Kyoto

A Walk in Kyoto Imperial Palace - 2

From Kenreimon Gate to Shishinden

Shozo Fujii Dec 10, 2014 - 1 min read

<p>View of Shishinden from the front</p>

<p>Gekkamon Gate. The West Gate of Shishinden Dantei (South Garden)</p>

<p>Shomeimon Gate of Shishinden Dantei. The South Gate of Shishinden</p>

<p>Kenreimon Gate opposite Shomeimon Gate, located in the south part of the Imperial Palace</p>

<p>The Kenreimon Gate gabled roof with the bark of Hinoki (cypress). Nowadays, only the Emperor and Empress or honored foreign visitors are permitted to go through this gate. Even during days 'Open to the public', we are prohibited from going through but we can take a close look at it</p>

<p>View Shomeimon Gate to the south from Nikkamon Gate in the east</p>

<p>Close up view of Shishinden's west section</p>

<p>Close look at the east side of the Shishinden</p>

It was here that Emperor Kogon was crowned in 1331. From then, it was the Imperial Residence until the year 1869, when the Emperor Meiji moved the capital to Tokyo. The Shishinden is the most important building within the palace grounds. It is where important ceremonies like the enthronement ceremony is held. It faces south and was built in the traditional architecture, shinden style, with a raised floor and cypress bark roof. The 'Takamikura' (Emperor's throne) stands in the center, flanked on the east by the Michodai (Empress's throne). A garden of white gravel spreads out before the building with a cherry tree on the right (Ukon no Sakura) and mandarin tree to the left (Sakon no Tachibana) of the building.

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Shozo Fujii @shozo.fujii

Travel is like a mirror for each of us as we can clearly see the reflection of ourselves on it. Far from your home country, wandering or strolling, are you viewing yourself on the mirror of Japan? I believe and am sure life could be for us to enjoy. So is our travel. Hopefully you woul...