Discover a Quiet and Peaceful side of Kyoto
You can visit the Kyoto Imperial Palace for free without a reservation, and a tour of the grounds takes approximately 50 minutes.
Free multilingual audio guide apps are available for use at various points along the tour route. Starting now, I’ll introduce the site by categorizing the tour highlights into four areas: the overall grounds, gates, buildings, and gardens.
Location
Located on the west side of the Kyoto Imperial Palace, opposite the Hamaguri-gomon Gate, Go-o Shrine is known as the “Wild Boar Shrine” and is believed to offer blessings for recovery from ailments and injuries affecting the legs and lower back.
The shrine enshrines Wake no Kiyomaro—who played a pivotal role in Emperor Kanmu’s relocation of the capital to Heian-kyo—and his older sister, Wake no Hiromushi; images illustrating this history are displayed along Karasuma-dori Street.
Location
Jonangu Shrine features a sacred garden known as “Rakusuien,” where visitors can enjoy flowers that bloom throughout the seasons.
The garden includes the flowers and trees depicted in *The Tale of Genji*, earning it the nickname “The *Tale of Genji* Flower Garden.”
It is also known as the “Heian Garden” and serves as the venue for the famous *Kyokusui no En* (Winding Stream Banquet).
Location
Jonangu Shrine, located in Fushimi Ward, Kyoto City, was founded at the time of the capital’s relocation to Heian-kyo and boasts a history spanning 1,200 years.
It is revered as a major shrine for protection against directional misfortune.
The shrine is famous for the “Kyokusui no En” (Winding Stream Banquet) ceremony held in its garden, which recreates a pastime of Heian-period aristocrats; the event revives an elegant tradition where participants float sake cups down a small stream, compose *waka* poetry, and partake of the sake.
Location
Despite its location in the city, Tennei-ji is a tranquil temple; its main gate is known as the “Picture Frame Gate,” as Mount Hiei, viewed through the opening, appears as if it were set within a frame—a truly beautiful sight.
Location