Kyoto Gosho imperial palace, Kyoto

The Kyoto Imperial Palace, a palace without the Emperor (who now resides in Tokoy), became accessible to the public in 1877, and the Imperial Household Agency hosts public tours of the buildings several times a day.

Officially at this site since the 12th century, the palace is located in the Kyoto Gyoen, a rectangular enclosure 1.3 km north to south and 0.7 km east to west, which also contains the Sento Imperial Palace gardens.

The main building on the Palace Grounds includes the Shishinden (Hall for State Ceremonies), Seiryoden (lit. 'cool, refreshing hall'), Kogosho (Court Room), Ogakumonsho (Imperial Study or Library), and a number of residences for the Empress, high-ranking aristocrats and government officials, among others.

SOURCE: Akira Okada, courtesy of Japan National Tourism Organization, used with permission.

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