Kyoto Imperial Palace Tours and Activities

Things to do near Kyoto Imperial Palace

Kyoto Imperial Palace is a must-visit for any tourist, offering a fascinating glimpse into Japan's imperial history. You can explore the beautiful gardens and scenic walking paths, making it perfect for sightseeing. Don’t miss the chance to take guided tours that highlight the palace's stunning architecture and rich cultural heritage, allowing you to immerse yourself in the historic attractions of this iconic location.

Shopping

Experience the vibrant Nishiki Market, a public market just 1.6km from Kyoto Imperial Palace, buzzing with local flavours. Kawaramachi Street, 4.8km away, offers a family-friendly shopping area, while Pontocho Alley, 3.2km away, combines shopping with entertainment. If you're up for a drive, check out other nearby shopping gems.

Recreation

Funaoka Thermal Bath offers a rejuvenating body treatment experience, perfect for unwinding just 1.6km from Kyoto Imperial Palace. For a cultural experience, the Kyoto Concert Hall, 3.2km away, hosts captivating music concerts. If you're after some action, Nishikyogoku Athletic Stadium, 4.8km away, is ideal for sports enthusiasts.

Adventure

At Biwako Valley, located 24.1km from Kyoto Imperial Palace, experience thrilling skiing amidst stunning landscapes. For sports enthusiasts, the Biwako Valley Ski Field offers exhilarating activities. Meanwhile, the Fushimi-Inari-Taisha Pilgrimage Circuit, 6.4km away, invites you to hike through beautiful scenery and immerse yourself in nature.

Nightlife

In Kyoto, Gion Corner and Kyoto MINAMIZA Theatre, both 3.2km from the Imperial Palace, offer captivating performances filled with culture and romance. For a family-friendly experience, head to the Kyoto Municipal Science Center For Youth, 8.0km away, where you can enjoy fascinating planetarium shows.

Find the best attractions near Kyoto Imperial Palace

When visiting the Kyoto Imperial Palace, you'll find an array of cultural attractions including temples, shrines, and charming streets, perfect for families and culture enthusiasts alike. Notable points of interest nearby include Kyoto Tower and Sento Imperial Palace, both within a short distance, making it easy to explore the rich history and beauty of Kyoto. Enjoy the blend of city life and tranquil gardens surrounding the Imperial Palace for a truly memorable experience.

• Kiyomizu Temple: Nestled 3.2km from the Kyoto Imperial Palace, Kiyomizu Temple offers a serene atmosphere with stunning wooden structures and breathtaking views of cherry blossoms in spring. Its rich cultural heritage makes it a must-visit for any traveller.
• Kyoto University: Located 1.6km away, Kyoto University is renowned for its historic architecture and vibrant campus life. This prestigious university boasts beautiful gardens and is an excellent spot for a leisurely stroll while soaking in the academic vibe.
• Nijō Castle: Just 1.6km from the palace, Nijō Castle features exquisite gardens and stunning interiors, blending culture and romance. Explore the ornate architecture and historical significance that echoes the Edo period.

Best time to go to Kyoto Imperial Palace

The best time to visit Kyoto Imperial Palace can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Kyoto Imperial Palace falls in August, when visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. The coolest average temperature around Kyoto Imperial Palace falls in January, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Occupancy	Pricing
January	37.8°F (3.2°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Slightly Low	Slightly Low
February	39.4°F (4.1°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Slightly Low
March	46.0°F (7.8°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly High	Slightly High
April	54.3°F (12.4°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly High	Slightly High
May	63.5°F (17.5°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
June	70.5°F (21.4°C)	Moderate Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average
July	77.9°F (25.5°C)	Moderate Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average
August	80.2°F (26.8°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly Low	Average
September	73.0°F (22.8°C)	Moderate Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly High	Slightly Low
October	62.2°F (16.8°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
November	52.3°F (11.3°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly High
December	42.1°F (5.6°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Slightly Low	Average

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Kyoto Imperial Palace

For a budget-friendly trip to Kyoto Imperial Palace, consider visiting during the cheaper months of January, February, or September. Book your accommodation about a month in advance, ideally on a Tuesday for the best rates, and avoid Saturdays when prices peak. Use Expedia's search tool to find the best hotel deals and consider package options that bundle flights and activities for extra savings. Additionally, explore free activities around the palace and utilise public transport to keep costs down while enjoying your visit.

• The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Kyoto Imperial Palace are January to February and September, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to March to April and November, where prices are slightly higher.
• The best time to book a hotel: Book your hotel around Kyoto Imperial Palace about 1 month out to secure some of the cheapest prices. If you're the spontaneous type, Expedia's last minute deals and discounts are indicated via the green label below the price.
• The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Kyoto Imperial Palace is Tuesday. The most expensive day to stay around Kyoto Imperial Palace is Saturday.
• Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilise Expedia’s search tool to refine your choices based on your budget, preferred location, and the type of accommodation you’re looking for. To discover the best prices and offers, simply sort the price filter from lowest to highest.
• Consider bundling your trip: You can save some dollars by combining your hotel booking at the Kyoto Imperial Palace with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.