Kyoto Imperial Palace (Kyoto Gosho) was the residence of Japan’s royal family from 794 till 1868, when the capital was shifted from Kyoto to Tokyo. Located in the Kyoto Gyoen park with Seiryo-den (Palace Hall) and the Kogosho (Minor Palace)-the reminiscent of Japan’s royal dynasty, Kyoto Imperial Palace is a must see place for all tourists visiting Kyoto.
A long earthen wall popularly known as ‘tsuiji’ extending 450m from north to south and 250m from east to wast surrounds the Kyoto Imperial Palace.
The current construction of the palace dates back to 1855 when it was rebuilt following its destruction by a disastrous fire.
The Kyoto Imperial Palace complex with 6 gates; the main gate being known as Kenreimon, halls and gardens spread out over its spacious complex.
The Shishinden (Ceremonial Hall), Seiryoden (Main Palace), Tsune-Gosho (Regular Palace) and Ko-Gosho (Small Palace) comprise the main buildings of the palace.
Till recent past the enthronement ceremonies of the Japan’s Emperors used to be held at the main halls of the Kyoto’s Imperial Palace. However the ceremony for the present Emperor occurred at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo. It is a site with huge historical importance. The once home of the Japan’s Imperial Family, the Kyoto Imperial Palace is one of the most prominent tourist destinations in Japan. It has fascinated Japanese people for over 2,500 years and is a renowned spiritual site of the old Japan till date.
The palace is not adorned with frivolous furnishings. Behind its humble exterior lies the history of an extremely ordered and hierarchical Japanese society.
Some of its features like doors distinguished by the thickness of the cypress roof, with the thickest roofed entrance being allotted for kings, waiting rooms for those looking for hearing with the king etc reflect the cultures and traditions of Japanese society. To reserve a tour around the Kyoto Imperial Palace one has to apply with passport to the Imperial Housing Agency (Kunaicho) in weekdays between 8:45am-12noon and 1pm-4pm. However the applicant must not be less than 20 years. Children below 20 are allowed to get inside the palace along with any adult.
Guided tours in English can be obtained from Monday-Friday between 10am to 2pm or on the 3rd Saturday of the month at 10am (on all Saturdays in April, May, October and November). It remains closed on all Sundays, national holidays and from 29th December to 3rd of January at a stretch. The 50 min trip in and around the palace is absolutely free of cost and commences from the Seishomon Gate. However one must reach there atleast 20 min before the scheduled time of the trip. How to Reach Kyoto Imperial Palace can be reached very easily from Kyoto Station. By Karasuma Subway Line it will take around 10 minutes to reach the Imperial Palace in Kyoto. Two subway stations close to the palace are Marutamachi and Imadegawa. However Imadegawa station is located closer to the Imperial Household Agency office.
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