To commemorate the 400th anniversary of the Kan’ei Gyoko, a variety of related events will be held in and around Kyoto Gyoen National Garden, including historical walks, Noh, waka poetry, and tours of the Kyoto State Guest House.
Four centuries ago, the Imperial procession of Emperor Go-Mizunoo departed from the Gosho (Kyoto Imperial Palace). As you walk through Kyoto Gyoen National Garden, the setting for this historic occasion, why not discover the Kan’ei era and its culture through Noh, waka poetry, architecture, and the traces left by the people who lived at the time?
Event dates and registration procedures vary for each program. Please check the details and join us for the events that interest you.
Thursday, November 19, 2026 13th Kyoto State Guest House Cultural Salon “Noh: A Traditional Performing Art Deeply Rooted in the City of Kyoto”
A lecture on Noh, a traditional Japanese performing art presented during the Kan’ei Gyoko, will be held together with a guided tour of the Kyoto State Guest House.
The lecturers will be Kongo Hisanori, 26th Head of the Kongo school of Noh, and Tatsushige Kongo, Wakasoke (heir to the head family). They will speak about the traditions and art of Noh. Participants will also take a guided tour of the Kyoto State Guest House, including the Suimei-no-Ma room, which is normally closed to the public.
Venue: Kyoto State Guest House
Meeting Time: Morning Session: 9:25 a.m. / Afternoon Session: 1:25 p.m.
※ Advance reservations are given priority. Admission fee required.
Saturday, November 21, 2026, 1:30–3:00 p.m. 2026 Saturday Lecture Series in the Former Assembly Hall Kan’ei Gyoko 400th Anniversary Commemorative Lecture “The Four Seasons in Waka Poetry”
A commemorative lecture entitled “The Four Seasons in Waka Poetry” will be given by Tamiko Reizei, Managing Director of the Reizeike Shiguretei Bunko Foundation.
The venue is the Former Main Building of the Kyoto Prefectural Office, an Important Cultural Property completed in 1904. Set in its historic Former Assembly Hall, the lecture offers an opportunity to discover the tradition of waka poetry that has been passed down through generations in Kyoto.
Venue: Former Main Building of the Kyoto Prefectural Office, an Important Cultural Property
※ Advance registration required. Admission free.
Saturday, November 28–Tuesday, December 8, 2026 Kyoto State Guest House: Self-Guided Public Viewing
For a limited period, visitors will be able to tour the Kyoto State Guest House without advance reservations. Normally, priority is given to visitors with advance reservations.
Visitors can explore the Kyoto State Guest House, a national guest facility showcasing the finest traditional Japanese craftsmanship, freely and at their own pace. Photography is also permitted.
Admission: ¥1,500 for adults
Reception: Seiwain Rest House, Kyoto Gyoen National Garden
Sunday, November 29, 2026 Special Program Commemorating the 400th Anniversary of the Kan’ei Gyoko “Kyoto Gyoen Historical Walking Tours”
To commemorate the 400th anniversary of the Kan’ei Gyoko, special guided tours will explore historic sites in and around Kyoto Gyoen National Garden.
◆ Kyoto Gyoen & Kyoto Imperial Palace Course
Starting from the Former Kaninnomiya Residence, the tour visits the site of the Saionji Residence, Hamaguri Gate, and the Kurumagaeshi-zakura cherry tree associated with Emperor Go-Mizunoo, before continuing to the Gosho (Kyoto Imperial Palace). Participants will visit the Shishinden (Hall for State Ceremonies), Seiryoden (Emperor’s Residence), Oikeniwa Garden, and other sites.
・Start Times: ① 10:00 a.m. ② 10:30 a.m. ③ 1:30 p.m.
・Duration: 120 minutes
・Capacity: 60 participants per tour
◆ Kyoto Gyoen & Kyoto State Guest House Course
The tour visits the site of the Kujo Residence, the Kyoto Sento Imperial Palace, where Emperor Go-Mizunoo lived after his abdication, and the site of the Tsuchimikado Residence, among other historic locations. The latter part of the program includes a self-guided visit to the Kyoto State Guest House.
・Start Times: ① 10:00 a.m. ② 1:30 p.m.
・Duration: 120 minutes
・Capacity: 20 participants per tour
※ A separate admission fee is required for the Kyoto State Guest House.
Guide: Miyakogusa, NPO Society for Kyoto Tourism and Culture
Advance registration required. Places are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Thursday, November 19–Tuesday, December 8, 2026 Kyoto Gyoen National Garden Stamp Rally
A stamp rally will be held for visitors to enjoy while strolling through Kyoto Gyoen National Garden amid the autumn foliage.
Participants can explore the garden in autumn while collecting stamps at four locations: Nakadachiuri Rest House, Kyoto Gyoen Information Center, Seiwain Rest House, and the Exhibition Hall at the Former Kaninnomiya Residence.
