Kyoto Imperial Palace
Joined 2023
Welcome to the Kyoto Imperial Palace, a symbol of Japan's rich cultural heritage and a site that has played a pivotal role in the country's history. Today, as we walk through these hallowed grounds, we will explore the palace's long and fascinating history, which stretches back over a thousand years. The Kyoto Imperial Palace, or "Kyoto Gosho" as it is known in Japanese, is not just a historic building, but a living testament to the traditions, politics, and culture of Japan's imperial past.
Itinerary
This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!
Meeting Point
Imadegawa station
- We meet at the South ticket gate of the Imadegawa station on the Karasuma Subway Line.
Kyoto Imperial Palace Park
Walking through the park to the main palace we'll discuss how this palace came to be, why its relevant in Japanese history, as well as a basic outline of the Japanese political system. All while enjoying the natural surroundings of the park.
Kyoto Imperial Palace
Visit to the main palace itself.
After the palace we have a break at a Shrine or Wagashi shop
Near the palace there is a cafe built into the grounds of a Shinto Shrine that serves great coffee in amazing surroundings.
There is also a traditional Japanese sweets maker in continual business for over 500 years. You can chose which of these venues you would like to have a break at.
Ending Point
At cafe or wagashi shop.
Want to personalize this tour?
This tour can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Click below to send me a message with your requests.
Inclusions & Exclusions
Guiding and interpretation services.
Orders at the cafe or wagashi shop are not included in the tour fee.
Tour Important Information
The palace is extensive in size, and therefore involves a lot of walking, so make sure to wear comfortable shoes.
The Palace is closed on Mondays. If Monday is a national holiday the palace is open, and will then close first day following that is a non-holiday.
The tour is still available during these days, as we can explore the palace gardens and surrounding area. Therefore please just be aware that if you wish to enter the palace proper to take into the above into account.
Important message from the supplier
I can guide you in other areas around Kansai as well, such as Kobe or Wakayama, if you pay my transportation fee.
Cancellation Policy
- Free cancellation - 8 days prior to meeting time
- 50% Refund - 3 to 7 days prior to meeting time
- No Refund - Within 2 day(s) prior to meeting time
Joined 2023
About Tour Guide Eco H.
Eco has called Kyoto his home for the last 7 years, and now he hopes to share with you all he has learned of this wonderful city and the surrounding area. Recent graduate with a background in Japanese history and religion, he is now a professor a university in nearby Kobe city. Therefore, if you are particularly interested in learning more about the history and culture of Kyoto he can provide exciting narratives to go along with visiting the delightful sites. Throughout his time in Kyoto he has been working as a guide for numerous organisations, including guiding around Japanese tourists visiting Kyoto, and has provided many with a unique view of the city.
Reviews
Rick W.
“A treat , well organised and knowledgeable tour guide ”
Eco Tailored a personel historical and garden tour that suited my needs , he is extremely educated gentleman , and a generous on local experiences Would easily recommend him tp tourist that enjoy the individual guiding in Kyoto Regards Rick Tasmanian
Lilian K.
“Kyoto History Tour off the beaten path ”
We enjoyed our Kyoto History Tour very much. Eco showed us the Shokoku Ji Temple and the Imperial palace. We saw the beautiful Zen Garden of the Temple and learned a lot about Buddhism. We saw the nice living area of today’s life in Kyoto and a market and learned a lot about Japanese society of the past and today. We had matcha tea in a Tea house with tradition and then we went to the Heian Jingu. Due to the profound knowledge of Eco, I think he could show nearly every religious or cultural site in and around Kyoto. Especially he knows places of interest which are not overcrowded.
Lilian K.
“Nara is not only deers”
Our guide Eco showed us the wonderful Todaiji Temple and the deer park and explained us a lot about Buddhism and Shintoism. We noticed his profound insights in history and also the modern Japan and he showed his very good teaching ability. We had a delicious lunch together and then went to the archaeological site of the former palace. Even though it was raining we had a pleasant time.
$175/ per group
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First and foremost, I do not want to provide a typical tour to the standard fair of tourist attractions. As with the majority of visitors to Kyoto, you do not really need a guide to visit such places. Instead, what makes my tour special is that I can show you the unique places of Kyoto with the addition of a historical and cultural background. Lunch at local restaurants, visit temples of the beaten path, go to local shopping arcades for unique products. Enjoy Kyoto without the crowds.
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Other Popular Art, Culture, & Historical Tours in Kyoto
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Fully customizable your own private tour in Kyoto
There are so many great places in Kyoto that you probably want to visit but perhaps not enough time. Also, Kyoto is getting very crowded due to a lot of foreigners visiting there. It is best to have a local person guiding you to come up with a plan that suits your preference. I can create a tour with you which includes not only popular places like the Golden Pavilion and Fushimi Inari but small temples with Wabi Sabi such as those in Sagano and the oldest Japanese sweet shop in Murasakino.
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Fushimi Inari Shrine is a must-see in Kyoto. This tour also includes Zen meditation at a Buddhist temple and a visit to a sake brewery. You'll have an unforgettable experience! ※Please message me before your payment. I need to confirm the availability of the Zen meditation and sake brewery visit in advance.
