April 27, 2013
To
conclude our Kyoto trip, we went to Kyoto Imperial Palace, ‘just walking
distance from Nijo-jo,’ according to many Japanese. But this doesn't mean 5min
walk. Aha. Just like in other developed countries, a 20-30min walk is a norm
for them. Just to make things clear, its around 2.8km from Nijo Castle. Now,
it’s for you to decide if you want to walk.
In
our case, we walked from the castle to the palace. I’m good with the walk given
the cool weather and pleasant view, including traces of Cherry Blossoms. I also
enjoyed observing Japanese lifestyle and culture.
Kyoto
Imperial Palace was the home of the country’s Emperor until 1868, when they
transferred to Tokyo Imperial Palace (been there in 2009).
 |
| Imperial Palace Main Gate |
Anyway,
the palace gate is very far from the main streets. We walked along the Imperial
Park that looks like a pebble runway. I thought a commercial plane A320 or even
B747 can land in the area. HAHA. It’s really a vast ground for families,
couples, children and even pets to enjoy.
Like
what I said earlier, pets would also enjoy! Well, I saw some Japanese bringing
their dogs for a stroll. Take note, the parents of the dogs brought their own
sanitary kit in case their dogs poop on the road.
Unfortunately,
we were not able to enter the palace because it is only accessible thru guided
tours. You can book for the guided tour here or just go directly to the Imperial Household
Agency at the northwestern park of the complex.
That’s
it pansit! It’s our last destination before heading back to Nagano. We went
back straight to the hotel, grab our things and off to Kyoto Station where we
rode our bus back.
 |
| Sunset at Kyoto Imperial Park |
A
short but sweet and memorable trip indeed. If your visiting Japan, make sure to
include Kyoto in your itinerary. And tell me your stories too!
Ticket Prices
Guided tour inside the palace: FREE! Though, advance
booking is needed. You can visit there website for online bookings. It is also possible to just go to Imperial
Household Agency Office on the day itself. Just hope there are still slots
available to accommodate your party. Yay!
Business Hours:
Kyoto Imperial Palace: 10:00AM / 2:00PM
Kyoto Imperial Park: Open anytime
How to go to Kyoto Imperial Palace:
Subway: Imadegawa
Station 5min walk
Bus:
Imadegawa bus stop: 5min walk
For more
information, you can visit their website.
Looking for a
place to stay in Kyoto? Check out Shuhokaku Hotel.
Looking for a
Catholic Church in Kyoto? Visit Kawaramachi
Church.
Check out my
other blog posts in Kyoto Series:
- Kyoto | Kinkaku-ji: Golden Pavilion in Nature
- Kyoto | Kiyomizu-dera: A Temple in Otowa Mountain
- Kyoto | Nijo-jo: Home of the Tokugawa Shogunate
- Kyoto Downtown: A Museum Itself
Kyoto Imperial Palace
3 Kyotogyoen, Kamigyo Ward, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture 602-0881,
Japan
Contact No: +81 75-211-1215
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