoto's number one spot for autumn leaves.
 - Explore the "Release Pond" 🏞️ within the temple grounds, known as the "Temple of the Maple Leaves." 
8. Bishamon-do Temple 🍂
 - A tranquil and secluded spot for viewing autumn leaves, offering a serene atmosphere. 
9. Kyoto Imperial Palace Gardens 🏰 
10. Daigoji Temple ⛩️ 
11. Philosopher's Path 🚶♂️ 
Enjoy Your Autumn Leaf Viewing in Kyoto! 🍁

Visited in July 2023 *Kyoto Imperial Palace Inside Kyoto Gyoen, Kamigyo Ward, Kyoto City Get off at the subway "Imadegawa" station, about 5 minutes on foot Get off at the city bus "Karasuma Imadegawa", about 5 minutes on foot It is located in the central northern part of Kyoto Gyoen (about 250m east-west, about 450m north-south) and is a building in a wide area surrounded by a clear stream ditch. The current building was rebuilt in 1855 at the end of the Edo period, and some parts are modeled after the ancient system of the Heian period✨ The Imperial Palace has six gates on the east-west, north-south, and Shishinden, where successive emperors ascended to the throne, and also the Empress's Tsunegoten on the north side☺️ And in front of the Kogosho, there is an elegant garden with a large pond✨ You enter and exit through the Seisho Gate, and at that time you will be inspected for your belongings and receive a strap to enter😊 It's free to view, so be sure to check the visiting days before visiting🎵 #KyotoTourism#777 #KyotoTrip #Kyoto #Kyoto Imperial Palace #Free Spots #Kyoto Walking Tour

I found this restaurant when I was walking around the area after getting hungry after a walk around the Kyoto Imperial Palace. This izakaya was renovated from an old house, and you can feel the old-fashioned Japanese houses here and there. The atmosphere of drinking at the U-shaped counter is also nice. You can eat delicious yakitori while feeling the good old Japanese atmosphere rather than Kyoto. Although it is a popular restaurant, the location also gives it a hidden feel, which I liked. Many restaurants around here are closed on Sundays, but this restaurant is open until 11pm on Sundays. Lunch is also a great deal. Orders stop at 1pm, so I recommend going early. 672-2 Seimei-cho, Chuo-ku, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture 604-0951 Near the Kyoto Imperial Palace. #DomesticTravel #Kyoto

#KyotoImperial Palace The cherry blossoms are white and pink when they first bloom I knew I was going in mid-March, before the cherry blossom season, so the chance of seeing the cherry blossoms was slim. However, after going to Kyoto Imperial Palace, I was about to walk back to the parking lot. I saw a sea of ​​pink and white flowers in the distance (although I can see a bit sparse from a distance). But as I walked over, I saw that there were many that had begun to bloom, and there were many people taking pictures ~ I'm very lucky this time🌸 I saw a little, not all open but happy enough, I imagine it will be opened very often later, it must be spectacular! 📍Kyoto Imperial Palace 🚗Driving Guide: Parking Parking✅ Remember that there are two parking spaces in the park, the main parking lot and the "Qingheyuan" parking lot. See Google Map's editor, see the rating is quite good to park in the "Qing Heyuan" parking lot, less parking space but very good parking, more seats, but to the main entrance walk a long way (15mins) round trip really tired😂 🤣 To get closer to the main entrance, remember to park in the parking lot of Kyoto Imperial Palace on the other side - it should be a 5-minute walk away, although there are many cars, but the parking lot is large. 谷歌搜索： Kyotogyoennakatachiurinishi Parking Lot 💰: First 3 hours Total 800yen, maximum material cost 1200yen. #DrivingTour #Kyoto #Japan #Japantravel #Kyoto #japan #hkig

Even though I live in Kyoto, I have never been there, so I decided to go! The Kyoto Imperial Palace has been the residence of successive emperors from Emperor Komyo to Emperor Meiji, and is an imperial property. ✨ I was able to spend a relaxing time there! If you are visiting as a tourist, please check it out. 🙂 3 Kyoto Gyoen, Kamigyo Ward, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture 602-0881 #KyotoTourism#KyotoImperialPalace

#KyotoImperialPalace #KyotoTourism #KyotoTrip #BreathtakingView #Garden #WesternJapan Kyoto Imperial Palace last fall. I went to the Kyoto Imperial Palace for the first time on a trip in 2022 and was impressed by the beauty of the palace garden. In particular, the vast pond was surrounded by lush trees, and large silver carp were swimming in the pond. As I continued walking, I came across a bridge over a stream, and I felt the beauty of each and every stone, large and small. The deep green of the trees was reflected on the surface of the water, creating a sophisticated beauty unique to Japan.

Kyoto Gyoen was the residence of the emperor in Kyoto before Japan moved its capital to Tokyo. It is of great significance in Japanese history. It is located in Kamigyo-ku, Kyoto City. It is not a long drive from Kyoto Station. If you take the subway Karasuma Line to "Marutamachi Station" and use Exit 1, it only takes about 1 minute to walk. Kyoto Imperial Garden includes the Kyoto Imperial Palace and the surrounding Imperial Garden area. The latter is a park where you can walk around and is free to visit. During the flowering period every spring, numerous cherry blossoms bloom one after another in the park. The park is awash in peach and pink, which is quite beautiful. It is a popular cherry blossom viewing spot in Kyoto. #春日韩 Cherry Blossoms #cherry blossoms 🌸

Kyoto Gyoen is a national park that includes the Kyoto Imperial Palace, Kyoto Sento Imperial Palace, Kyoto Omiya Imperial Palace, and more. During the Edo period, it was a town of nobles with over 200 mansions of various sizes. It is now a place of relaxation for citizens, but the modern buildings are skillfully hidden by trees, making it feel as if you have traveled back in time to the Heian period. 📌 Kyoto Gyoen, Kamigyo Ward, Kyoto City, 602-8611 #KyotoTourism #KyotoImperialPalace #PlaceofRest

●Name SASAYAIORI+ Kyoto Gyoen ●Access 〠3 Kyoto Gyoen, Kamigyo Ward, Kyoto City 🚗Use nearby parking ●Points A new style of Kyoto confectionery Sasaya Iori‼️ Opened a new store in Kyoto Gyoen as a new initiative This shop has a wonderful space design that blends in with the nature of Kyoto Gyoen Speaking of Sasaya, they are famous for their dorayaki, but we had their monaka The taste and atmosphere are perfect after a long walk We visited on October 14th, but the signs of autumn are yet to come The best time to see the autumn leaves in Kyoto will be around November 20th to 25th🍁 #AutumnTravel #AutumnLeafSpots

●Name Kyoto Imperial Palace ●Access 〠Kyoto Gyoen 3, Kamigyo Ward, Kyoto City 🚗Use nearby parking ●Points The Kyoto Imperial Palace in Kyoto Gyoen has resumed public viewing since October‼️ When the leaves change color, the inner garden is beautifully colored🍁 In addition, the fact that admission to the palace is free is a great thing for tourists😊 Guided tours are also held four times a day The garden has a sense of scale that cannot be felt from the outside, and it is carefully maintained, making it a very worthwhile visit I visited on October 14th, but the signs of autumn are yet to come The autumn leaves in Kyoto will be at their best from around November 20th to 25th🍁 #Autumn trip #Autumn leaves spots

●Name Kyoto Gyoen Nakadachiuri Rest Area ●Access 〠Kyoto Gyoen 3, Kamigyo Ward, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture 🚗Use nearby parking ●Points Located on the north side of Nakadachiuri Gate of Kyoto Gyoen, not far from the entrance to the Imperial Palace A very beautiful and comfortable rest area surrounded by the trees of the Imperial Palace Kotara was renovated in 2019, but a rest area was opened on the east side this year in 2022 You can purchase food, souvenirs, etc., and there are plenty of chairs to rest in The restrooms are also very clean, so you can feel at ease I visited on October 14th, but the signs of autumn are yet to come The autumn leaves in Kyoto will be at their best from around November 20th to 25th 🍁 #Autumn Trip #Autumn Leaves Spots

#KyotoTrip On the way back from a trip to Kobe, we took a detour to the Kyoto Imperial Palace 💫 I had always wanted to go to the Kyoto Imperial Palace, but I missed it on my school trip in elementary school, so I was glad I had this opportunity 😉 Maybe it was because we went quite late, but there were hardly any people there, so we felt like we were the only ones there on the vast grounds 🙌 It was rich in nature and had an atmosphere that made me lose track of time 💫 I thought that if I lived in Kyoto, I would come here every day for a walk, but it took me an hour to walk around the whole place 😂 I had a wonderful time ✨ #SupportTourism #WesternJapan #SummerShortTrip #HistoricalRelics #AmazingViews #SummerWeekendTrip #trip2022 #Kyoto #AmazingNature #KyotoTrip

amazing scenery breathtaking views kyoto japan 😍😍😍######

#gw2022jp Kyoto Gyoen, Kyoto Imperial Palace. There are many gravel roads, and you can't enter the important places, so it's pretty empty. However, I like looking at the large, old trees, so I think it's a good park. The pines in particular are magnificent, and I like looking at the roots of trees, so it was great. You can stroll around quietly.

Kyoto SAKURA Cherry Blossoms I took a stroll around Kyoto Gyoen! When you think of Kyoto, you think of cherry blossoms, and when you think of cherry blossoms, you think of Kyoto! So, I came to Kyoto! This time, I took a stroll around the vast Kyoto Gyoen to see the cherry blossoms! ✅Kyoto Gyoen ✅Kyoto Gyoen 3, Kamigyo Ward, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture It's so big, it's the perfect place to take your time and enjoy the cherry blossoms! There were many different kinds of cherry blossoms in full bloom, but the one I hadn't seen myself was ✅Kuruma Kaeshi Sakura It's said that when Emperor Gomizunoo went out, he was so impressed by the beauty of the cherry blossoms that he returned his carriage to admire them, so this name was given to it. Well, it was a magnificent cherry blossom with a lot of volume. It's a double-flowered cherry, so it looks very impressive and voluminous! It was worth the walk! #Kyoto #sakura #Kyoto sightseeing #Kyoto trip #Kyoto Gyoen #Kyoto Imperial Palace

Although Kyoto Gyoen is located in the center of Kyoto, it is rich in nature and is a place of relaxation for the citizens. On sunny days, people enjoy picnics or read books in the shade of the trees. Many people also take walks. It is famous for cherry blossoms in spring and autumn leaves in autumn, so summer and winter are recommended to avoid crowds. You can feel the quietness of Kyoto. Many new inns have opened nearby, so it is nice to stay overnight and take a walk in the morning. #supporttourism #Kyoto #famousflowers #kimono #Japaneseclothes #furisode #wanderingKyotoinkimono #KyotoGyoen #KyotoImperialPalace #forestbathing #supporttourism

#tripaway free entry to Kyoto imperial palace with kimono. So pretty at autumn with colorful leaves and architecture #kimonosinkyoto #palace #tripaway

There was some constructions works going on, and the tour is not interesting, also the emperror's throne was not there since they moved it to Tokyo for the celebration. I would recommend to go to Nijo castle, you have to pay for that one but totally worth it. #GiveThanks

I visited the Kyoto Imperial Palace ✨ This place where the Emperor once lived still exudes elegance, and just walking around makes my heart feel refreshed 🌿 As I walk through the vast Imperial Gardens, the scent of pine and the sound of the gravel road are soothing, and I take a deep breath. The sense of beauty is apparent in every detail of the building, and it was a time to reflect on history ☺️ Spring and autumn are especially recommended, as there are fewer crowds and you can take your time to explore ✨ Another great point is that you can visit for free 👛 Despite being in the center of Kyoto, the tranquility is like another world. Why not take a break from your busy daily life and spend some luxurious time here? ⸻ 📍 Memo Access: 5 minutes walk from Imadegawa Station on the subway Opening hours: 9:00-17:00 (last entrance 16:20) Admission fee: Free (no reservation required, free to explore) Closed: Mondays (next day if Monday is a public holiday) Time required: Approximately 1-1.5 hours to explore Recommended seasons: Spring (cherry blossoms) and Autumn (autumn leaves) Toilets and benches available. Bringing water with you is recommended #absolutely free trip #Kyoto trip #domestic trip #Kyoto Imperial Palace

#summervacay #KyotoImperialPalace #kyoto The Kyoto Imperial Palace was the home of Japan’s emperors for centuries before the capital moved to Tokyo. Today, it’s a peaceful place where visitors can explore beautiful traditional buildings and serene gardens. The palace grounds showcase classic Japanese architecture, with spacious halls and lovely seasonal gardens perfect for a quiet stroll. Guided tours help bring the rich history to life, but even wandering on your own feels like stepping back in time. It’s a calm and cultural spot that offers a glimpse into Japan’s regal past right in the heart of Kyoto.

#AbsolutelyFreeTrip "Kyoto Imperial Palace" is the former site of the Imperial Palace where the Emperor once lived. With its vast grounds, beautiful gardens, and stately architecture, it is a place where you can experience "Japanese elegance" just by walking✨ Located within Kyoto Imperial Palace, it is a space where nature and history are in harmony with each season. When you actually visit, you will feel so comfortable that you will want to listen to the sound of the wind while walking through the quiet pine forest. The exterior of the palace building is impressive, and you can also tour the interior by making a reservation. The cherry blossoms in spring and the autumn leaves in autumn are beautiful, and it shows a different look each season🌸🍁 If you visit as a couple, it is a relaxing stroll where you can share a relaxing time. If you are traveling alone, it is a luxurious time to face yourself while surrounded by history and nature. It is also popular with tourists from overseas, and is a valuable spot where you can feel the culture of the Japanese Imperial Household🌍 📍Access A short walk from "Imadegawa Station" on the Karasuma Subway Line. It is easily accessible, about 15 minutes by subway from Kyoto Station. The Kyoto Imperial Palace is a place where you can feel "dignity" rather than splendor. When traveling to Kyoto, be sure to step into this world of silence and elegance✨ Kyoto Imperial Palace #Kyoto Trip #Imperial Culture #Kyoto Gyoen #Relaxing Walk #Overseas Travel #Couple Travel #Solo Travel

#summervacay #travel #thingstodo #myitinerary #kyoto #kamigyo Kamigyo Ward offers a quiet elegance that feels worlds away from Kyoto’s busier tourist spots. As I wandered its gently worn streets, there was a lingering sense of grace—like the past hadn’t left, just settled into the architecture. The heart of the experience lies in the historic presence of the Kyoto Imperial Palace. Though not all areas are accessible to the public, even viewing the palace from the outside evokes a quiet reverence. The sheer scale and symmetry of the structure, surrounded by meticulously maintained gardens and pathways, reveal a deep respect for both nature and tradition. What sets Kamigyo apart isn’t just its famous landmarks but the atmosphere that unfolds around them. Locals move at an unhurried pace. The blend of old wooden houses, tucked-away shrines, and tree-lined avenues make it feel like the ward exists in a soft pause between centuries. It’s a space to breathe, to reflect, and to appreciate Japan’s ability to cradle its heritage while embracing the present.

✓ Kyoto Imperial Palace Among the four major imperial residences in Kyoto, the Kyoto Imperial Palace is the only one that can be visited without prior reservation. Its grand scale is evident, with two separate areas designated for parking carriages (ancient parking lots). The architecture is majestic and imposing, showcasing the royal status and power. The entire palace grounds are remarkably vast. However, to be honest, the experience feels somewhat lacking without a guided tour. It’s harder to create lasting impressions, and unfortunately, it was raining during the visit, so it ended up being more of a casual stroll. This trip included visits to all four major imperial residences in Kyoto: Kyoto Imperial Palace, Sento Imperial Palace, Katsura Imperial Villa, and Shugakuin Imperial Villa.

Summary of places I'been in Kyoto. 3days is honestly not enough as I loved Kyoto the most from my Japan trip. Places I've been on foot, bus & train. #nishikimarket #kyotoimperialpalace #ninenzaka #arashimaya bamboo forest Every corner is full of experience and unexpected things to see This is how #kyoto looked like end of #october, if you're looking for #autumnfoliage probably wait till November.

#japanitinerary Visiting the Kyoto Imperial Palace was a serene and enriching experience that offered a dignified glimpse into Japan’s imperial past—completely free of charge, making it one of Kyoto’s best budget-friendly historical attractions. 📍 Location: Kyoto Gyoen National Garden, Kamigyo Ward, Kyoto 602-0881, Japan (Nearest Subway: Imadegawa Station, Karasuma Line) 💴 Admission: Free (no ticket required as of recent policy—self-guided walking access) 🕰️ Time Spent: Roughly 1.5 to 2 hours strolling through the grounds ✨ What I Experienced: Set within the vast Kyoto Gyoen Park, the palace grounds are a peaceful and beautifully maintained complex surrounded by stone walls and guarded gates. Though visitors cannot enter most of the buildings, walking around the outer areas of the Shishinden (Hall for State Ceremonies) and Seiryoden (Emperor’s Residence) gave me a strong sense of the grandeur and restraint that defines traditional Japanese court architecture. The structures feature elegant wooden construction, vermilion pillars, and cypress-bark roofs, nestled among gravel pathways and manicured gardens. Spring blossoms or autumn leaves, depending on the season, make the setting even more photogenic. 🌿 Budget Traveler’s Notes: • No entrance fee — a perfect choice for cultural immersion without spending a yen. • Clean, well-maintained toilets and vending machines are located nearby. • The adjacent Kyoto Gyoen Garden is great for a free extended walk or picnic. • Bring a hat or umbrella—there’s little shade directly in front of the palace buildings. 📝 Tips: • Try to arrive in the morning for softer lighting and quieter surroundings. • Combine your visit with a walk to Doshisha University’s historical campus or Shokoku-ji Temple, both nearby. Verdict: The Kyoto Imperial Palace doesn’t overwhelm—it soothes. Its grandeur lies in its simplicity and cultural symbolism, and for a budget-conscious traveler, it’s a rare treat: access to the history of emperors, completely free and open to all.