In this audio guide, Emily Thompson takes you through Kyoto Imperial Palace telling the story as you walk. In your accent, no need to read signs — just let your eyes take in what's in front of you.

What you'll hear inside Kyoto Imperial Palace:

1
Shishinden
The most important ceremonial hall in the palace, where the coronations of Emperors Meiji, Taishō and Shōwa took place.
2
Seiryōden
The emperor's daily residence from the 9th century onwards, where significant ceremonies such as the transfer of imperial authority took place.
3
Kogosho
A chamber where the Emperor received the samurai of the shogunate.
4
Ogakumonjo
Imperial study hall used for New Year lectures, academic studies, and waka poetry gatherings.
5
Otsunegoten
Principal imperial residence built by Toyotomi Hideyoshi in 1590, featuring ceremonial halls Jodan-no-ma, Chudan-no-ma and Gedan-no-ma.
6
Shodaibunoma
A waiting hall for dignitaries featuring three antechambers arranged by rank: Tora-no-ma (Tiger), Tsuru-no-ma (Crane), and Sakura-no-ma (Cherry Blossom).
7
Takamikura (Imperial Throne in the Shishinden)
An octagonal imperial throne of black lacquer beneath a canopy decorated with phoenix motifs, employed since 707 for coronation ceremonies.
8
Kogo Gotsunegoten
Residence of the empress and imperial consorts, a building with a cypress bark roof oriented east to west.
9
Wakamiya Goten and Himemiya Goten
Imperial residences for young princes (Wakamiya) and princesses (Himemiya), forming a connected complex with rooms arranged across different levels.
10
Shunkōden
A building constructed in 1915 to house the Sacred Mirror during the coronation ceremonies of Emperor Taishō.

With the Guipock app, for just 13.99€, you get access to every audio guide in Kyoto — with a family code to share with up to 5 people. In the app you choose your guide in the accent you prefer: British English, American English, Castilian Spanish, Argentinian Spanish, French, German, Italian, Polish…

Practical information

Kyotogyoen, Kamigyo Ward, Kyoto, 602-0881, Japón

Opening hoursWednesday: 09:30 - 16:00 Thursday: 09:30 - 16:00 Friday: 09:30 - 16:00 Saturday: 09:30 - 16:00 Sunday: 09:30 - 16:00

Official website +81 75-211-1215 See more on Google Maps

Editorial summary

Scenic grounds of a 17th-century palace destroyed by fire, with tree-lined footpaths & ponds.

— Google

Google Maps reviews of this place

Reviews posted by visitors on Google Maps.

Mar Bastidas

Residencia de la familia Imperial japonesa hasta 1868, fue reconstruido después de varios incendios y es espectacular. No es posible visitar el interior pero si los jardines, aunque siempre con guía y una ruta que dura más o menos 1 hora, tienen audioguias en diferentes idiomas para seguir al guía, es un paseo muy agradable

Tomas Gonzalez Garcia

Palacio totalmente cerrado por un muro, con varias puertas de acceso según fuera la clase social a la que pertenecías. Así cuanto mayor era tu estatus la puerta era más bonita y estaba mejor y más adornada. Una vez que ingresas al recinto pon la puerta te encuentras grandes edificios dónde se recibía a las visitas a las visitas. Posee también a lo largo del recorrido unos bonitos jardines con puentes de madera.

Gisela Al

Entrada gratuita con la posibilidad de audioguía. Muy bien cuidado y limpio. El jardín exterior ya es bonito, pero el interior ofrece una paz y una estructura preciosa, aunque es más pequeño. Los edificios están en perfecto estado (con algunas remodelaciones). Baños públicos perfectos, calefactables, limpios, con desinfectante...

See more on Google Maps