May is one of the best months to explore Kyoto, and one spot we always recommend to our guests is the Kyoto Imperial Palace grounds. It’s free to enter, easy to access from the hotel, and offers a bit of everything — history, greenery, and if you time it right, one of the city’s most famous festivals.
Over 1,000 years of imperial history
The Kyoto Imperial Palace served as the official residence of Japan’s emperors from 794, when the capital was established in Kyoto, until 1869, when it moved to present-day Tokyo.
The buildings you see today were mostly rebuilt in 1855, following a series of fires over the centuries. The buildings are often admired for how faithfully they were able to reproduce the original Heian-period architectural style. You’ll be walking the same grounds that were once home to emperors, so be sure to take in the Japanese architecture and gardens, which feels a world away from the bustle of central Kyoto.
We recommend spending about 1 hour to 1.5 hours at the Kyoto Imperial Palace.
If you want to enter the main palace grounds, be sure to arrive at Seishomon Gate of the Kyoto Imperial Palace by the designated time. Take a look at the official Kyoto Imperial Palace website for details.
4 Kyoto Imperial Palace Recommendations in May
Site of Konoe Residence Ruins: Fresh green maple (aomomiji)
Head to the northern part of the garden first. In spring this area is known for its weeping cherry blossoms, but in May the Japanese maple trees take over with their fresh green leaves. The light filtering through is genuinely beautiful, and it tends to be quieter than the main palace area.
Kyoto Imperial Palace: Free entry, no reservation needed
The palace itself is open to visitors at no charge, and you don’t need to book in advance. May is a great month to visit because the contrast between the traditional architecture and the surrounding greenery is at its peak. Take your time walking along the exterior corridors and garden paths.
Aoi Matsuri: One of Kyoto’s Three great festivals
On May 15th, the Aoi Matsuri procession departs from the Imperial Palace grounds. It’s one of Kyoto’s three major festivals and involves a parade of over 500 people dressed in Heian-period court costumes. Even if you’re visiting before or after the 15th, walking past the Kenrei-mon Gate (the main southern gate) gives you a sense of where it all begins.
Kujo Pond and Shusui-tei Pavilion
In the south-western part of the garden is Kujo Pond. In May, you’ll find Japanese iris and ayame iris blooming around the water’s edge. Purple flowers against the backdrop of fresh green leaves is a very early-summer Kyoto scene that you won’t find on most tourist itineraries!
Getting here from THE MACHIYA EBISUYA Hotel
If you’re staying with us at THE MACHIYA EBISUYA Hotel, getting here is quite easy. Walk about 8 minutes to Shijo Station on the Kyoto City Subway, then take the subway north to Imadegawa Station. Use Exit 3, and the garden entrance will be right in front of you.