Let me tell you about a must see in Kyoto, the Imperial Palace, trust me, you will travel back time. Come discover the history of japan’s royal family. The family left the palace in 1868, when the capital moved to Tokyo.
The Palace is located in the middle of a gorgeous park, where you can observe some heron around ponds. There is also many rest area so that you can enjoy the view of the trees in every season, Autumn is my favorite because of the momiji, but the park is beautiful all year around. This is also a good spot to see the cherry blossoms in spring (sakura).
Why do I recommend to visit the Kyoto Imperial palace ? Well first of all, because you will have a glimpse of how was life with the Emperor and second, it’s free ! When you visit, you can go through the palace grounds (outdoor only) and see the Emperor’s quarters. My favorite part was at beginning, where you can see all the different waiting rooms for the guests that would come to visit the Emperor. Each rooms has it’s own design, but I won’t tell you more, I need to keep some secrets ! Ahah !
You will love to walk around the different areas of the palace, from the rooms used for the tea ceremony to the rooms used for studying, there is also a traditional Japanese garden with a bridge, a pond and a cute little waterfall… A great spot to take pictures.
After walking around the palace and the garden, why don’t you take a break at a coffee shop that I discovered around the corner ? Go to Coffee Base Nashinoki, a hidden place inside a shrine. There, you can enjoy a delicious homemade coffee (or Matcha Latte), depends on what you like. Choose from a selection of beverages from the english menu. Then enjoy your drink outside, under the trees. What a perfect way to end this afternoon ?
How to get to the Imperial Palace ?
From Kyoto Station take the Karasume Line to Marutamachi station then the entry is just across the street.
From Mitsuki Ryokan, the entry is just 6 minutes away from walk.
Kyoto Imperial Palace is opened from Wednesday to Sunday from 09 AM to 04 PM.
Please note that the Imperial Palace is closed on Monday and Tuesday.
Let’s have coffee at Coffee Base Nashinoki ?
680 Somedonocho, Kamigyo Ward, Kyoto, 602-0844 (located in Nashinoki Shrine)
Coffee Base Nashinoki is opened everyday from 10 AM to 05 PM.
Book now for an unforgettable experience at Mitsuki Ryokan