Kyoto Imperial Palace Tours

Kyoto Imperial Palace
Photo by Janani Sridhar
Photo by Willie Wheeler
Photo by Mike from Cairns
Photo by Algirdas Sidiskis


Plan a trip to see Kyoto Imperial Palace

Price found within the past 48 hours. Click for updated prices.
Wayfarer Hotel Kyoto Shijo
ORI Rokkaku
KABIN Kyoto

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Reviews of Kyoto Imperial Palace

4.4
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
312
5 - Excellent 55%
4 - Good
203
4 - Good 36%
3 - Okay
45
3 - Okay 8%
2 - Disappointing
5
2 - Disappointing 1%
1 - Terrible
1
1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Free and very interesting.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Cherry blossoms in bloom are breathtakingly beautiful!

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

Palace grounds closed to visitors due to New Years holidays. Visited the park outside only.

4/5 - Good

Steve

Get there by nine to get one of the limited tickets to go inside the palace, but you can always walk the grounds for free.

Popular places to visit


Best Lodging Options Near Kyoto Imperial Palace

Kyoto Brighton Hotel

Kyoto Brighton Hotel

4.5 out of 5
Nakadachiuri, Shinmachi-dori, Kamigyo-ku, Kyoto, Kyoto
Kyoto Brighton Hotel
Onyado Nono Kyotoshichijo Natural Hot Springs

Onyado Nono Kyotoshichijo Natural Hot Springs

3 out of 5
491 Zaimokucho, Shimogyo, Kyoto, Kyoto
Onyado Nono Kyotoshichijo Natural Hot Springs
The Royal Park Hotel Kyoto Sanjo

The Royal Park Hotel Kyoto Sanjo

4 out of 5
74 Nakajimacho,Kawaramachi Higashi-iru, Sanjo-dori, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto, Kyoto
The Royal Park Hotel Kyoto Sanjo
Hotel Gracery Kyoto Sanjo

Hotel Gracery Kyoto Sanjo

4 out of 5
420 Sakuranocho, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto, Kyoto
Hotel Gracery Kyoto Sanjo
Hotel Resol Trinity Kyoto

Hotel Resol Trinity Kyoto

3 out of 5
249, Kamihakusancho, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto, Kyoto
Hotel Resol Trinity Kyoto
Hearton Hotel Kyoto

Hearton Hotel Kyoto

3 out of 5
Oike-agaru, Higashinotoin St. Nakagyo, Kyoto, Kyoto
Hearton Hotel Kyoto
Noku Kyoto

Noku Kyoto

4 out of 5
205-1, Okura-cho, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto, Kyoto
Noku Kyoto
Rakuro Kyoto

Rakuro Kyoto

3 out of 5
186 Joshinyoko-cho, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto, Kyoto
Rakuro Kyoto
Park Hotel Kyoto

Park Hotel Kyoto

3.5 out of 5
180 Nishiyokocho Chukyo-ku, Kyoto, Kyoto
Park Hotel Kyoto
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Kyoto Imperial Palace

When visiting the Kyoto Imperial Palace, consider joining an English-speaking guided tour to fully appreciate its rich history and architecture. Enjoy sightseeing trips around the beautiful gardens and surrounding areas, or participate in walking tours that highlight the cultural significance of the palace. Joining a tour group can enhance your experience, allowing you to connect with fellow travelers while exploring the captivating activities and sights in Kyoto.

Shopping

Discover the vibrant Nishiki Market, just 1.6km from Kyoto Imperial Palace, offering a lively atmosphere with local delicacies. Stroll down Kawaramachi Street, 4.8km away, perfect for family shopping. For evening charm, visit Pontocho Alley, located 3.2km away, featuring entertainment and dining options.

Recreation

Experience rejuvenation at Funaoka Thermal Bath, where soothing body treatments immerse you in relaxation just 1.6km from the palace. For a vibrant atmosphere, visit Nishikyogoku Athletic Stadium, three miles away, to enjoy exciting sports events. Don't miss the Kyoto Concert Hall, two miles away, for captivating musical performances.

Adventure

At Biwako Valley Ski Resort, located 24.1km from Kyoto Imperial Palace, enjoy thrilling skiing and snowboarding amidst beautiful mountain scenery. For a different experience, hike the Fushimi-Inari-Taisha Pilgrimage Circuit, situated 6.4km away, where you can soak in breathtaking outdoor views and immerse yourself in nature.

Nightlife

Experience the vibrant nightlife near Kyoto Imperial Palace. Enjoy a captivating performance at Gion Corner, just 3.2km away, showcasing romance and culture. For family fun, visit Omiyakotsu Park, also 3.2km away, featuring thrilling arcade games. Don't miss the Kyoto Municipal Science Center for Youth, 8.0km away, with its engaging planetarium.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Kyoto Imperial Palace

Visiting the Kyoto Imperial Palace offers a rich blend of cultural experiences, with nearby attractions including serene temples, historic shrines, and charming streets. As you explore the palace grounds, delve into the history of the Imperial Palace and its surroundings. Don't miss the opportunity to experience the tranquil beauty of the Sento Imperial Palace, making it a perfect destination for families and culture enthusiasts alike.

  • Kiyomizu Temple: Nestled 3.2km from the Kyoto Imperial Palace, Kiyomizu Temple offers breathtaking views of Kyoto and a rich cultural experience. The temple, renowned for its wooden stage that juts out over the hillside, is a perfect spot for photography and reflection amidst serene surroundings.
  • Kyoto University: Located 1.6km away, Kyoto University is one of Japan's most prestigious institutions. Its historic campus features beautiful architecture and lush gardens, making it a lovely place to explore and soak in the academic atmosphere.
  • Nijō Castle: Just 1.6km from the palace, Nijō Castle is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its stunning architecture and romantic gardens. The castle's historical significance and beautiful surroundings provide a captivating glimpse into Japan's feudal past.

Best time to go to Kyoto Imperial Palace

The best time to visit Kyoto Imperial Palace can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Kyoto Imperial Palace falls in August, when visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. The coolest average temperature around Kyoto Imperial Palace falls in January, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January37.8°F (3.2°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
February39.4°F (4.1°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
March46.0°F (7.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
April54.3°F (12.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
May63.5°F (17.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
June70.5°F (21.4°C)Moderate RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
July77.9°F (25.5°C)Moderate RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
August80.2°F (26.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowAverage
September73.0°F (22.8°C)Moderate RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly Low
October62.2°F (16.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
November52.3°F (11.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
December42.1°F (5.6°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowAverage

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Kyoto Imperial Palace

To save money on your visit to Kyoto Imperial Palace, consider traveling during the cheaper months of January, February, or September. Booking your hotel about a month in advance can lead to better rates, especially if you’re flexible with your travel dates. Tuesday is the least expensive day to stay, while Saturday tends to be pricier. Use Expedia to find last-minute deals, compare room rates, and explore eco-friendly accommodation options. Additionally, package deals that combine flights, hotels, and activities can offer significant savings.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Kyoto Imperial Palace are January to February and September, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to April and October to November, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: The cheapest time to book a hotel around Kyoto Imperial Palace is usually 1 month out from when you are planning to stay. If you're a little more spontaneous, you could also peruse Expedia's last minute deals which could secure you a cheaper stay. Look out for the green banner below the price to spot the deals.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Kyoto Imperial Palace is Tuesday. The most expensive day to stay around Kyoto Imperial Palace is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilize Expedia’s search tool to customize your travel options based on your budget, desired location, and hotel preferences. For instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels that are currently available. To find the best prices and deals, simply arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel stay at the Kyoto Imperial Palace with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.

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