Kyoto Imperial Palace, Imperial residence in Kamigyō-ku, Kyoto, Japan
Description
Kyōto Gosho is a gosho in Kamigyō-ku, Kyōto, Japan, that includes several ceremonial halls, gardens, and administrative buildings. The complex spreads across a rectangular site enclosed by a tall wall of white gravel and stone.
History
The palace was founded in the 14th century and served as the residence of the imperial family for over five hundred years. Most of the current buildings date back to a major reconstruction in the mid-19th century following a large fire.
Culture
The name Kyōto Gosho translates directly as Old Imperial Palace of the Capital and points to the city's long role as the seat of government. Today, locals visit the grounds to walk through the wide gravel gardens and view the traditional wooden buildings up close, structures once accessible only to the court.
Practical
Visitors can only enter the grounds on guided tours organized by the Imperial Household Agency, offered in both Japanese and English. It is advisable to wear comfortable shoes, as the paths cross gravel surfaces and the tour lasts around an hour.
Did you know?
Within the palace grounds stands an orange tree considered a descendant of one planted by Emperor Go-Daigo in the 14th century. The roots of this tree therefore reach symbolically back to the founding era of the palace.
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide. Discover all places nearby (Kamigyō-ku).
Sentō Imperial Palace
241 m
Hamaguri-gomon Gate
340 m
Sakon-no-Sakura
146 m
Ukon-no-Tachibana
148 m
Shirakumo Shrine
403 m
KBS Hall
374 mKyoto Alti Hall
317 mStatue, Work of art
435 m学習院跡
210 mHigyosha
196 mKogo Gutsune Goten
152 m金剛能楽堂
310 m和気清麻呂公像
427 m和気清麻呂絵巻
424 mKyoto Imperial Palace Entrance
132 mWork of art, statue
432 mWork of art, sculpture
430 m京都御所
246 mShunko Hall
139 m猿ヶ辻
262 m西園寺邸跡
406 m薬師石
424 m福壽稲荷神社
430 m伊勢神宮遙拝所
422 m土御門内裏跡
382 m近衛邸跡
333 m祐井（さちのい）
352 mOmiya Palace
385 mDiscover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes