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FAQ

Here we provide answers to frequently asked questions in an FAQ format.
For FAQs on Kyoto facilities, please see below.

Common FAQs for Imperial Palace, Kyoto Sento Palace, Katsura Imperial Villa, and Shugakuin Imperial Villa

Q1Can I apply for a visit only online?

Visits to the Imperial Palace

Other than the online application, you may also apply in person at the Tour Office of the Imperial Household Agency. Please call us in advance to confirm.

The phone number is 03-5223-8071 (direct line)
Hours: 8:45 a.m. to 12 noon, 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.

  • Closed on Sundays, Mondays, holidays (excliding Saturdays), and New Year's holidays (Dec 29 to Jan 3)

Visits to Kyoto Sento Imperial Palace, Katsura Imperial Villa, Shugakuin Imperial Villa

Other than the online application, you may also apply in person at the Kyoto Office of the Imperial Household Agency.

Q2What should I do if I need to make changes to the number or names of visitors after submitting a visit application?

Visits to the Imperial Palace

Changes cannot be made. Please contact the Tour Office of the Imperial Household Agency for assistance.

Phone: 03-5223-8071 (direct line)
Hours: 8:45 a.m. to 12 noon, 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.

  • Closed on Sundays, Mondays, holidays (excliding Saturdays), and New Year's holidays (Dec 29 to Jan 3)

Visits to Kyoto Sento Imperial Palace, Katsura Imperial Villa, Shugakuin Imperial Villa

Please contact the Kyoto Office of the Imperial Household Agency for assistance.

Phone: 075-211-1215 (direct line)
Hours: 8:30 a.m. to 5:15 p.m.

  • Closed on Mondays (or the following day if Monday is a national holiday), and New Year's holidays (Dec 29 to Jan 3)

Q3Internet Connection Settings

In applying for a visit, SSL is used to protect your personal information.
If you use a proxy server, set your browser to allow SSL through the proxy server.
For Internet or proxy server settings, contact your network administrator or provider.
After applying, please restore any security settings you changed.

Guided Tours of the Imperial Palace: FAQs

Q5I applied as a group and tried to upload the file on the "Companion List" page, but it did not work.

Please check the following two points.

  1. Did you download the file from “Download Companion List Sample” and use that file?
  2. When entering information into the downloaded file, did you create or edit it in Excel or other software and then save it in that software’s own format? Please note that only CSV format is accepted for upload.

Q7How do I register the companion list later?

Please use the links below:

Q8How can I register the Companion List later?

The procedure varies depending on the number of companions. Please see below:

Q9Is parking available?

No parking is available. Please use public transportation.

Q10Can I get access to Kikyo-mon Gate through the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace?

You cannot pass through the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace to reach Kikyo-mon Gate.
For directions, please see below:

Q11Which areas of the Imperial Palace can visitors walk around freely?

It is the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace.
For more information, please see below: