Kyoto Imperial Palace
Former ruling palace of the Emperor of Japan
Why go
The Kyōto Imperial Palace (京都御所, Kyōto-gosho), also known as Dairi (内裏) or Kinri (禁裏), is the former palace of the Emperor of Japan from 1331 to 1869 located in Kamigyō-ku, Kyoto, Japan. Since the Meiji Restoration in 1869, the Emperors have resided at the Tokyo Imperial Palace, while the preservation of the Kyoto Imperial Palace was ordered in 1877. Today, the grounds are open to the public, and the Imperial Household Agency hosts public tours of the buildings several times a day.
The Kyoto Imperial Palace is the latest of the imperial palaces built in the northeastern part of the old capital of Heian-kyō (now known as Kyoto) after the abandonment of the Heian Palace that was located to the west of the current palace during the Heian period. The Palace lost much of its function at the time of the Meiji Restoration, when the capital functions were moved to Tokyo in 1869. However, Emperor Taishō and Shōwa still had their enthronement ceremonies at the palace.
More about Kyoto Imperial Palace
The Kyōto Imperial Palace (京都御所, Kyōto-gosho), also known as Dairi (内裏) or Kinri (禁裏), is the former palace of the Emperor of Japan from 1331 to 1869 located in Kamigyō-ku, Kyoto, Japan. Since the Meiji Restoration in 1869, the Emperors have resided at the Tokyo Imperial Palace, while the preservation of the Kyoto Imperial Palace was ordered in 1877. Today, the grounds are open to the public, and the Imperial Household Agency hosts public tours of the buildings several times a day.
The Kyoto Imperial Palace is the latest of the imperial palaces built in the northeastern part of the old capital of Heian-kyō (now known as Kyoto) after the abandonment of the Heian Palace that was located to the west of the current palace during the Heian period. The Palace lost much of its function at the time of the Meiji Restoration, when the capital functions were moved to Tokyo in 1869. However, Emperor Taishō and Shōwa still had their enthronement ceremonies at the palace.
Top things to see
More places around Kyoto Imperial Palace
Kyoto
City in the Kansai region of Japan
0.9 mi away
Honnō-ji Incident
1582 attempted assassination of Oda Nobunaga
1.3 mi away
Kyoto Prefecture
Prefecture of Japan
0.4 mi away
Kyoto University
National university in Kyoto, Japan
1.0 mi away
Heian Palace
Original imperial palace of Heian-kyō, the capital of Japan
1.4 mi away
Battle of Toba–Fushimi
1868 battle of the Boshin War in Fushimi, Kyoto, Japan
0.9 mi away
Heian-kyō
Imperial capital of Japan from 794 to 1869
1.4 mi away
Nijō Castle
Castle in Kyoto, Japan
1.1 mi away
Doshisha University
Private university in Kyoto, Japan
0.5 mi away
Shimogamo Shrine
Shinto shrine in Japan
1.2 mi away
Siege of Sanjō Palace
1160 siege, inciting incident of the Heiji Rebellion
0.9 mi away
Hōgen rebellion
Brief Japanese clan conflict in 1156
0.9 mi awayWhen to go
Average highs and lows (°F) and days with rain or snow, from last year’s weather. Best months are highlighted.
Where to stay
What to eat
Restaurants & cafés in Kyoto Imperial Palace
Finding places to eat…
What’s on in the next six weeks
Checking what’s on…
Know before you go
Traveler reviews
Ready to book?
Compare these sites when you’re ready — or plan the whole trip with your group first.
Tours & tickets in Kyoto Imperial Palace
Rental cars
We may earn a commission from some of these links, at no extra cost to you. Learn more
Photos from Pexels, Wikipedia and Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA); facts from Wikipedia; maps © OpenStreetMap contributors, weather from Open-Meteo. Huginn’s tips are AI-written — check prices, hours and entry rules before you go.