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KYOTO IMPERIAL PALACE - GOSHOKyoto Gosho or Kyoto Imperial Palace Guide including Kyoto Imperial Palace pictures, description and history of Kyoto Imperial Palace.Kyoto Gosho (京都御所, Kyōto Gosho), or Kyoto Imperial Palace,
was the Imperial Palace of Japan for much of its history, from the Heian
Period, when the Imperial capital was moved from Nara
to Heian-kyo (平安京), now called
Kyoto, until the Meiji Restoration, when the
capital was moved to Tokyo. However, the Taisho and
Showa Emperors still had their coronation ceremonies at Kyōto Gosho. Today,
the grounds are open to the public, and the Imperial Household Agency hosts
public tours of the buildings several times a day (see restrictions below).
The Palace Grounds includes a number of buildings, along with the Imperial
Residence, or daidairi (大内裏). The neighbouring building to the north is the
sentou (仙洞), or residence of the retired Emperor, and beyond that, across
Imadegawa Avenue, sits Doshisha University. The Imperial Household Agency
maintains the building, and the grounds, which are generally known as Kyoto
Public Gardens, or Kyōto Gyoen (京都御苑).
The main gate on the front, south, side of the Palace has a cypress-wood
roof, and is supported by four pillars. On either side of it were planted
trees which would become very famous and sacred, a cherry (sakura) on the
left, and a tachibana tree on the right. This gate would have been used on
the rare occasions of the Emperor welcoming a foreign diplomat or dignitary,
as well as for many other important ceremonies of the State. To the sides
lies a fence separating the inner areas from the general Palace Grounds, and
just past this main gate is a second gate, painted in vermillion and roofed
in tile, which leads to the Shishinden, the Hall for State Ceremonies. The
Shishinden was used for such important ceremonies as the coronation of an
Emperor and installation of a Crown Prince. It is 33 by 23 meters in size,
and features a traditional architectural style, with a gabled and hipped
roof. Restricted Access - Kyoto Imperial PalaceThe Imperial Household Agency administers the Palace, and accepts visitors by appointment only. In theory you can apply on the day, but you may be disappointed. It is not difficult to apply online and in English, but in Spring and Autumn (Fall) you will normally need to book at least a couple of months in advance. Your best option will often be to take one of the organised tours (see below) that do not require the very advanced booking times. Organised Kyoto Imperial Palace Tours
Organised guided tours are available in English to the
Kyoto Imperial Palace. These are available as half day tours including
Kinkakuji Temple - Golden Pavilion
and Nijo Castle. Kyoto Hotel
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