Kyoto: Discover Every Bit of Kyoto Imperial Palace
Overview
Available languages
1 hour
Mobile ticket
The Kyoto Imperial Palace, once the residence of Japan's imperial family before the capital moved to Tokyo in 1869, is located in Kyoto's Gyoen National Garden. Known for its traditional Japanese architecture and scenic gardens, the palace complex includes several buildings, such as the main hall (Shishinden) and various other structures used for ceremonies and official functions.
Explore stunning traditional architecture, serene gardens, and historical landmarks with our expert guide. An insightful journey through Japan’s royal past awaits you here.
Additional Info
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
What To Expect
Kyoto Imperial Palace
Join our guided tour of Kyoto Imperial Palace! Discover the rich history, stunning architecture, and beautiful gardens of this majestic site.
Options
Group Tour
Group Tour - G-080-B: This is a group tour, so you may be joining other guests during the experience.
Private Tour
Private Tour - G-080-A
What‘s Included
Entry to Kyoto Imperial Palace (free)
Guide
Lunch
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
5 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Teipei was awesome
Bhavneet S,Jun 19, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Teipei was phenomenal. I cannot praise him for creating such an engaging, educational and fun experience. His knowledge and passion for Japanese history really shone, and he was also attentive to details on the tour as well. Thank you Teipei for making my time at Kyoto Imperial Palace such a highlight
Great time with Tomoko at Imperial Palace!
Jabari W,Jun 14, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00We had a great tour with Tomoko as she explained the historic significance of the Imperial Palace. We learned a great deal and left having a deeper appreciation. She was very receptive and engaging with our questions. In closing, she offered other places to visit during our stay in Kyoto. Thank you Tomoko for delivering a pleasant experience.
Nice guy, nice tour.
Jayne T,Oct 24, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00It was a private tour just for the two of us. Shige was our guide &there to meet us as we arrived. He walked us around the Imperial castle & pointed out sites that the group tour guide in front of us didn’t? He had an infectious chuckle - good fun.
Extremely disappointing and not recommended
694malcolms,Sep 22, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
1.00This was a dreadful experience yesterday. We were at the designated meeting point half an hour early. Confirmed by the park map just inside the gate and by local people that we asked. The 'guide', Taku, was 20 minutes late. He had a home made label with his name on but nothing to indicate the company he was representing. He introduced himself as a third year medical student. He then had to gather the other four people making up the group that he'd left elsewhere. The Imperial Palace only had one hour left open by this time. He is clearly no guide. He did not keep the group together before he spoke, although his main concern was where the best place was to take photos. He had no knowledge of history or culture. This tour was extremely disappointing, a waste of time and waste of our money. Not recommended at all.
Yuko (our guide) was...
Valdir B,Mar 29, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Yuko (our guide) was patient and earnest, and genuinely interesting in her own right. After the tour was over she took the time to make some recommendations and teach us a little Japanese.
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