Kyoto Imperial Palace Tours and Activities

Things to do near Kyoto Imperial Palace

Explore the historical beauty of Kyoto Imperial Palace, where you can immerse yourself in traditional Japanese culture. Enjoy day sightseeing around the palace grounds, visit nearby temples, and experience the serene gardens. Don't miss the chance to taste local cuisine and shop for unique souvenirs in the vibrant surrounding areas, making your trip to Kyoto a perfect blend of cultural experiences and delightful activities.

Shopping

Nishiki Market, just 1.6km away, offers a vibrant public market experience perfect for souvenirs. Kawaramachi Street, 3.2km away, features a mix of family-friendly shops and business vibes. For a unique stroll, Pontocho Alley, also 3.2km away, combines entertainment with shopping amidst a charming atmosphere.

Recreation

Funaoka Thermal Bath offers a rejuvenating body treatment experience, perfect for relaxation. Enjoy soothing thermal waters in a serene atmosphere. For entertainment, the Kyoto Concert Hall showcases delightful music concerts, while Nishikyogoku Athletic Stadium provides an energetic vibe for sports enthusiasts, all within a short distance from the Imperial Palace.

Adventure

Biwako Valley Ski Resort, located 24.1km from Kyoto Imperial Palace, offers thrilling ski experiences amidst picturesque landscapes. For those seeking outdoor adventure, the Fushimi-Inari-Taisha Pilgrimage Circuit, situated 6.4km away, presents scenic hiking trails adorned with stunning views and vibrant shrines.

Nightlife

In Kyoto, Gion Corner dazzles with cultural performances and a romantic atmosphere, perfect for families. Nearby, Omiyakotsu Park offers thrilling arcade adventures for all ages. For a unique experience, the Kyoto Municipal Science Center for Youth features a captivating planetarium, making it a fantastic night out for families.

Find the best attractions near Kyoto Imperial Palace

When visiting the Kyoto Imperial Palace, immerse yourself in a blend of culture and family-friendly experiences. Explore nearby temples, shrines, and art museums that highlight the rich heritage of Kyoto. Don't miss the stunning beauty of the palace grounds and consider checking reviews of the west side and the overall experience. For a broader perspective, you might also want to learn about the Tokyo Imperial Palace in Chiyoda.

• Kiyomizu Temple: Located 3.2km from Kyoto Imperial Palace, Kiyomizu Temple offers breathtaking views of the city and stunning architecture. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is renowned for its wooden stage that juts out over the hillside, providing a perfect spot for cherry blossom viewing in spring and vibrant foliage in autumn.
• Kyoto University: Just 1.6km away, Kyoto University is not only a prestigious institution but also a beautiful campus filled with historic buildings and lush gardens. It's a great place to experience the academic culture of Japan and enjoy a leisurely stroll.
• Nijō Castle: Situated 1.6km from the palace, Nijō Castle is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that combines romance and culture. Explore its exquisite gardens and stunning nightingale floors, designed to chirp as a security measure against intruders.

Best time to go to Kyoto Imperial Palace

Visitor numbers around Kyoto Imperial Palace is generally unchanged in popularity throughout the year. The best time to visit Kyoto Imperial Palace is dependant on what kind of holiday you are seeking. August is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. January is its coolest month on average. At this time, 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

When visiting Kyoto Imperial Palace, consider exploring nearby free attractions like Nishiki Market and Pontocho Alley. For budget-friendly accommodation, the cheapest months are January to February and September, with Tuesday being the least expensive day to stay. Booking a hotel one month in advance or searching for last-minute deals on Expedia can yield savings. Utilize Expedia’s tools to compare prices and filter for eco-friendly options. Lastly, consider bundling your hotel, flights, and activities for additional discounts.

• 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: The cheapest time to book a hotel around Kyoto Imperial Palace is usually 1 month out from when you are planning to stay. If you're a little more spontaneous, you could also peruse Expedia's last minute deals which could secure you a cheaper stay. Look out for the green banner below the price to spot the deals.
• 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: Expedia’s search tool enables you to specify your budget, desired location, and additional preferences. You can arrange your results to display prices from lowest to highest, making it easy to find the most affordable hotels first. Additionally, you can narrow down your choices by hotel category; for instance, selecting the "Eco-certified" filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally-friendly accommodations that are available for booking.
• Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel stay at the Kyoto Imperial Palace with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.