Kyoto Japan | Kyoto Imperial Palace Kyoto's Gosho Imperial PalaceThroughout Japan's history, and until 1868, the capital and Imperial residence for the Emperor was at Kyoto's Gosho Imperial Palace, in the heart of the city. After 1868, the emperor and capital were moved from Tokyo, and Kyoto suffered an economic and spiritual decline. Kyoto's first Imperial Palace was built in 794 AD, when the city was known as Heian, or "City of Peace and Tranquility." The first Heian palace was situated two kilometers to the west of the present location. After the coronation of Emperor Kogen in 1331, the Shishin-den, or main 'Ceremonial Hall' became the permanent location for the Palace. 
The Oikeniwa garden and pond, with its 'suhama' pebble beach Timber and cypress-bark roofing being the building materials of choice in ancient Japan, the entire city of Kyoto, and the Imperial Palace itself were destroyed by the 'Great Fire of Tenmei 8,' in 1788. The Palace was subsequently rebuilt, and once again destroyed by fire in 1854. The current incarnation of the palace was reconstructed in 1855. 
The 'Shinmikurumayose' Carriage Entrance The entire palace complex is surrounded by a rectangular-shaped tsuiji, or earthen wall, that surrounds the 27 acre (110,000 square meter) site. There are a total of five gates, with the southern Kenrei-mon gate as the main entrance to the palace grounds. 
The Kenrei-mon vermillion Torii Gate, with the Dan-tei courtyard and Shishin-den beyond The Kenrei-mon gate leads directly to the Jomei-mon vermillion-colored torii gate, and the Shishin-den beyond. The Dan-tei, or white-gravel courtyard that sits before the Shishin-den is punctuated by the presence of only two trees; a sakura cherry-blossom tree to the east, and a tachibana Mandarin orange tree to the west, symbolizing Japan's relationship with China. Imperial Palace ArchitectureThe palace and its many separate structures represent several different architectural styles from various periods in Japanese history. The Shishin-den and surrounding halls are representative of typical Heian-period (794 AD to 1185 AD) architecture. 
Part of the Otsunegoten Imperial Villas The north-south axis and alignment of the palace, and most of the surrounding city follows the Chinese principles of Feng shui, which were established during China's Jin Dynasty from 265 AD to 420 AD. The Palace and garden architecture of the Heian-period, and the grand style of Imperial-Court life under a fictitious emperor named Hikaru Genji, was immortalised in Japanese noblewoman Murasaki Shikibu's "The Tale of Genji," written in 1,021 AD. 
The 'Shodaibunoma' Ceremonial Reception Hall The 'Shodaibunoma' Reception Hall was used for visiting dignitaries, who were escorted into one of several antechambers according to their station or rank. The Kogosho, or 'Ceremonial Hall' behind the Shishin-den was used to receive feudal shogun lords, and was reconstructed in 1958. 
The 'Gonaitei' private garden for the Emperor The Heian-period technique of garden landscaping known as Go shintai was employed as a way of paying homage to the 'unique and extraordinary' that exists in nature. Kyoto Gyoen National Garden & Imperial ParkThe massive grounds of the Kyoto Gyoen National Garden totally surround the Imperial Palace, and extend from Marutamachi Street on the southern side, to Imadegawa Street on the northern side. Within the gardens there are many historic sites and ruins form ancient temples and residences of the Heian and Nara periods. 
Looking east in the Kyoto Imperial Park Kyoto Imperial Park is one of the favorite gathering spots for a family picnic during the weekend, or to stroll down one of its many wide Meiji-period (1868 to 1911) gravel lanes. The Gyoen National Garden is also known for cherry-blossom viewing during the 'sakura season.' 
Walking south on the path to 'Kyoto Gyoen National Garden' The Shusui-tei tea-ceremony room, or cha-shitsu is located at the south end of Gyoen park. Shusui-tei was built by the aristocratic Kujo family in the 1800s, and was constructed in the shoin, or 'studio-style' from the late Edo-period. The structure also contains design elements of the formal shinden, or 'aristocratic' style. 
Shusui-tei tea house and Magatamanoike pond (left), Munakata Shrine (right) The Imperial Palace is administered by the 'Imperial Household Agency,' while the grounds Gyoen National Garden are administered by the Ministry of the Environment. Advanced appointments are necessary in order to tour the Imperial Palace. Satellite Image of Kyoto Imperial Palace Imperial Household Agency of Japan |
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