FAQ

Public Opening

Q1When are you closed?: A1. In principle, we are closed on Wednesdays. When a Wednesday falls on a public holiday, we will be closed on the following day. In addition, we may be closed when we receive distinguished guests from abroad or due to administrative circumstances. We will announce the details on our website, Twitter, and others. Please refer to them when you plan a visit.
Q2Is a guided tour available?: A2. There are two types of visit depending on the opening period: 1) self-guided tours and 2) guided tours. During the opening period for self-guided tours, no guided tour is available except the English guided tour at 11:30 a.m.. Therefore, we lend an audio guide (for 200 yen *~30th Sep.) as per request. In addition, a simple explanation is available in each room through the automated audio service. For further information, please refer to the “Public Opening of the Kyoto State Guest House” page.
Q3When can I find out about the public opening schedule or the type of visit?: A3. We generally post a schedule of openings on the “Public Opening of the Kyoto State Guest House” page, one to two months ahead of time.
Q4Am I required to make an advance reservation to pay a visit?: A4. – For a guided tour, it is advisable that you make an advance reservation The numbered ticket will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis on the day of your visit; thus, depending on the time slot, you may not be admitted.

– For a self-guided tour , advance reservations for Individuals (up to 19 persons) will be no longer required. Please come to our west gate directly to pay a visit.
Q5When do you begin accepting advance reservations?: A5. We generally start accepting advance reservation approximately eight weeks from the scheduled date of visit. In the case of oversubscription, we will choose visitors by lottery. In the case of undersubscription, we will accept advance reservations until the noon of the day before a visit on a first-come, first-served basis. We encourage you to check the schedule for advance reservations that we announce on this website.
Q6 Can I apply in advance through means other than this website?: A6. You can make an advance reservation via our website only. *We do not accept advance reservation by telephone, fax or postcard.
Q7Do the numbered tickets distributed on the day specify the time of the visit?: A7. The numbered tickets distributed on the day of your visit will specify a meeting time. When receiving your ticket, you may choose the time slot during which you prefer to make your visit among the available time slots.
Q8How many numbered tickets on the day can I get at the maximum?: A8. We can distribute up to eight tickets per person for guided tours, depending on availability.
Q9I want to confirm if my advance reservation has been completed.: A9. You can check the status of your application via the Public Opening Reservation System on our website. To log in to the system, enter your confirmation number, e-mail address, and date of birth.
Q10Are there any Visitor Rules & Regulations for a visit?: A10. Please refer to Visitor Rules & Regulations.