Kyoto Gosho (Imperial Palace) (Kyoto)

 palace, UNESCO World Heritage Site

From the time when Emperor Kanmu moved the nation's capital to Kyoto in 794 until the time it was moved to Tokyo in 1868, the Imperial Family were resident in Kyoto more than 1,000 years.

Surrounded by an earthen wall called Tsuiji, Kyoto Imperial Palace is rectangular in shape, about 450m north-south and 250m east-west, covering an area of approximately 110,000 square meters. It has six gates, including the main gate Kenreimon.

The Palace burnt down several times. Each time it was reconstructed faithfully in ancient style. The last rebuilding of the Palace was completed in 1855.

With the Shishinden (Ceremonial Hall) as the main building, the Seiryoden, the Kogosho, and several other structures are located here.

To the south of the Shishinden is the Dan-tei (Courtyard)of white sand. On its three sides is a white walled corridor with bright vermilion pillars. Along the corridor, face to the Shishinden is the Jomeimon gate, also along there are two more gates.