Place: Kyoto Imperial Palace (Kyoto Gosho)
Getting there: Take the subway to Imadegawa Station (this stop is closest to the office where you need to register). Allow a solid 10 minutes for the walk.
Essential Information: The Imperial Palace in Kyoto was home to the royal family from the early 1300's until the capital was moved to Tokyo in 1868. Like many other places in Kyoto, fires have struck periodically over the years, requiring repeated reconstructions. The current main hall was built in 1855, and is representative of Heian style architecture. The Palace grounds are open to visitors, however, without advance tour reservations, entrance to the palace is not permitted. Fortunately, the tour is free and it is easy to register online.
My Take: I almost missed out on seeing the Palace. The walk from the subway station took a bit longer than I was expecting (even halfway running the entire way), so I was late and missed the tour group at the office. When I finally got there, I realized that I had forgotten to print out my reservation paper. Security would not let me through, and there were some miscommunications due to the language barrier. I was finally able to convey that I had, in fact, preregistered and received permission for the visit, but simply did not have the document handy. This realization seemed to shock the man into action, so he brought me over to another guard post and looked up my passport. Soon after, the guards were all smiles, letting me in and bowing profusely. All's well that ends well!
One of the side gates of the Palace. This one would typically be used by the servants.
One of the minor buildings in the complex, the Shunkoden. It was actually built in 1915 for the coronation ceremony of Emperor Taisho. It was the first such ceremony that foreign dignitaries were allowed to attend. With some type of mossy/algae growth all over the wooden roof, it looks like it needs a little maintainance.
A view of the Shishinden, the main hall of the Imperial Palace. Much of the ceremony surrounding the Emperor and his official business was conducted here. The Emperor's throne is also inside. Tour visitors are not allowed inside the courtyard, so I had to take this photo through an opening in a gate.
The brilliant vermillion of the courtyard gate contrasts with the silver-grey roof tiles. And for once, the sky was actually blue!
Strolling around the Palace grounds, I was struck by how much wood is used in the construction of these buildings. The craftsmanship is absolutely superb. But it's no wonder that fire has been a brutal enemy over the centuries.
The Seiryouden, or refreshing hall, was the earliest living quarters for the Emperor while at the Palace. Quarters for visiting dignitaries were also located here.
A closeup of the magnificent cedar roof, used throughout the complex on most of the main structures.
A cutaway model shows how many many thin strips of cedar bark are layered to create a thick roof surface. I read somewhere that these roofs can last for 70 years before needing replacement.
These steps lead up to the Kogosho, another of the Palace's halls.
The side platform of one of the verandas. The brass(?) plate is adorned with a chrysanthemum, the flower of the Imperial Seal of Japan.
In this hallway, you can see the floor is covered with tatami mats. Again, the beauty of the natural wood is evident.
Most of these are sliding doors, and are also removable, typically done during warmer months. The inner doors are covered with rice paper (shoji), which allows light in, but provides privacy.
A last view of the inner Palace grounds through one of the exit gates
A bridge in the Oikeniwa Garden
A view of the moss garden
The pond and pebble beach are the distinguishing characteristics of the Oikeniwa Garden
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