Kyoto Imperial Palace

Kyoto

Castles & Historic Sites

Gardens & Nature

# Historic Building

# Garden

# Art

# Imperial Family

The Shishinden (Main Hall) of the Kyoto Imperial Palace. This is the most important ceremonial building within the palace grounds, where enthronement ceremonies were traditionally held. The majestic structure features a traditional cypress bark roof (hiwadabuki) and faces a large courtyard covered in white gravel. To the right of the stairs (from the viewer's perspective), the famous "Sakon no Sakura" (Cherry of the Left Guard) is in full bloom.

The Oikeniwa Garden at Kyoto Imperial Palace, viewed over the pond with reflections of the traditional building and surrounding pine trees.

Kogosho (Small Palace) at the Kyoto Imperial Palace. This building was used for ceremonies and meetings with the Shogun and Daimyo. It is famously known as the site of the "Conference of Kogosho" (Kogosho Kaigi) in 1868, which determined the restoration of Imperial rule. The interior features sliding doors (fusuma) painted with landscapes using a distinctive blue mist technique called "Konjo-biki," creating a solemn yet vibrant atmosphere.

Long wooden veranda of the Kogosho at Kyoto Imperial Palace, facing the garden. Interior sliding doors are visible on the right, decorated with landscapes featuring vibrant blue sections.

A tranquil view of the Oikeniwa Garden at the Kyoto Imperial Palace, showing the pond from the rocky shore, surrounded by meticulously maintained pine trees and a stone bridge reflecting in the calm water.

Key Points

Former residence of Japan’s emperors for approximately 530 years
Present palace buildings were reconstructed during the late Edo period in classic Heian-inspired style
Elegant interiors feature wall paintings, furnishings, and gardens reflecting court culture
Located inside Kyoto Gyoen National Garden, open for visitors to stroll freely on any day except when closed

The current Kyoto Imperial Palace, or Kyoto Gosho, served as the residence of Japan’s emperors from 1331 until the emperor moved to Tokyo in 1869. For more than 500 years, it was the symbolic heart of the nation, embodying the refined traditions of Japan’s imperial court.
The palace that stands here today was rebuilt in 1855 following a fire, but it preserves the elegance of earlier eras. The Shishinden (Ceremonial Hall) and Seiryoden (Emperor’s Residence) halls, reconstructed in the simple yet dignified style of the Heian period (c. 794–1185), stand alongside other buildings constructed of natural timber, all arranged in orderly fashion, with cypress-bark roofs and natural wood. Inside, sliding doors and walls are adorned with paintings of landscapes, animals, and seasonal motifs, created by leading artists from Kyoto in the Edo period.
The palace grounds are part of the expansive Kyoto Gyoen National Garden, a peaceful green space in the city center. Visitors can stroll freely through the gardens and admire the palace from the outside. Guided tours are also available in English and Chinese at set times each day. Easily reached by subway, the Kyoto Imperial Palace remains one of the city’s most significant historic landmarks.

Information

Spot information including address, access, and website
Address	3 Kyoto Gyoen, Kamigyo-ku, Kyoto
Access from Tokyo	(1) From Tokyo Station, take the Tokaido Shinkansen Nozomi to Kyoto Station (approx. 2 hr 14 min). (2) At Kyoto Station, transfer to the Karasuma Line Local to Marutamachi Station (approx. 7 minutes). (3) From Marutamachi Station, walk to the Kyoto Imperial Palace (approx. 12 minutes). Show route from Tokyo Station
Website	https://kyoto-gosho.kunaicho.go.jp/en