Kyoto Imperial Palace

Kyoto Imperial Palace

sankan.kunaicho.go.jp
4.1/5
(2.5K) · Historical landmark in Kyoto City Kamigyo Ward, Japan
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Reviews

Tripadvisor
4.1/5 · 2,490 reviews
5-star
33%
4-star
43%
3-star
14%
2-star
6%
1-star
4%
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Mar 22, 2025
The site is huge, in the heart of Tokyo. This is an Imperial Palace, where the emperors used to live (in the middle ages) and continued to have political functions (including coronations of emperors)…Full review by JCLermusiaux
Dec 29, 2024
This is a must do attraction in Kyoto. This palace was the place where the Emperor lived when Kyoto was the capital of Japan. It then moved to Edo, now known as Tokyo. The garden areas are free but y…Full review by Ckyy
Dec 26, 2024
Beautiful! We went to see the garden not knowing that the palace grounds were open. The garden outside was beautiful with fall colors. The palace was free and was a very beautiful walk. The grounds w…Full review by Mary P
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Questions & answers

Q:
I see contradicting reviews regarding entry and guidance to the Imperial Palace. Do you know the present status? 1. Do I …
Q:
I see contradicting reviews regarding entry and guidance to the Imperial Palace. Do you know the present status? 1. Do I need to make reservations? 2. Is there a fee for entry? 3. Is there a fee for guided tours? 4. What is the schedule for English speaking guided tours? 5. Can I enter on my own without guided tour? 6. Is there audio guidance or QR codes to guide?
A:
We just went on the 27th of December. No reservation required. They will give you a tag at the entrance. We were not charged with any fee. You can download audio guidance via a QR …
A:
We just went on the 27th of December. No reservation required. They will give you a tag at the entrance. We were not charged with any fee. You can download audio guidance via a QR code at the waiting area once you cleared the tag allocation area. However, your bags will be checked on your way in.
A:
Answer by Ho Y · Jan 4, 2019
Q:
1. Are there occasions of full changing of guards? What are the time? 2. Are there any live cultural shows in the palace …
Q:
1. Are there occasions of full changing of guards? What are the time? 2. Are there any live cultural shows in the palace compound for visitors? Tqvm.
A:
Hi - the first thing you need to do is check whether it is open on the day you want to visit, because it was closed on the day we rocked up and so I have no idea as to what happens when …
A:
Hi - the first thing you need to do is check whether it is open on the day you want to visit, because it was closed on the day we rocked up and so I have no idea as to what happens when it is open. The gardens are ok, if you like that sort of thing, but I was very disappointed with the Palace itself not being open. Sorry I can’t be of more help. Mike
A:
Q:
So I can buy a ticket at the Palace? Roughly how much is this?
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Currently entrance to the palace ground and park are free while advanced reservations for entry are no longer necessary. However English guided tours are still available …
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Currently entrance to the palace ground and park are free while advanced reservations for entry are no longer necessary. However English guided tours are still available periodically thereat on several occasions of the day except on Mondays when the palace grounds are closed.
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Q:
I noted and read from Japan Guide that we no longer need to make advanced reservation but it did not mention whether …
Q:
I noted and read from Japan Guide that we no longer need to make advanced reservation but it did not mention whether we can get English guided tour without reservation. Will English guided tour be available upon arrival or there is a schedule to follow ?
A:
Its true, you do NOT have to book tour in advance, its offered free of charge and as part of a package. Once you buy the entrance ticket, you have the option of picking up a …
A:
Its true, you do NOT have to book tour in advance, its offered free of charge and as part of a package. Once you buy the entrance ticket, you have the option of picking up a pamphlet and going around yourself, or you can wait at a designated waiting area. The guided tours are conducted several times in the day, like 10:00 am, 12:00 noon etc. You can even call and find out once there. Or just land up, before 1 pm, it may require you to while away a bit of time...but you will definitely get a guided tour. The best part, the guides are really good!
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Q:
Is the palace open on Mondays? I know you no longer have to apply for permission and can just turn up - but I also read …
Q:
Is the palace open on Mondays? I know you no longer have to apply for permission and can just turn up - but I also read somewhere (not the official site) that the palace is closed on Mondays - doesn't anyone have recent experience / knowledge? Thanks!
A:
Closed on Mondays. However, if Monday is a holiday, it's closed on the following day, Tuesday, instead. FYI it's closed year end, from 12/28 ー 1/4.
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Frequently asked questions

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What procedures are necessary to visit Shugakuin Imperial Villa?
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