In July 2023 this is/was the entrance gate for the people that didn't get reserved tickets in advance. Beware! GoogleMaps is guiding you in the wrong direction causing a detour of approx. 10 minutes walking time (luckily we avoided it by following the signs, but we met people who had fully relied on the GoogleMaps walling directions). If you're coming from the Starbucks next to the Imperial Palace Hotel, just go straight across the street and then take the shortest straight route (to the west) to the Kikyōmon-Gate (and not to the right (taking you north)). We wanted to do the 1:30 pm tour, and were there around 12:20. Which made us approx. the 105th people in line. I am saying this, because the contingent for today was only 140 people and the tickets are given on a first come first serve basis. You need to have your passports with you and a pen to fill out the forms makes things easier, although they will provide pencils later when you've passed the first gate. The reason I am giving only 2 stars though is that we all were hugely disappointed by what followed. You're basically waiting over an hour for the entrance while getting through various waiting lines, a backpack security check and a video briefing just to walk around for 1 hour with a tour guide unprotected from the weather through pavement and some really underwhelming buildings. Some of them have the charm of post-communist government or bank buildings while the emperor's palace itself was built in 1968 and looks pretty basic as well. I have a photo of the palace attached. This is the best shot you will get on the tour! Any of the three palaces in the center of Seoul were more pretty and although the entry wasn't free, it was - apart from buying a ticket at the booth next to the entrance - free from any hassle and cumbersome process. The only reason to do the tour is IMHO if you're a history buff and like to have a guide explain to you a bit of the history of the area. Languages offered today were Japanese, English, Mandarin and Spanish. You can buy water from a vending machine before the tour starts, but if you're getting hot in the sun quickly or don't like getting wet during rain, bring an umbrella with you, since apart from a few trees here and there you won't have any protection from the weather for an entire hour from 1:30 to 2:30 pm (or 11:00 to 12:00 if you take the earlier tour). The "garden" surrounding the buildings isn't particularly impressive as well. The Shinjuku Gyoen Park (15 minutes west by car - some may know it from the series Alice km Borderland) for example offers a lot more in terms of landscaping or beautifully maintained bushes and trees in comparison. And the water fountain at the Starbucks across the street provides a more Zen view. So during this tour you won't see any nice or impressive buildings, you won't see any nice or impressive Japanese gardens or trees and you won't get close to or even inside any of the buildings. If you need to cross things off your bucket list, then go for it. If you hope to see anything beautiful or impressive, my honest advice is to better look elsewhere. The only reason I gave more than 1 star is that the tour is for free. So you're only wasting time, but not also money.

The view is beautiful i just take pictures outside and it looks nice

The imperial palace tour was good and quite interesting

Gate to the royal palace in Tokyo. The palace opens only twice per day and is closed on specific days so you may want to schedule your time ahead of you plan to visit inside of the area.

Gathering for a tour of the Imperial Palace. Please note that online reservations and queues on the day are different.

View across Harakawa Moat with Kikyō-mon Gate, Fujimi-yagura Castle Keep and partial view of Edojō Sakurada Tatsumi Yagura Kikyō-mon Gate is a historic gate located within the grounds of Edo Castle, now known as the Imperial Palace, in Tokyo, Japan. The gate was originally built in the 17th century during the Edo period and served as the main entrance to the Honmaru, the innermost circle of defense within the castle. The name "Kikyō-mon" means "Chinese bellflower gate," which refers to the shape of the gate's roof that resembles a bellflower. The gate is also sometimes referred to as "Yagura-mon," which means "turret gate," due to the presence of a small turret on the roof. Kikyō-mon Gate has played an important role in Japan's history. It was the site of several important events, including the arrival of foreign delegations and the departure of the shogun on official business. During the Meiji Restoration, when the shogunate was overthrown and the emperor was restored to power, Kikyō-mon Gate was the site of a famous battle between imperial forces and loyalists to the shogun. Today, Kikyō-mon Gate is one of the few surviving structures within the Imperial Palace complex that dates back to the Edo period. It is an important cultural landmark that offers visitors a glimpse into Japan's rich history and heritage. Visitors can view the gate from the outside, but it is not open to the public. However, there are other areas within the Imperial Palace grounds that are open to visitors, such as the East Gardens and the Imperial Palace Plaza, which offer stunning views of the palace and its surrounding structures. Overall, Kikyō-mon Gate is a fascinating historic location that is not to be missed for anyone interested in Japanese history and culture.

As gates go, this was a good one. Far more features than your standard gate. I'm no gate expert but I'd say this is a great gate. Tour starts at 10am so don't be late to the great gate.

Lovely gate but you can't enter

Nice. Not super crazy. We missed main blossom.

This is the place you can register for a tour of the castle, takes about 1 hourish. The tour is free! But make sure to get the before registration is over. They open around 10, so you can reach a little bit earlier to register for the morning session, as their quota for the tours is 300 people per session. There are two sessions, one in the morning and one in the afternoon.

During my recent visit to Kyoto, I had the pleasure of stepping through the magnificent Kikyo Mon Gate, and it was an enchanting experience that transported me back in time. Serving as a gateway to the historic Nijo Castle, the Kikyo Mon Gate holds a special place in Kyoto's cultural landscape, offering visitors a glimpse into the city's rich history and architectural grandeur. Upon approaching the Kikyo Mon Gate, I was immediately struck by its imposing presence and elegant design. The gate stands as a testament to traditional Japanese craftsmanship, with intricate woodwork, meticulous details, and a beautiful color palette that blends harmoniously with the surrounding landscape. The arched roof and the ornate decorations evoke a sense of grandeur and reverence, setting the stage for the historical wonders that await beyond its threshold. Stepping through the gate, I found myself immersed in a serene and tranquil atmosphere. The meticulously manicured gardens and the peaceful ambiance create a sense of serenity and allow visitors to momentarily escape the bustling city. The gate's strategic placement amidst the lush greenery adds to its allure and creates a picturesque setting for photographs and contemplation. Beyond its aesthetic appeal, the Kikyo Mon Gate also carries historical significance. It served as the main entrance to Nijo Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its architectural beauty and historical importance. The gate's history and association with the castle make it an essential stop for those interested in delving deeper into Kyoto's past. While exploring the castle grounds, visitors can learn about the feudal era of Japan, admire the stunning architecture of the various buildings, and gain insight into the lives of the samurai and shogun who once walked these hallowed halls. The visitor experience at the Kikyo Mon Gate is well-organized, with informative signage and friendly staff members who are available to answer questions and provide guidance. The surrounding area offers convenient amenities such as restrooms, souvenir shops, and small cafes where one can relax and reflect on the experience. However, it is worth noting that the Kikyo Mon Gate is primarily an entrance to Nijo Castle and does not offer extensive exploration opportunities on its own. While its beauty and historical significance are undeniably captivating, visitors should plan to spend ample time exploring the castle grounds to fully appreciate the richness of the site. In conclusion, the Kikyo Mon Gate is a mesmerizing architectural gem that serves as a portal to Kyoto's historical and cultural wonders. Its elegant design, serene ambiance, and connection to Nijo Castle make it a must-visit destination for anyone seeking to immerse themselves in Kyoto's captivating past. Whether you are a history enthusiast, an architecture lover, or simply seeking a moment of tranquility in the midst of a bustling city, the Kikyo Mon Gate offers a serene and captivating experience that will leave a lasting impression.

Really nice to be able to visit the imperial palace but it would be also great to see a tiny piece from inside

This is the gate if you want to apply for the daily guided palace tour with your passport. It has morning and afternoon shifts. Not all days have afternoon shift though. We got here around 8:55am and there is a line already. https://sankan.kunaicho.go.jp/english/about/koukyo.html has details.

I visited with a group of people from overseas. I think the closest one is Tokyo Station or Yurakucho. There are two receptions on the day, one in the morning and one in the afternoon. Please check the reception hours and numbered ticket distribution times on the Imperial Household Agency website before proceeding. It would be better if you do so.Currently, each session is limited to 3:00, and we will guide you in Japanese, English, Chinese, French, etc. inside.

A must see place if you go to Japan. Met here for a tour of the palace. I didn't have a reservation and got a tour just fine by showing up 15 minutes early but getting a reservation is probably a good idea. Overall interesting but nothing extraordinary to see.

Great location and start of the tour. Such friendly people and the gate is beautiful.

Preregistration needed. Free wifi.

Guided tour was extremely boring with little and barely understandable English information. They squeeze 300 people into one tour and there's no way to really enjoy the walk peacefully and take photos without a bunch of strangers in your photo. A really waste of time and could've been spend having a better walk in Hibiya park or anything really.

Only guided reserved tours are allowed inside. Walked a lot under the sun just to know this.

Great place to stroll and sightsee.

Entrance to Imperial Palace. Need to make reservations online about 2 months prior.

From here the tour to the Imperial Palace starts. There are only two times you can visit the tour. At 9 a.m. and 12.30 p.m. Get there very early and get in line to get one of the limited 140 tickets.

Nice to visit just one. There is not too much to see

I love this place 😊

A Taiwanese’s travel diary For the Imperial Palace Visiting Group, I would like to remind parents with children that this activity is very boring and you cannot leave the group. You must participate in it for two hours. There will be a Chinese-speaking guide on site, and you can only take photos outside the Imperial Palace building.

Make a reservation in advance online at the Imperial Household Agency. The entire trip into the Imperial Palace takes about 1 and a half hours.

Kinda mid and there was just randomly no tour of the palace even though their website said there was going to be several today.

Its nice place to walk around

Beautifuly crafted

Entry gate for visit Imperial Palace

I love this place

Dammnnn, you can feel the energy of all samurai 👌👍

Really great experience. Free admission fee, english guide available, can join without reservation. An enjoyable traditional scenery tour in the middle of Tokyo

You want to see the Japanese palace well from this corner you get see and experience a lot. Here you can find one of the main traffic gates. And see some of the structure of the outside. Is and interesting site, on that day they were having a clean up, someone trow a fish into the water pond and they say it was a foreign fish so they must take it our and clean up. It looks like they are very protective about palace, I thing in many ways. So be kind and careful when you are around. They are nice and don't say anything about taking photos.