Kikyō-mon Gate — Attraction in Tokyo

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...

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...

After experiencing the World Expo in Osaka, I had no way of knowing how many people would want to visit the Imperial Palace. Because the number of tickets for walk-ins are limited, and I really wanted to visit the area, I arrived at 5:30am. I followed the directions that the official website provided and went to the Kikyō-mon Gate. A guard pointed to an area and told me to wait by a tree. There were no signs, and I believed the guard when he told me I was at the right tree.

Around 7:30am, a different set of guards brought out a sign that stated that the tours were closed for the day and that people should visit the East Gardens instead. I approached the new guards and asked for clarification.

The guards refused to offer any help or information. One guard told me to use Google for help. I told him that the official palace website specifically stated that there were tours offered that day and that Kikyō-mon Gate was where people were told to go. I showed him the official website. He pulled out, then extended his baton, and threatened to hit me over the head with it. I’m twice the size of that guard and years younger than him. In that moment, I wanted to beat the hell out of that bully with his own stick.

Over a hundred other people arrived at that closed sign with the same confusion and found the same unhelpful and rude guards. They were, however, friendly with every Japanese person that arrived with the same confusion.

When it was all said and done, I was right. The website was right. The guards were wrong. Their sign was wrong. My life was threatened by an ignorant bully that didn’t understand the gate he was somehow tasked to monitor.

For the sake of honesty, the tour guide was great, but that guard needs to be taken out back and experience that baton he is so eager to...