The Kyoto Imperial Palace is the former ruling palace of the Emperor of Japan. Since the Meiji Restoration in 1869, the Emperors have resided at the Tokyo Imperial Palace, while the preservation of the Kyoto Imperial Palace was ordered in 1877. [Wikipedia]
A reservation is required to visit the Kyoto Imperial Palace.
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The Imperial Palace in Kyoto served as the emperors' residence during the Edo Period in the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries until the Meiji Restoration in 1868. It is not possible to enter the buildings, but the palace grounds can be visited on a guided tour (English tours are available). Tours take around an hour and are free, but it is necessary to make a reservation with the Imperial Household Agency in advance.
Dignitaries with a special permission arriving here at Okurumayose by ox-drawn carriage used to enter the Kyoto Imperial Palace through this entrance. Shinmikurumayose is the special entrance just for the Emperor and Empress.
Shishinden is the most important building within the grounds of Kyoto Imperial Palace. It is where important ceremonies like the enthronement ceremony is held.
The original Seiryoden was built as the Emperor's residence at the end of the 8th century. Built in the palace style of the Heian period
The Giyoden was one of the palace buildings in the Dairi (Imperial Residence) of Heian-kyo adjoining the east side of the Shishinden
Mrs. Matsui’s family home was previously a workshop that produced hand-woven obi sashes. Today, the guest room is open for guests to experience an authentic side of Kyoto, with views of the courtyard garden on two sides. Experience sleeping Japanese style on the futon bedding, laid out on a tatami straw mat. There is air conditioning and heating, as well as tea making facilities. Like many old houses, the shower and bathroom are located in the courtyard. Alternatively, walk down to the public bath or sento, or try the bicycle to explore further afield. Kinkakuji, or the Golden Temple is a short ride away, as is the Ryoanji stone garden.
Opened in June 2021, this is a venture between the Marriott group and Sun Frontier Hotel Management Co., Ltd.
For two to four people a vacation rental like Kuramaguchi-An offers a lot more space, freedom and convenience than a hotel at very little extra cost.
Grand Burger in Kyoto serves up tasty burgers in a cozy shop just a few steps from the walls of the Imperial Palace.
With the growing popularity of veganism, particularly in Japan, vegans can now enjoy ramen at both entirely vegan and vegan-friendly joints throughout the country. Here are three spots to check out in Kyoto.
The Kamo Shrines, Shimogamo Shrine and Kamigamo Shrine are both recognized as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. They are two of the most important and oldest shrines in Kyoto. They are located in the north of the city and are intentionally placed to ward off evil and Protect the city In fact, the two Kamo shrines are even older than the city, which became the national capital in 794. Shimogamo Shrine is located at the confluence of the Takano and Kamo Rivers and is surrounded by a forest that contains trees up to 600 years old. The Kamigamo Shrine is about three and a half kilometers upstream and is known for two sand cones on its site, which have a cleaning function for the sanctuary and have been ritually made since ancient times. Together the shrines host one of Kyoto's three biggest festivals, the Aoi Matsuri, which takes place on May 15th.
Nijo Castle is one of the most accessible UNESCO spots in Kyoto, being just a short walk from Nijojo-mae Station. The former residence of the Tokugawa shoguns, the sprawling castle grounds are surrounded by a wide moat and massive stone walls. Spanning over 275,000 square metres, Nijo Castle is one of the biggest historic sites in all of Kyoto. Established in 1626, Nijo Castle was built by a combined effort from all the feudal lords in Western Japan at the time. Since then, multiple buildings have been damaged by fires or storms, and extra effort is taken by the city to preserve and restore this cultural site. Nijo Castle is designated as a Historic Monument of Ancient Kyoto, making it one of the prefecture's most significant sites. Within the castle grounds is Ninomaru Palace, a 3,300-square meter complex made almost completely out of Hinoki cypress wood. The palace interior is adorned with gold leaf-plated decor and exquisite wood carvings, making it a fitting place to entertain powerful political visitors during the shogunate's ruling period.
The Heian Shrine is a Shinto shrine located in Sakyō-ku, Kyoto, Japan. The Shrine is ranked as a Beppyō Jinja by the Association of Shinto Shrines. It is listed as an important cultural property of Japan. [Wikipedia]