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Historic sites

Kyoto Imperial Palace

Japan Kyōto Kyoto

Kyoto Imperial Palace
Photo: Joe Lin from New York, NY, USA, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The palace where Japan's emperors lived until the capital moved to Tokyo in 1868. You walk around the outside of the elegant ceremonial halls, including the throne hall, and through the palace gardens with their ponds and bridges. Entry is free, without booking, on most days (closed on Mondays and some holidays).


The palace stands in the large Kyoto Gyoen National Garden, a public park lovely for a stroll. The nearby Sentō Imperial Palace and the Katsura and Shugakuin imperial villas need free advance bookings with the Imperial Household Agency.

Photos

Palace gardens.
Palace gardens.

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