Kyoto Imperial Palace

The Kyoto Imperial Palace was the residence of Japan's rulers for six centuries until the capital of Japan was moved to Tokyo in 1869 during the Meiji Revolution. Today, the country's once main palace complex can be seen north of downtown Kyoto in the vast Kyoto Gyoen National Garden, popular with visitors for strolls, jogging, and picnics. This grandiose cultural and historical attraction helps you travel back in time and imagine what life for Japanese emperors was like hundreds of years ago.

Although the current buildings of the Kyoto Imperial Palace are less than two centuries old, its history goes back to 794. The current architectural ensemble was rebuilt in 1855 after one of the many fires that destroyed the previous buildings.

The complex, enclosed by long high walls, consists of several gates, extensive rooms, and picturesque gardens. If earlier the palace used to be accessible only to guided tours by appointment, it is now open to everyone. Although one restriction remains: you can not enter any of the buildings.

The main buildings of the Kyoto Imperial Palace are the Shishin Throne Hall, the residence of Japanese Emperor Seiryo, the small Kogosho Justice Palace, the library, and separate rooms for the empress, high-ranking aristocrats, and government officials.

Experience the beauty and grandeur of the Shishin Throne Hall, the most important ceremonial building in the complex. It is designed in the traditional Japanese style with a notable pointed and hipped roof. On either side of the main staircase leading inside the throne room, there are trees that have become sacred: the tachibana orange tree and sakura.

To the west of Shishin is the Seiryo Hall. Originally, it was used by Japanese emperors for work, particularly for various meetings and gatherings. However, over time, the rulers began to use it as their residence.