Kyoto Imperial Palace (Kyoto Gosho)

We're in Kyoto! We've hired a taxi driver to drive us around to our list of desired tourist stops, so we don't have to lug around our things on the train, or take the chance of getting lost along the way.

Our driver was so friendly, and a huge help all along the way. He did not speak much English, but conveyed his helpfulness nonetheless. He was great with Andrew, and even carried him around at a lot of the locations. What a huge help!

We showed up before 10am to sign up for a special foreigner's tour. Luckily the driver knew about this, as I had crossed the palace off our list because the Internet calendar showed Monday's tours as full!

"Kyoto Imperial Palace (Kyoto Gosho) used to be the residence of Japan's Imperial Family until 1868, when the emperor and capital were moved from Kyoto to Tokyo. It is located in the spacious Kyoto Imperial Park.

The palace burnt down and was moved around the city several times over the centuries. The present reconstruction dates from 1855. The palace complex is enclosed by a long wall and consists of several gates, halls and gardens. The enthronement ceremonies of Emperors Taisho and Showa were still held in the palace's main hall, but the present Emperor's ceremony took place at the Tokyo Imperial Palace.

The palace can be visited only on guided tours held by the Imperial Household Agency. In order to join a tour, you need to apply for permission in advance with your passport at the agency's office in the Kyoto Imperial Park."



The gardens and ponds at the palace were just beautiful. I could sit out there on a bench with a book all day.





How do those trees get so pretty and pruned?