Kyoto Imperial Palace Park

While located in the heart of Kyoto, passing through the gate of the Kyoto Imperial Palace leads you to a rich natural environment, including trees and flowers. There is a forest that resembles the satoyama of the Kyoto suburbs, a stream of water, a plum grove, and a thread cherry blossom tree at the site of the Konoefu Palace, allowing you to enjoy the scenery of each season. In addition, you can see many animals and plants, including over 400 types of mushrooms, and it serves as a feeding ground for the Osprey.

The Kyoto Imperial Palace is a precious location where the architectural culture from the Heian period still remains. Although the existing buildings were rebuilt during the Edo period, there are still examples of Heian period shinden-zukuri and Muromachi period shoin-zukuri. Visitors can see many buildings, including the "Shishinden" where ceremonies for successive emperors were held, and the "Kenreimon" gate which was only opened for the emperor. These buildings convey traditional architectural culture to the present day. This is a recommended spot for those who want to see traditional Japanese architecture or feel the atmosphere of an ancient capital.

Passing through the gate of the Kyoto Imperial Palace, you can leave behind the hustle and bustle of the city and spend a peaceful time. The grounds are a vast park, measuring 1.2 km east to west and 1.4 km north to south. There are plenty of spots to stroll around, from spacious roads to paths surrounded by trees. Admission is free, allowing you to easily experience the history and atmosphere of Kyoto's ancient capital.

The Kyoto Imperial Palace is also the stage for two of Kyoto's major festivals, the Aoi Festival and the Jidai Festival. The Aoi Festival is held every year on May 15th, with a procession of people dressed in elegant Heian period costumes parading to the Kamigamo Shrine. The Jidai Festival is held every year on October 22nd, with a procession of people dressed in costumes from various eras from the Meiji period to the Enryaku period walking from the Kyoto Imperial Palace to the Heian Shrine. Both festivals start from the Kyoto Imperial Palace. Paid viewing seats are also available along the procession route, allowing you to enjoy the elegant costumes and colorful processions of each era.