Imperial Household Agency

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  • Address
    Kyoto Jimusho, Kunaicho
  • Phone
    211 1215
  • Transport
    underground rail: a short walk from Imadegawa Station, Karasuma line

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Permission to visit the Kyoto Imperial Palace is granted by the Kunaichō - the Imperial Household Agency, which is inside the walled park surrounding the palace, a short walk from Imadegawa Station on the Karasuma line. You have to fill out an application form and show your passport. Children can visit if accompanied by adults more than 20 years of age but are forbidden entry to the other three imperial properties of Katsura Rikyū, Sentō Gosho and Shūgaku-in Rikyū.

Permission to tour the palace is usually granted the same day (try to arrive at the office at least 30 minutes before the start of the tour you'd like to join). Guided tours, sometimes in English, are given at and from Monday to Friday. The tour lasts about 50 minutes.

The Imperial Household Agency is also the place to make advance reservations to see the Sentō Gosho, Katsura Rikyū and Shūgaku-in Rikyū.