Kyoto Imperial Palace

京都御所

Kyoto Imperial Palace stands inside Kyoto Gyoen, a large park in Kyoto. The palace has been at this site since 1331, and emperors lived here until 1869, when the capital moved to Tokyo. The present buildings were rebuilt in 1855 after many fires. Inside the roofed earthen wall, you can walk past court buildings such as the Seiryo-den and the Kogosho and see the style of the old imperial court. You do not need to register in advance to visit.

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Visitor information

Opening hours

April to August: 9:00–17:00. Last admission is 16:20.

September and March: 9:00–16:30. Last admission is 15:50.

October to February: 9:00–16:00. Last admission is 15:20.

Closed

Closed on Mondays (if Monday is a national holiday, it opens that day and closes on Tuesday) and from December 28 to January 4. Opening can change at short notice.

Admission

Admission is free. No prior registration is needed.

Getting there

About a 5-minute walk from Imadegawa Station on the Kyoto City Subway Karasuma Line.

Time needed

Free guided tours take about 50 minutes. English tours start at 10:00 and 14:00. No booking is needed.

Hours and fees can change. Please check the official website before you go.

Good to know

Eating, drinking alcohol and smoking are not allowed inside. Pets and large bags cannot be brought in, and there is a security check at the gate.
Wheelchairs are available. Ask the staff at the entrance.
The visitor route is covered with gravel, so wear comfortable shoes. There is no parking for cars or bicycles, so use public transport.

Tips for Muslim visitors

Free guided tours by staff are held in English at 10:00 and 14:00 (no booking needed) and take about 50 minutes.
Smoking, drinking alcohol and eating are prohibited inside the palace grounds. Photos are allowed, but not with large professional cameras, tripods or stepladders.
The grounds are covered in gravel, so wear comfortable walking shoes.
Plan your visit around prayer times, and carry a travel prayer mat and a qibla app.
Plan your visit around prayer times. Below are today's prayer times for Kyoto and the verified places to pray nearby.
Food stalls and shops near popular sights usually do not have halal certification. Check the ingredients, or choose from the verified places on this site.