This was on my 1/2 day tour but you don't get to go in any of the buildings you just get to go round the grounds.

Got the free guided tour here, after booking on the website of the imperial household agency several months in advance. Remember to print out and take with you the written permission, otherwise you will not get in. The imperial palace was very nice, but what made the tour so great was the amazing guide. The tour took about an hour... More

On the Kyoto website the get entry was listed so I made a note to be there on time for the dances. The music accompanimg the dance was most interesting as well,quite a high light in fact. The viewing of the rooms-done on a walk about outside-was fascinating because the wall designs were fabulous. There were high flying geese in... More

Normally you book a visit online for a set day and time. In this case you may get a guided tour. We were there when it was open to the general public so it was very busy. We were allowed to walk around the outside of the various buildings and take photographs. Interesting. Not quite the highlight we had hoped... More

Garden interesting; building not so impressive. If you want to see blossom of cherries, this is the site

Imperial Palace is an enormous place! I visited during free days between April 4 and 8, 2012 – so was able to wander freely and shoot as I saw fit. This is a very photogenic place and many angles to choose. Classic Japanese garden shots with reflections and tranquility. Bring a tripod. Circular Polarizer and Split ND will serve you... More

Wednesday April 4th through until Sunday April 8th is free admission, since it is the Spring Open Days. Open 9:00 a.m. through until 3:30 p.m, there is a loud speaker announcement telling visitors to leave by 4pm.

This is the second time we have gone here in two years. We love the gardens. You go through several entranceways as you work your way through the garden and each time there is a dramatic scene just off to your right as you walk through. Keep your camera close at hand and don't be nervous about asking anyone (in... More

Got to the Imperial Household Agency at 10am and registered for the tour at 2pm. Tour guide was most excellent and had a very pleasant Japanese accented English. Explanations gave us a great appreciation of the history and culture of the Japanese. Architecture and buildings and gardens within the Imperial Palace were beautiful and wonderfully preserved.