Kyoto Imperial Palace in Kyoto: Highlights and Personal Photos with Insights into Its Historical Significance as the Former Residence and Ceremony Site of the Emperor

2024-07-292024-09-20

The Kyoto Imperial Palace was the place where the emperor lived and performed ceremonies and public affairs until the Meiji Restoration (A.D. 1869). Today, the Kyoto Imperial Palace is open to the public and anyone can visit it.

This article will share the highlights of Kyoto Imperial Palace, along with some personal photographs.

Getting to Kyoto Imperial Palace from Kyoto Station

The most convenient way to reach Kyoto Imperial Palace from Kyoto Station is by subway, as there is a nearby train station.

STEP

Board the Subway Karasuma Line train for Shijo, Karasuma Oike, Kokusaikaikan.

You can go to the Subway Karasuma Line Station by following the signs on the “Subway (Karasuma Line)” that are located throughout Kyoto Satation, and head 2nd basement floor. The photo above is the entrace of Subway Karasuma Line.

The train bound for for Shijo, Karasuma Oike, Kokusaikaikan is on platform 2 of the subway.

STEP

Disembark at Imadegawa Station.

It takes approximately 9 minutes to get here from Kyoto Station, and exit from “Exit6”.

STEP

From the station, walk about 600m to the reception, which takes about 8 minutes.

When you exit the station and go about 200 meters to the right, you will find the entrance to Kyoto Gyoen National Garden, which surrounds the Kyoto Imperial Palace. The photo above is the entrace to Kyoto Gyoen National Garden.

Go inside. As you can see, it’s quite spacious inside.

Reception is held at Seishomon Gate, located in the center of the west side of the Kyoto Imperial Palace. The photo above is Seishomon. Once you pass the security check, you will be given a Kyoto Imperial Palace Admission Pass, which you will wear around your neck during your tour.

Highlights of Kyoto Imperial Palace

The Kyoto Imperial Palace began in 794 when Emperor Kanmu moved to Kyoto. To tour the Kyoto Imperial Palace, proceed along the route.

The photo above shows the building that was used as a reserve by the shogun’s messengers. There are pictures drawn on the sliding doors, and you can see them through the glass.

As you go further inside, you will find Shishinden, where the most important public ceremonies such as the enthronement of the Emperor were held. It is the most prestigious building among the buildings of the Kyoto Imperial Palace.

Shishinden is a huge stilt-style palace building with a roof that measures approximately 44 meters from east to west and 33 meters from north to south. It was an extraordinary space, with a sense of history and a high threshold, and the aura of the building was amazing.

Passing behind Shishinden is Seiryoden. This is a restored building from when it was the place where the Emperor lived during the Heian period (794-1180).

Continuing further, there are two gardens at the Kyoto Imperial Palace. The photo above is a garden called Oike Niwa. The garden, centered around a pond, had a relaxing feel and made me feel at ease.

If you go further, you will find a garden called Onuchi Garden. Pine trees and other trees are planted, giving it a different feel from the Oike Niwa garden.

Information of Kyoto Imperial Palace

Web Site	Official web site
Opening hours	Apr.-Aug. 9:00 a.m. – 4:20 p.m.
	Sep. & Mar. 9:00 a.m. – 3:50 p.m.
	Oct.-Feb. 9:00 a.m. – 3:20 p.m.
Phone number	+81-75-211-6348

Please check the official website for the latest information.

Nearby tourist spots include Nijo-jo Castle. If you’re interested, please check out the article below.