🗺️ Kyoto Gyoen京都御苑

Before Emperor Meiji moved the capital to Edo, the Kyoto Imperial Palace served as the inner palace of Kyoto, surrounded by numerous noble residences. During the Meiji era, the Kyoto Imperial Palace and its surrounding area were developed into a park, now known as the Kyoto Gyoen. The Kyoto Imperial Palace and the Kyoto Sento Imperial Palace are still used by the imperial family today. In 794, Emperor Kanmu moved the capital to Heian-kyo in Kyoto, while the original inner palace was located further to the west. In the 13th century, during the reign of Emperor Kōgon of the Northern Court, the inner palace was relocated to the current site of the Kyoto Imperial Palace. The inner palace fell into disrepair due to events like the Genpei War, but was later restored by Oda Nobunaga and Toyotomi Hideyoshi. During the Edo period, many noble residences gathered around it. The remaining buildings, such as the Shishinden, were reconstructed in an antique style during the Bakumatsu period. Since 2016, it has been open to the general public without the need for reservations. The nearby Kyoto Dairi Palace and Kyoto Sento Imperial Palace were built as residences for the Emperor Emeritus and the Empress Dowager. Visits to these locations require prior reservations. Although most buildings within the Gyoen have been dismantled, the Kujo family's tea room and Shisuitei are among the few remaining noble tea rooms.

Visiting the Kyoto Sento Imperial Palace requires a reservation in advance, and the tour is conducted with a guide. The Shishinden Hall of the Kyoto Imperial Palace is the venue for important public ceremonies such as the Emperor's enthronement. The gardens feature ponds, small bridges, and other structures, as well as various scenic spots worth seeing.