Visit historic Imperial Palace
Kyoto, Japan • 
Popular
Popular
Best months to visit
Apr, Jul, Nov
9°C – 20°C, mild, fresh spring weather, high crowds, peak season
9°C – 20°C, mild, fresh spring weather, high crowds, peak season
Walking required
Yes
The Kyoto Imperial Palace offers wheelchair accessibility with ramps into some buildings. However, extensive gravel paths and large distances between sites may pose challenges for manual wheelchair users and those with mobility issues. Accessible toilets are available at several locations within the park.
The Kyoto Imperial Palace offers wheelchair accessibility with ramps into some buildings. However, extensive gravel paths and large distances between sites may pose challenges for manual wheelchair users and those with mobility issues. Accessible toilets are available at several locations within the park.
Value for money
High
Free admission makes it a great value for couples.
Free admission makes it a great value for couples.
Highlights we curated for you
See what similar travellers think of this activity
C
Reviews from other travelers
Summarised by AI
Serene Gardens
Couples enjoyed strolling hand-in-hand through the beautiful, well-maintained gardens at Kyoto.
Historical Beauty
Visitors felt the palace was steeped in history and offered a peaceful, romantic experience.
Free Admission
Couples appreciated the free entry, making it an accessible and budget-friendly date activity.
Buildings Closed
Travelers felt disappointed that they couldn't go inside the palace buildings themselves.
Uneven Paths
Some couples found the gravel paths challenging for extended walking, especially in heels.
Variable Tours
Visitors mentioned that the quality of the free guided tours varied considerably.
How to book
ViatorRECOMMENDED
Guided Tour with Skip-the-Line Access
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
2h - 3h
4.8
from
USD 45
per_person
BOOK
GetyourguidePremium Experience with Hotel Pickup
Free cancellation up to 48 hours before
4h - 5h
4.9
from
USD 70
per_person
BOOK
KlookPrivate Full-Day Tour
Non-refundable
8h - 10h
5.0
from
USD 120
per_person
BOOK
Hours of operation
Monday
-
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
In-depth experience
May contain spoilers
Watch curated videos from fellow travellers for a glimpse of what to expect.
Discover Kyoto's Imperial Palace and other hidden gems in this captivating video!
Embark on a virtual journey through the majestic Kyoto Imperial Palace!
When to visit
We've analysed user reviews and geographical data, and identified the best and worst months to visit.
Month
Crowd Level
Weather
Availability
Our recommendation
December
LOW
2-12°C
December is cool to cold, generally dry, and less crowded after the autumn foliage season. Occasional frost but rare snow.
December is cool to cold, generally dry, and less crowded after the autumn foliage season. Occasional frost but rare snow.
Open
Grounds are open daily; building interiors remain closed to the public.
Grounds are open daily; building interiors remain closed to the public.
Recommended
A good month to visit for those seeking a quieter experience, though temperatures are cold. Dress warmly.
A good month to visit for those seeking a quieter experience, though temperatures are cold. Dress warmly.
January
LOW
0-9°C
Cold and often dry with occasional light rain or snow. Crisp winter air and relatively clear skies, but low temperatures.
Cold and often dry with occasional light rain or snow. Crisp winter air and relatively clear skies, but low temperatures.
Open
Kyoto Imperial Palace grounds are open to the public. Some areas remain restricted; buildings cannot be entered.
Kyoto Imperial Palace grounds are open to the public. Some areas remain restricted; buildings cannot be entered.
Not recommended
A quiet time to visit with minimal crowds, but chilly temperatures and dormant gardens limit visual appeal.
A quiet time to visit with minimal crowds, but chilly temperatures and dormant gardens limit visual appeal.
February
LOW
1-10°C
Still cold with a small chance of snow or rain. Days are gradually lengthening but remains wintery.
Still cold with a small chance of snow or rain. Days are gradually lengthening but remains wintery.
Open
Kyoto Imperial Palace grounds are open to the public. Some areas remain restricted; buildings cannot be entered.
Kyoto Imperial Palace grounds are open to the public. Some areas remain restricted; buildings cannot be entered.
Not recommended
Quiet and cold, but suitable for visitors seeking solitude. Gardens are subdued and not in bloom.
Quiet and cold, but suitable for visitors seeking solitude. Gardens are subdued and not in bloom.
March
MEDIUM
4-14°C
Cool but milder, with the approach of cherry blossom season at the end of the month. Occasional rain.
Cool but milder, with the approach of cherry blossom season at the end of the month. Occasional rain.
Open
Kyoto Imperial Palace grounds are open to the public. Some areas remain restricted; buildings cannot be entered.
Kyoto Imperial Palace grounds are open to the public. Some areas remain restricted; buildings cannot be entered.
Recommended
A pleasant time to visit as the weather improves and gardens begin to show early blossoms. Increasing crowds towards the end of March.
A pleasant time to visit as the weather improves and gardens begin to show early blossoms. Increasing crowds towards the end of March.
How to get there
Bus
Recommended
Several city bus routes stop near the palace grounds, including stops like Karasuma Imadegawa, Kyoto Gyoen-mae, and Imadegawa-jingū-michi. Travelers can take bus numbers 9, 50, 101, 102, 201, or 202 from various points in the city, including Kyoto Station.
Metro
Recommended
The Karasuma Subway Line provides direct access, with Imadegawa Station (5-minute walk) and Marutamachi Station (10-15 minute walk) being the closest stops.
Taxi
Recommended
Taxis are readily available throughout Kyoto and offer a convenient way to reach the palace. A taxi ride from the city center or Kyoto Station typically takes between 7 and 20 minutes, depending on traffic conditions.
Bike
Cycling is a popular way to explore the city and visit the Imperial Palace. Numerous bicycle rental shops are available, and a ride from central Kyoto to the palace takes approximately 10 to 15 minutes. Bicycle parking is available at the Nakadachiuri Car Parking Lot.
Car
While access by private car is possible, public transportation is generally recommended due to potential traffic and parking considerations. For those who do drive, the Nakadachiuri Car Parking Lot offers parking for vehicles.
Walking
Walking to the Imperial Palace is a pleasant option. From downtown Kyoto or Kyoto Station, a walk to the palace will take approximately 30 to 40 minutes.
Additional info
Here's what you need to know about this experience
Mobility
Wheelchair Accessible
Walking Required
Stairs Present
Ramps Available
Pregnancy
Suitable for pregnancy
Allowed during pregnancy
Driving
Driving License Required
Idp Required
Age
Ages 18+