Surrounding the palace is the Kyoto Park Grounds. These are phenomenally beautiful. Open to the public year-ground, people are able to come and enjoy the grounds while having a picnic, playing games with friends, or just enjoying their time outside. The fall colors were in full force when we arrived.
Tomoyo enjoying the leaves
After walking around the grounds, we decided to enter the palace. This palace is only open to the public three days a year, so I'm really lucky to be in Kyoto right now. Although this palace is no longer really in use, it is still maintained as a historical site.
First, we have the 諸大天の間 (Shodaibunoma). This large building is composed of three anterooms, and its purpose was as a waiting room for visiting dignitaries.Depending on the dignitary's rank, he would be placed in the appropriate chamber. These are amazingly beautiful with images of waterfalls, cherry blossoms, and cranes. Honestly, if I could live in this waiting room (and I want you to know, I'll never say that again), I would. It was beautiful. Notice that the floors are also all tatami mats.
Next is the 新御車寄 (Shinmikurumayose). This was built for the Emperor Taisho in 1915 as his carriage entrance. Also very beautiful, the ornamentation on this is extremely intricate. Note the gold leaf.
This is the 日華門 (Nikkamon) gate. It's oddly interesting because it's orange instead of red. Normally, these tend to be more red. Crowded.
This is the 紫宸殿 (Shishinden). It was the main building used for important ceremonies (i.e. coronation of the emperor). The roof is made of cypress bark; there's a garden of white gravel; and a cherry tree to the east and a tachibana mandarin tree to the west.
This is 御内庭(Gonaitei). It's the Emperor's Private Garden. I want a garden like this. In fact, I'll settle for just a little waterfall. It can be electric. But it would still be cool.
And there you go. An abbreviated version of the Kyoto Imperial Palace.
Michelle
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