Kyoto Imperial Palace
Home of the emperors until the Meiji era. You can tour the grounds and building exteriors for free without booking.
- Area
- Osaka · Kyoto Station & Nijo Castle
- Location
- Kyoto Gyoen
- Getting there
- 5 min walk from Imadegawa Sta. (subway)
- Admission
- Free
- Hours
- Apr–Aug: 9:00–17:00 (last entry 16:20)Sep: 9:00–16:30 (last entry 15:50)Mar: 9:00–16:30 (last entry 15:50)Oct–Feb: 9:00–16:00 (last entry 15:20)
- Closed
- Mondays (next day if a holiday)New Year holidays
As of October 2026 · Prices and hours can change, so check the official website before you go.
More places nearby
Nijo Castle
The Kyoto residence of the Tokugawa shoguns, famous for its 'nightingale floors' that chirp when walked on.
Kyoto Tower
The white observation tower in front of Kyoto Station — get your bearings as soon as you arrive.
To-ji Temple
A temple with Japan's tallest wooden five-story pagoda. A market is held on the 21st of every month.
Nishi Hongan-ji
A World Heritage temple within walking distance of Kyoto Station, with two huge wooden halls you can enter for free.
Kyoto Railway Museum
One of Japan's largest railway museums, with over 50 real trains from steam locomotives to the shinkansen, plus steam-train rides.
Kyoto Station Shopping
The station building and underground mall are full of Kyoto sweets and souvenir shops.
Aoi Matsuri
A procession in Heian-period costume walks from the Kyoto Imperial Palace to the Shimogamo and Kamigamo shrines.
Osaka Castle
The castle built by Toyotomi Hideyoshi. Visit the main keep's observation deck and the large castle park.