Kyoto Gosho [京都御所] served as the imperial palace of Japan during the Edo period. The Imperial Household Agency hosts English tours of the grounds several times per week.
Looking through Jomeimon Gate [承明門] we can see the most important building of the palace: the Shishinden [紫宸殿], which was used for important ceremonies of state such as enthronement ceremonies.
Kenshunmon Gate [建春門]
The Shunkoden [春興殿] was built to place the sacred mirror used during the enthronement ceremony of Emperor Taisho [大正天皇] in 1915.
The Seiryoden [清涼殿] was used as the Emperor’s residence before the Otsunegoten [御常御殿] was built. It is very similar to the Shishinden, however the floor is built much lower and the building has more internal partitions.
A wider-view of the Seiryoden and the connecting walkway:
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The Otsunegoten was used as the Emperor’s residence until the capital was transfered to Tokyo in 1869. Having 15 rooms, it is the largest structure on the grounds.
A few pictures of the Oikeniwa Garden [御池庭].
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All information, unless otherwise noted, is from tourist information plaques and brochures.
As always, your photos are beautiful! It doesn’t hurt that Japan is so photogenic.
Stunning pictures!!