https://sputnikglobe.com/20121103/177121465.html

Kyoto Imperial Palace

Sputnik International

The Imperial Palace in Kyoto, the former capital of Japan, has opened its doors to the public. 03.11.2012, Sputnik International

2012-11-03T08:08+0000

https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/17712/08/177120800_0:0:0:0_1920x0_80_0_0_454cafb9fc0937dd0e080d2600bfab5f.jpg

Sputnik International

feedback@sputniknews.com

+74956456601

MIA „Rossiya Segodnya“

252

2012

Sputnik International

feedback@sputniknews.com

+74956456601

MIA „Rossiya Segodnya“

252

News

en_EN

Sputnik International

feedback@sputniknews.com

+74956456601

MIA „Rossiya Segodnya“

252

1920

1080

true

Sputnik International

feedback@sputniknews.com

+74956456601

MIA „Rossiya Segodnya“

252

Sputnik International

photo

Kyoto Imperial Palace

08:08 GMT 03.11.2012

The Imperial Palace in Kyoto, the former capital of Japan, has opened its doors to the public.

Kyoto Imperial Palace - Sputnik International

1/15

Twice a year, anyone, regardless of nationality, is free to explore the grounds and interiors of the imperial residence. Photo: The Gishumon Gate

© RIA Novosti . Ekaterina PlyasunkovaThe main gate of the palace is accessed by crossing Karasuma-dori, one of the city’s main streets, and using the walkway along the palace walls. Photo: The walkway in the Gyoen Garden National Park, where the Imperial Palace is located.

2/15

The main gate of the palace is accessed by crossing Karasuma-dori, one of the city’s main streets, and using the walkway along the palace walls. Photo: The walkway in the Gyoen Garden National Park, where the Imperial Palace is located.

3/15

The entrance to the palace is manned by police and guard dogs, always a delight for tourists. Photo: A Japanese police officer guards the entrance to the palace.

© RIA Novosti . Ekaterina PlyasunkovaNot far from the main gate is a structure reminiscent of a porch. This space was previously used as a garage for the carriages of the imperial couple’s relatives. Photo: Part of the roof of the Okuruma-yose (garage).

4/15

Not far from the main gate is a structure reminiscent of a porch. This space was previously used as a garage for the carriages of the imperial couple’s relatives. Photo: Part of the roof of the Okuruma-yose (garage).

5/15

Now, these areas are used as a display stage. Photo: Mannequins of royal court dancers.

© RIA Novosti . Ekaterina PlyasunkovaA little further in are the Shodaibunoma, or, as they are also called, the Ministers’ Chambers, world-famous thanks to their painted fusuma, or sliding doors. Photo: “Tiger Room” by master painter Gantai.

6/15

A little further in are the Shodaibunoma, or, as they are also called, the Ministers’ Chambers, world-famous thanks to their painted fusuma, or sliding doors. Photo: “Tiger Room” by master painter Gantai.

7/15

The building is divided into three rooms, each of which is decorated with its own pattern. Photo: “Heron Room” by master painter Eidaku Kano.

8/15

Each room was named according to the images on its walls. Photo: “Cherry Tree Room” by master painter Zaiso Hara.

© RIA Novosti . Ekaterina PlyasunkovaAfter passing through the Shyomei gate, famous for its red columns, visitors reach the square where the palace’s main attraction is located – the throne room. Photo: The throne room of the Imperial Palace.

9/15

After passing through the Shyomei gate, famous for its red columns, visitors reach the square where the palace’s main attraction is located – the throne room. Photo: The throne room of the Imperial Palace.

© RIA Novosti . Ekaterina PlyasunkovaTwo thrones made in 1913 are in the middle of the room. Both thrones – for the Emperor and Empress – were made in the same style and are decorated with images of animals.

10/15

Two thrones made in 1913 are in the middle of the room. Both thrones – for the Emperor and Empress – were made in the same style and are decorated with images of animals.

11/15

The eastern Kensyun gate is visible on the side of the square opposite the throne room.

12/15

Just north of the throne room is Syunko Hall, built in 1915 for Emperor Taisho’s enthronement ceremony.

13/15

Further along the walkway, visitors reach Seiryo Hall, which housed the emperor's private apartments from the 8th to the 11th centuries.

14/15

One of the most beautiful bridges in the park is located in the Gonaitei Garden, the emperor’s private garden.

15/15

On the way to the Omima, the last building in the palace, visitors are also invited to enjoy the Land of the Rising Sun’s traditional art form – Ikebana.