Kyoto Imperial Palace Tours

Kyoto Imperial Palace
Photo by Janani Sridhar
Photo by Willie Wheeler
Photo by Mike from Cairns
Photo by Algirdas Sidiskis


This historic stately house is situated in Central Kyoto, a place that has lots going for it! Kiyomizu Temple, Nijō Castle, and Fushimi Inari Shrine are other fine sightseeing choices close by when you've finished up at Kyoto Imperial Palace.

Plan a trip to see Kyoto Imperial Palace

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Best Lodging Options Near Kyoto Imperial Palace

Kyoto Brighton Hotel

Kyoto Brighton Hotel

4.5 out of 5
Nakadachiuri, Shinmachi-dori, Kamigyo-ku, Kyoto, Kyoto
Kyoto Brighton Hotel
LOISIR HOTEL CLASSIC GARDEN KYOTO SANJO

LOISIR HOTEL CLASSIC GARDEN KYOTO SANJO

3 out of 5
80 Mikuracho, Kyoto, Kyoto
LOISIR HOTEL CLASSIC GARDEN KYOTO SANJO
Hotel Gracery Kyoto Sanjo

Hotel Gracery Kyoto Sanjo

4 out of 5
420 Sakuranocho, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto, Kyoto
Hotel Gracery Kyoto Sanjo
Kyoto Garden Palace

Kyoto Garden Palace

3 out of 5
605 Tatsumae-Cho, Shimochojamachi Agaru Karasuma-dori, Kyoto, Kyoto
Kyoto Garden Palace
hotel MONday Kyoto Marutamachi

hotel MONday Kyoto Marutamachi

3.5 out of 5
225 Shoshoicho, Kyoto, Kyoto
hotel MONday Kyoto Marutamachi
Oakwood Hotel Oike Kyoto

Oakwood Hotel Oike Kyoto

3.5 out of 5
165-1 Moriyama-cho, Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto, Kyoto
Oakwood Hotel Oike Kyoto
Hotel Resol Trinity Kyoto

Hotel Resol Trinity Kyoto

3 out of 5
249, Kamihakusancho, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto, Kyoto
Hotel Resol Trinity Kyoto
Cross Hotel Kyoto

Cross Hotel Kyoto

3.5 out of 5
71-1 Daikokucho, Kawaramachi-dori, Sanjo-sagaru, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto, Kyoto
Cross Hotel Kyoto
hotel MONday Kyoto Karasuma Nijo

hotel MONday Kyoto Karasuma Nijo

3 out of 5
261-1, Makieyacho, Kyoto, Kyoto
hotel MONday Kyoto Karasuma Nijo
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Kyoto Imperial Palace

Exploring Kyoto Imperial Palace offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in Japan's rich history and culture. Visitors can enjoy a scenic sightseeing trip around the beautiful gardens, admire the stunning architecture of the palace, and learn about the imperial family's lifestyle. Don't miss the chance to capture picturesque views and experience the tranquil atmosphere that makes Kyoto a must-visit destination.

Shopping

Nishiki Market is a vibrant public market located 1 mile from the Kyoto Imperial Palace, offering a city vibe with a variety of local goods. Kawaramachi Street and Pontocho Alley, both 2 miles away, are great for family-friendly shopping with a mix of entertainment and business options.

Recreation

Enjoy a rejuvenating experience at Funaoka Thermal Bath, where you can unwind in soothing thermal waters just a mile from Kyoto Imperial Palace. For sports enthusiasts, Nishikyogoku Athletic Stadium offers an energetic atmosphere three miles away, while Kyoto Concert Hall provides captivating musical performances two miles from the palace.

Adventure

Experience thrilling adventures at Biwako Valley Ski Resort, located 15 miles from Kyoto Imperial Palace, where you can enjoy skiing and sports vibes. For an outdoor adventure, take the Mt. Otokoyama Cable Car, situated 10 miles away, offering family-friendly experiences amidst beautiful landscapes.

Nightlife

In Kyoto, Gion Corner offers a cultural theater experience just 2 miles from the Imperial Palace, perfect for families and couples. Nearby, the Kyoto MINAMIZA Theatre presents captivating performances, while the Kyoto Municipal Science Center For Youth, 5 miles away, provides an entertaining planetarium experience for all ages.

Find the best attractions near Kyoto Imperial Palace

When visiting the Kyoto Imperial Palace, you'll find a wealth of cultural experiences, including nearby temples, shrines, and art museums. This area is perfect for travelers seeking family-friendly activities and rich cultural insights. Explore the stunning surroundings of the Kyoto Imperial Palace, including the west side, where you can immerse yourself in Japan's heritage and enjoy the serene beauty of the imperial grounds.

  • Kiyomizu Temple: Nestled 2 miles from Kyoto Imperial Palace, Kiyomizu Temple offers a serene atmosphere with stunning views of the city. Known for its wooden stage that juts out over the hillside, this UNESCO World Heritage site is steeped in culture, making it a perfect spot for reflection and appreciation of traditional Japanese architecture.
  • Nijō Castle: Located 1 mile away, Nijō Castle captivates visitors with its romantic gardens and beautiful interiors. This historic castle showcases the elegance of the Edo period and is famous for its nightingale floors that chirp as you walk, adding a unique touch to its cultural allure.
  • Kyoto Tower: Standing 3 miles from the palace, Kyoto Tower provides breathtaking panoramic views of the city skyline. This modern landmark offers a stark contrast to Kyoto's historical sites, making it an exciting destination for those seeking vibrant city vibes.

Best time to go to Kyoto Imperial Palace

Visitor numbers around Kyoto Imperial Palace is generally unchanged in popularity throughout the year. The best time to visit Kyoto Imperial Palace is dependant on what kind of holiday you are seeking. August is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. January is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

calendar iconCalendar Monthtemperature iconTemperaturerain iconPrecipitationmostly cloudy iconCloudinessoccupation rate iconOccupancyprice iconPricing
January37.8°F (3.2°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
February39.4°F (4.1°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
March46.0°F (7.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
April54.3°F (12.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
May63.5°F (17.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
June70.5°F (21.4°C)Moderate RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
July77.9°F (25.5°C)Moderate RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
August80.2°F (26.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowAverage
September73.0°F (22.8°C)Moderate RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly Low
October62.2°F (16.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
November52.3°F (11.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
December42.1°F (5.6°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowAverage

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Kyoto Imperial Palace

To save money on your visit to the Kyoto Imperial Palace, plan your trip in the off-peak months of January, February, or September for lower hotel rates. Aim to book your accommodation about a month in advance, and consider Tuesday stays for the best prices. Use Expedia to compare room rates and look for last-minute deals, and consider bundling your hotel with flights for added savings. Walking is a great way to explore the area without spending on public transport, while joining Expedia’s One Key membership can unlock exclusive discounts on future bookings.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Kyoto Imperial Palace are January to February and September, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to March to April and November, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: The cheapest time to book a hotel around Kyoto Imperial Palace is usually 1 month out from when you are planning to stay, though if you're late to the party, have a look at Expedia's last minute deals - the green banner below the hotel's price indicates a discounted rate.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Kyoto Imperial Palace is Tuesday. The most expensive day to stay around Kyoto Imperial Palace is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilize Expedia’s search tool to tailor your preferences, such as your budget, preferred location, and the type of hotel you desire. To find the best prices and deals available, simply arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel stay at the Kyoto Imperial Palace with your flights and activities by booking an Expedia package.
  • Become a One Key member: Join Expedia's One Key membership program for exclusive discounts and deals on hotel bookings. You can also earn OneKeyCash to use on future selected hotels.