Japan Photo Guide

The Kyoto Imperial Palace, or Kyoto Gosho, is the former residence of Japan’s Imperial Family. Even though the family moved out more than 300 years ago, to visit here you have to make reservations and go through an (easy) online application process.

The Imperial Palace is quite large and they don’t really let you just wander around. When you fill out an application you choose a date and time slot and during that time slot you get a guided tour of the place. As a photographer, I am not so sure it is worth going to, but just as a tourist I think it is worth it.

If you plan on going, make your reservation in advance, especially if you are going during peak travel seasons. If you have a choice, go in the fall as everything in Kyoto (and I guess most of the world) is more beautiful in the fall.