Kyoto Imperial Palace

KYOTO IMPERIAL PALACE 794 CE
ARCHIST 4- CASTANARES-ESTRELLA-ORBISO-SALVA
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Heian-kyo: The Heart of Japan's Golden Age
The Heian-kyo period is called Japan's Golden Age. During this period where
social positions, beauty, fashion and manners were an important aspect of society. In
addition, literature, art and poetry flourished that created a brilliant Japanese culture.
The Heian period was an almost 400-year period of relative peace and prosperity,
when Japanese culture flourished. It began in 794 CE when the Japanese Emperor
Kanmu moved the royal capital to a new site in the city of Heian-kyo, today known as
Kyoto. Why the move? Emperor Kanmu may have been hoping to shake off the powerful
Buddhist priests who had come to dominate politics. When he moved his capital, the
Buddhists stayed in the old city with their temples. Whatever the reason, the payoff was
an outpouring of cultural growth in the new city, and an unprecedented period of stability
that lasted from 794-1185 CE as Japanese culture redefined itself.

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HISTORICAL BACKGROUND
HEIAN MIGRATION
The Heian period was preceded by the Nara period and began in 794 CE after the
movement of the capital of Japan to Heian-kyō (present-day Kyōto), by the 50th emperor,
Emperor Kanmu, who first tried to move the capital to Nagaoka-kyō, but a series of
disasters befell the city, prompting the emperor to relocate the capital a second time, to
Heian and is also noted for the rise of the samurai class.
Kammu was an active emperor who attempted
to consolidate government hierarchies and functions.
During the migration, the palace was the first and most important structure to be
erected at the new capital of Heian-kyō, where the court moved in 794 following Emperor
Kanmu's order. The palace was not completely ready by the time of the move, however—
the Daigokuden was completed only in 795, and the government office in charge of its
construction was disbanded only in 805.
The grand Chinese-style compounds of Chōdō-in and Buraku-in started to fall into disuse
quite early on, in parallel with the decline of the elaborate Chinese-inspired ritsuryō
government processes and bureaucracy, which were gradually either abandoned or
reduced to empty forms. The centre of gravity of the palace complex moved to the Inner

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Palace or Dairi, and the Shishinden and later even the Seiryōden overtook the
Daigokuden as loci for the conduct of official government business.
In parallel with the concentration of activity within the Dairi, the Greater Palace
began to be regarded as increasingly unsafe, especially by night. One reason may be the
prevalent superstition of the period: uninhabited buildings were avoided for fear of spirits
and ghosts, and even the great Buraku-in compound was thought to be haunted. In
addition, the level of actual security maintained at the palace went into decline, and by
the early 11th century only one palace gate, the Yōmeimon in the east, appears to have
been guarded. Hence burglary and even violent crime became a problem within the
palace by the first half of 11th century.
Fires were a constant problem as the palace compound was constructed almost entirely
of wood. The Daigokuden was reconstructed after fires in 876, 1068 and in 1156 despite
its limited use. However, after the major fire of 1177 which destroyed much of the Greater
Palace, the Daigokuden was never again rebuilt. The Burakuin was destroyed by a fire in
1063 and was never rebuilt.
As of 960, the Dairi was also repeatedly destroyed by fires, but it was
systematically rebuilt and used as the official imperial residence until the late 12th century.
During periods of rebuilding the Dairi following fires, the emperors frequently had to stay
at their secondary sato-dairi (里内裏) palaces within the city.
Fujiwara clan Crest
The Fujiwara Regency was the main feature of government during most of the Heian era.
Often these secondary palaces were provided by the powerful Fujiwara family,
which especially in the latter part of the Heian period exercised de facto control of politics
by providing consorts to successive emperors. Thus, the residences of the emperors'
maternal grandparents started to usurp the residential role of the palace even before the
end of the Heian period. The institution of rule by retired emperors or the (Cloistered rule

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insei system) from 1086 further added to the declining importance of the palace as retired
emperors exercised power from their own residential palaces inside and outside the city.
After a fire in 1177, the original palace complex was abandoned, and emperors resided
in smaller palaces (the former sato-dairi) within the city and villas outside it. In 1227 a fire
finally destroyed what remained of the Dairi, and the old Greater Palace went into
complete disuse. In 1334 Emperor Go-Daigo issued an edict to rebuild the Greater
Palace, but no resources were available to support this and the project came to nothing.
The present Kyoto Imperial Palace is located immediately to the west of the site of
the Tsuchimikado Mansion (土御門殿), the great Fujiwara residence in the north-eastern
corner of the city. The Jingi-kan, the final standing section of the palace, remained in use
until 1585.
ABANDONED HEIAN PALACE
The Heian Palace has a large area. According to the information handed down,
it was about 65 square kilometers. At that time, the area of Heian-kyo was about 1,150
square kilometers. The visible light was occupied by the imperial palace. The area of
the capital is about 5%.

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During the ninth century, Japan has given up centralized power, and court
officials (nobility) have not reduced, but the scale of administration has been greatly
reduced, and the need to demonstrate the authority of the emperor has also greatly
weaken. The maintenance cost of the Palace, which is too large, was very expensive,
which put great pressure on both the administration and finance.
Although the court had plans to rebuild the Heian Palace later, it was eventually
abandoned because the cost was too high and there was no real need. Therefore,
apart from the temporary relocation due to routine fires, the area and scale of the
emperor's residence were generally settled. The once glorious Heian Palace can only
stay in the memories of the nobles forever.

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The Map of Kyoto
c.1626
The city of Heian-kyo was
built on the model of the
Tang capital Chang’an and
followed the grid-pattern of
its road-plan.
Early maps of Kyoto were
hand-painted and, initially,
intended to preserve the
memory of previous
stages of the city as it grew
and changed, rather than
as aids for navigation.
Later, maps started to be
produced for and used by
the city administrators as
detailed surveys, showing
road widths, house size,
landowners’ names and
place names.
This map shows the next
phase of recording Kyoto
and is the oldest extant
published city map in
Japan. It is influenced by
the early, hand-painted
maps of medieval Japan,
particularly those of
the Engishiki, a book of
laws and customs
produced in the tenth
century.
In this map of Kyoto during
Edo Period, shows Nijō
Castle at the west (left)
and the Kyoto Imperial
Palace at the north-east.
Miyakonoki (‘Record of the Capital’) (116 X 55 cm)

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SITE AND BUILDING
THE HEIAN CAPITAL
Emperor Kanmu during his reign, established his new capital on the site of modern
Kyoto in the year 794. Although he officially named it Heian-kyō (Capital of Peace and
Tranquility), the most popular term for it in the centuries that followed was simply "the
Capital".
The Heian capital measured 1,753 jō (about 5,240 meters) north to south and
1,508 jō (about 4,510 meters) east to west. Detailed maps in Japanese list the names of
all 39 avenues (ōji) and streets (kōji) running east to west and the 33 avenues and streets
running north to south. Suzaku Avenue, the central north-south thoroughfare, was about
84 meters wide; Nijō Avenue was about 52 meters wide. Other avenues were between
24 and 36 meters in width, and streets were 12 meters wide.
Map of Heian Capital

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THE IMPERIAL PALACE
The palace was the first and most important structure to be erected at the new
capital of Heian-kyo, where the court moved in 794 following Emperor Kanmu’s order.
The palace was not completely ready by the time of the move, however- the Daigokuden
was completed only in 795, and the government office in charge of its construction was
disbanded only in 805. The palace, which served as the imperial residence and the
administrative center of for most of the Heian period (from 794 to 1185), was located at
the north-central location of the city in accordance with the Chinese models used for the
design of the capital.
Aerial View of the Imperial Palace

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ZONING
The Kyoto Imperial Palace had been used as the residence of emperors for 500
years since 1331 until the capital moved to Tokyo in 1869. The palace was repeatedly
plagued by fire and was rebuilt each time. Most of the present buildings were rebuilt in
1855. Visitors can observe the transition of the history of architectural style and the
essence of the court culture through the buildings since they were rebuilt in architectural
styles of various eras from the 8th century.
Among them, the most prestigious building is the Shishinden (Hall for State
Ceremonies). The building was constructed in the Heian Period style (794-1185) to
accommodate the Enthronement Ceremony which was held in traditional manners. The
Enthronement Ceremonies of emperors Meiji, Taishō, and Shōwa were held in the
present hall and the Takamikura Imperial Throne for the Emperor and Michodai August
Seat of the Empress used for the ceremony are located inside.

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The Palace Complex could be assumed into three categories; the Public: where the civic and
political works and mass gathering are happening, the Semi-Private: typically only officials or nobles can
access and last the Private: where the Imperial Families residences and the Palace Treasury are located.
Also, the location of the Emperor’s area is very much secure, it is on the long side of the wall without entry
point while the other side is the guard’s station. It is in the middle of the whole perimeter that he can buy
time in case there’s an invasion.

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This is the area for political affairs and official ceremonies. These buildings are situated in
the south part, because the emperor sat facing south in accordance of ancient Chinese
tradition (siheyuan style) which is also in the shinden-zukuri syle.
THE SHODAIBO-NO-MA
This building was used as waiting rooms for high ranking court nobles.
They were ushered into three different waiting rooms according to their
ranks. In descending order of importance, there are “Room of Tigers”,
“Room of Cranes”, and “Room of Cherry Blossoms”, named after the
paintings that adorn the sliding doors of each of the rooms.
SHISHINDEN
Shishinden is the most important structure on the Palace grounds and
was used for important ceremonies such as enthronement ceremonies. It
was built in the Heian Period (794-1185) Imperial Palace style with high
flooring.
The roof is in Irimoya (hipped and gabled roof) style, made of layers of
cypress bark. Inside there are the Imperial Thrones called“Takamikura”
and the August Seat of the Empress called “Michodai”. These were built
in the ancient traditional style for the enthronement ceremony of Emperor
Taisho in 1915. This is facing south because south is considered to be a
lucky direction. All good luck and good spirits come from the south. The
most unlucky direction is northeast.
Thrones were used at the Tokyo Imperial Palace for the enthronement
ceremony of His Majesty the Emperor.
In front of the structure a large open courtyard covered with white gravels,
is called Dantei (South Courtyard).
INSTITUITIONAL
RESIDENTIAL
RECREATIONAL

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SEIRYODEN
Seiryoden was built with the roof in Irimoya (hipped and gabled roof)
style made of layers of cypress bark and was built in the original style
of the Emperor’s residence during the Heian Period. In the center is
an Imperial Throne called “Michodai” on which the Emperor reposed
himeself. In front of “Michodai” there is a tatami-matted seat called
“Hi-no-omashi” which was used for the seat for the Emperor during
daytime. This building is also used for ceremonies it was once part of
Imperial Residence. Seiryoden is facing east to catch the east wind
for cooling relief from the heat of the summer.
OIKENIWA GARDEN
Oikeniwa Garden features a spacious pond with its strolling pathway
around the pond. The front shoreline called Suhama is covered with
pebbled stones and a path of large stepping stones leads down to
the water’s edge. Various elements, Keyakibashi Bridge,
arrangements of stones, and varied grasses and trees planted on the
shore, offer the variety of scenery of the garden.
KOGOSHO
Kogosho was built in mixture style of the Shinden-zukuri style and the
Shoin-zukuri style. It was used as a ceremonial hall as well as on the
occasions when the Emperor met Shogun (military rulers of feudal
times) and daimyo (feudal lords). On the night of December 9th in
1867, following the Declaration of the Restoration of Imperial Rules,
the Kogosho Conference was held here. The present structure was
reconstructed in 1958.
OGAKUMONJO
Ogakumonjo was built in the Shoin-zukuri style with the roof in
Irimoya (hipped and gabled roof) style made of layers of cypress
bark. This was the place where the academic events were held such
as Waka poetry recitals, other academic lectures and having
meetings with vassals.
INSTITUITIONAL
RESIDENTIAL
RECREATIONAL

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INSTITUITIONAL
RESIDENTIAL
RECREATIONAL
This area is for the empress and young princes and princesses. The northern part of
kyoto imperial palace is where the women and children lives.
KOGOGU TSUNEGOTEN
This palace was constructed as the residence for empresses and other
court ladies.
WAKAMIYA / HIMEMIYA GOTEN
This palace was for princes and princesses where the Emperor Meiji
resided in his childhood.

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This entire area is solely for the emperor’s use.
OTSUNEGOTEN
This is the largest structure on the Palace grounds. It was built in the
Shoin style with the roof in Irimoya (hipped and gabled roof) style. It
has 15 rooms of various sizes, made of layers of cypress bark and was
used as the Emperor’s private residence after the 16th century, in
place of the Seiryoden Palace.
OMIMA
the west side of Otsunegoten this is where they held the ceremonies
for Buddha death and the Bone festival (festivals of Heian period).
GONAITEI GARDEN
Gonaitei Garden (Inner Garden) is the Emperor’s private garden which
was exquisitely designed with the meandering stream spanned by
earthen and wooden bridges and a tea pavilion “Kintei” situated at the
back of the garden.

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IMPERIAL GATES
The Six Gates of Kyoto Imperial Palace
THE KENREI-MON GATE
The main gate, open only for the emperor
or for visiting foreign head of state.
THE SAKUHEI-MON GATE
The main gate used by the empress.

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THE GISHU-MON GATE
One of the six gates to the Imperial,
Palace, Kyoto Japan, It is the one used by
invited guest, but was originally designed
for entry of the Imperial princess and
nobles
THE GISHU-MON GATE
nobles
THE GISHU-MON GATE
nobles
SEISHO-MON GATE
This entry gate for tour of the site, which
traditionally was used for the lowest court
ranks.
KENSHU-MON GATE
Originally used for ministers of state, the
empress, and the dowager empress. It is a
similar architectural style to the Kenreimon
and the traditional ball game Kanmari,
back to the Heian period (794 TO 1185)
KOGO-MON GATE
(EMPRESS GATE)
The entrance in Imperial Palace Garden
and outer area from city street Kyoto,
Japan.

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OTHER STRUCTURES
OKURUMA-YOSE
This was the carriage porch used for official visits
by high ranking court nobles who had been
granted permission to enter the Palace.
JOMEI-MON GATE
This is the front gate of Shishinden. Has
vermillion pillars, white walls and tiled roofs
(shinden-zukuri style).
SHINMIKURUMAYOSE
This building was built as a new carriage porch for the
occasion of the enthronement ceremony of Emperor
Taisho in 1915.

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ARCHITECTURAL DETAILS
The Japanese Imperial kamon—a
stylized chrysanthemum blossom
The Chrysanthemum Flower Seal is the emblem of the Imperial Family, however this seal isn’t used during
the Heian period.
This is the detail were usually used in the architectural style of the palace which is the "symbol of Japan"This detail is
visible in KENSHU-MON GATE and Okurumayose

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Roof details in Kyoto Imperial palace, the 16-
petal Chrysanthemum Flower Seal
This is an ancient royal symbol on roof top of a Shinto
shrine in Kyoto Imperial Palace.
TSUIJI-BEI
(a wall made of mud and tile) this is approximately
110,000 sqm covering the perimeter of the Kyoto
Imperial Palace.
Detailed Art of Omima walls. This stands as Bone
festival and Tanabata star festival in the Heian
Period.

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ROOF
In East Asian architecture, the hip-and-gable
roof consists of a hip roof that slopes down on
all four sides and integrates a gable on two
opposing sides. It is usually constructed with
two large sloping roof sections in the front and
back respectively, while each of the two sides is
usually constructed with a smaller roof section.
KARAHAFU
a type of gable with a style peculiar to Japan.
The characteristic shape is the undulating curve
at the top. This gable is common in traditional
architecture, including Japanese castles,
Buddhist temples, and Shinto shrines. Roofing
materials such as tile and bark may be used as
coverings. The face beneath the gable may be
flush with the wall below, or it may terminate
on a lower roof. (This roof is also visible in
KENSHU-MON GATE and Okurumayose)
SHINDEN-ZUKURI
The shinden-zukuri is a style of
architecture that flourished in the
Heian period. This was the typical
pattern of a noble's estate in the
capital, and was doubtlessly
duplicated in the provinces. It was
marked by its main, central building
which invariably faced south, and the
secondary buildings surrounding and
attached to it by a startling array of
different types of covered corridors
and bridges.

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THE SHISHINDEN HALL (THE HALL OF STATE)
Watercolour of Kyoto Imperial Palace, Shinshiden Hall by Kiyoko Yamaguchi
The Shishinden (紫宸殿) is the most important ceremonial building within the palace grounds.
The enthronement ceremonies of Emperor Taisho and Emperor Showa took place here. The hall is
33 by 23 metres (108 by 75 ft) in size, and features a traditional architectural style, with a gabled and
hipped roof. On either side of its main stairway were planted trees which would become very famous
and sacred, a cherry (sakura) on the eastern, left side, and a tachibana orange tree on the right to the
west. The garden of white gravel played an important role in the ceremony.
The two trees represent eternity and change, respectively; the eternal element refers to the
atemporal sovereign, while the mutable element refers to the regent and other officials who serve at
the emperor’s side.
The center of the Shishin-den is surrounded by a hisashi (庇), a long, thin hallway which
surrounded the main wing of an aristocrat's home, in traditional Heian architecture. Within this is a
wide open space, crossed by boarded-over sections, leading to the central throne room.

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Front Elevation
The Emperor’s throne; the floor is not covered
with the usual tatami mat, the timber beams
and ceiling are shown
The Emperor’s throne; being disassembled. In
this picture, you can scale how high the
ceiling is

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Shinshiden Hall Floor Plan
The takamikura, a platform
surrounded by a railing, stood
near the middle of the floor of
the Shishinden, which was laid
with polished wooden boards.
Seated on the takamikura, the
emperor was higher than any of
the officials and guests in
attendance.
Suspended over the takamikura
was an octagonal canopy topped
by a gilt phoenix, and hanging
from the canopy were curtains to
hide the emperor from view

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PLANNING OF KEY BUILDING
To understand how the Kyoto Imperial Palace came to be we must understand
how the Heian palace functioned and how it was organized to serve its purpose.
The Heian capital measured 1,753 jō (about 5,240 meters) north to south and 1,508 jō
(about 4,510 meters) east to west. Surrounding the Heian capital were shrines, gardens,
streets, towers, and residential areas. The palace served as the imperial residence and
the administrative center of for most of the Heian period.
CHINESE INFLUENCE
Chang’an City is in square-shape, and the whole city is a symmetry construction
that separated into west and east sections by a main street called “ Zhuque”, and at the
north of the city, the Imperial Palace was placed on the end of the north axes, the palace
is divided into the Front Court and the Back Court, three main halls in the Front Court,
and one main halls surrounded with other smaller halls were located in the Back Court.
In addition, the palace was surrounded by nine gates.
Map of Chang An, Tang Dynasty

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Plan of Heian-kyō
The capital city (Heian-kyo) was learnt from Chang’an City, since it was the period
that influenced deeply by Chinese culture, and the capital was divided into west and east
city by a main street, and at the north end of the city was the Imperial Palace.
Significantly, reassembly to the Chang’an Imperial Palace, after two Gates on the
south end, three main halls seated on the axes of the Front Court for emperors dealing
with government affairs, officials worked at west and east sides of the Front Court,
moreover, the west front court and the east front Court had resemblances, the Dadairi
chose to separate military departments and civil departments, and arranged military
officials on the west and civil officials on the east, and this arrangement was learning from
Chang’an Palace. Following the north-south axes, the inner Court was after the three
main halls, and several main halls located on the axes provided the living halls for the
emperor and empress, and on the west and east of the main hall were the residences for
royal members and servants. Finally, the Gate at the north of the palace separated the
whole Palace from the rest of the Heian-kyo.

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Bird’s eye view of Heian-kyo
It was a time of peace. The royal court and a small aristocracy controlled the
wealth, but a mismanaged government caused the country to become poorer, and military
landlords eventually started to control the provinces. It was also a time of growth for
Buddhism and religious art flourished. Also, Chinese influences gradually diminished,
awakening the appreciation for local products and starting a native Japanese style.

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FRAGMENTS OF HEIAN
Overly of Heian-kyo in present Kyoto

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Grid Map of Heian-kyo

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Map Key (the sites are not necessarily concurrent historically)
1. Udain: Supposedly the residence of Emperor Kōkō (r. 884-887) while an imperial prince;
it is possible that Emperor Uda (r. 887-897) was raised here, causing his name to be
associated with the site.
2. Ichijōin: Emperor Ichijō (r. 986-1011) used this residence as his temporary palace
(satodairi) when the Inner Palace Compound burned down in 999. This is the palace
referred to in The Diary of Murasaki Shikibu.
3. Tsuchimikadodono (Kyōgokudono): The principal residence of Fujiwara no Michinaga
(966-1027), who symbolized the power of the Fujiwara clan at its peak. According to The
Diary of Murasaki Shikibu, this is where Empress Shōshi -- Michinaga's eldest daughter
and consort to Emperor Ichijō -- gave birth to the future Emperor Go-Ichijō.
4. Kaya no In: The residence of Fujiwara no Yorimichi (992-1074), eldest son of Fujiwara ni
Michinaga. Yorimichi converted his villa in Uji into the Byōdōin in 1052.
5. Reizeiin: The detached palace used by Retired Emperor Saga (r. 809-823).
6. Daigakuryō (Fun'ya no Tsukasa): The school attended by sons of the aristocracy
destined for careers in the Confucian-oriented bureacracy.
7. Shinsen'en: Garden park reserved for the pleasure of the imperial family. Much of the
original site is now occupied by Nijō Castle.
8. Nijōtei / Nijōnomiya: Nijōtei, on the north, was the residence of Fujiwara no Korechika
(974-1010); Nijōnomiya, on the south, was the residence of Empress Teishi (976-1000),
consort to Emperor Ichijō. Sei Shōnagon, author of The Pillow Book, served Empress
Teishi.
9. Junnain: Originally the detached palace of Emperor Junna (r. 823-833); made into a
temple in 879.
10. Suzakuin: The principal detached palace in the western half of the Heian capital, used
from the reign of Emperor Saga (r. 809-823).
11. Kawara no In: The residence of Minamoto no Tōru (822-895), said to have been one of
the models for Hikaru Genji. The residence itself was supposedly the model for Genji's
Rokujōin in The Tale of Genji.
12. Nishi no Ichi: The West Market, one of two markets established on either side of Suzaku
Avenue.
13. Higashi no Ichi: The East Market, one of two markets established on either side of
Suzaku Avenue.
14. Saiji: The West Temple, one of two temples built near the Rajōmon gate at the southern
boundary of the city.
15. Tōji: The East Temple, one of two temples built near the Rajōmon gate at the southern
boundary of the city.

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THE DAIDAIRI
For the Greater Palace Compound, or Daidairi, it is important to remember that the
blocks represent gated compounds rather than buildings, and that these compounds
enclosed buildings and open spaces. The Great Hall of State, for example, was a
structure more than 50 meters wide that stood at the northern end of the Court of
Government and was approached through two independent gates. It was based on
Chinese models and followed Chinese architectural styles, and archaeological evidence
from earlier capitals shows that this building complex was present in earlier palaces and
had a remarkably stable design from the 7th century onwards. Until 1177, when it was
destroyed by fire, this building was where the emperor conducted affairs of state.
Daigokuden - Chinese-style
building with white walls,
vermilion pillars and green tiled
roofs, intended to host the most
important state ceremonies and
functions.
Buraku-in - was another large
rectangular Chinese-style
compound, situated to the west
of the Chōdō-in. It was built for
official celebrations and
banquets and used also for
other types of entertainment
such as archery contests
The Inner Palace Compound,
or Dairi -contained the living
quarters of the Emperor and his
consorts, along with various
supporting structures and
offices. Some functions of state
were also conducted here,
especially after the destruction
by fire of the Great Hall of State
in 1177.
It has been suggested that the open Banquet Pine Grove to the
west of the Inner Palace Compound was intended to serve as an
alternate building site for the compound so that, like Ise Shrine, it
could be rebuilt at regular intervals.

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THE DAIRI
Dairi or Inner Palace Compound Map
After years of the Heian capital being burnt and rebuilt the Kyoto imperial palace
was then situated in the Kyōto-gyoen a large rectangular enclosure 1,300 metres (4,300
ft) north to south and 700 metres (2,300 ft) east to west Which was formerly the fujiwara
residence during the Heian period. It also contains the gardens and the Kyoto State Guest
House. The estate dates from the early Edo period when the residence of high court
nobles were grouped close together with the palace and the area walled. When the capital
was moved to Tokyo, the residences of the court nobles were demolished and most of
Kyōto Gyoen is now a park open to the public.

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The version currently standing
was completed in 1855, with an
attempt at reproducing the Heian
period architecture and style of the
original dairi of the Heian Palace.
Earthen walls or tsuiji-bei surrounded
the Kyoto imperial palace and
separates it from the modern city.
Although most of the spaces
that the Heian era offered were
removed , certain important features
that were special or represented the
Heian capital were preserved to
remind us of its historical importance
such as the hall of states for
ceremonies, the empress buildings
which housed the emperor and the
empress and the imperial buildings for
high ranking aristocrats and
government officials, its
gardens,ponds and the sakura trees
which were symbolic for serenity.

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GATES
Placed a special function during the Heian to the edo period. Gates determined
once status since only certain status may enter certain gates. And it was one of the factors
that were used to separate ranking orders. From the residences to the government official
up to the emperors area. This was preserved even to the current Kyoto imperial palace.
The kenreimon gate being the gate for the highest status. Today it is only open for
the emperor and visiting foreign head of the states. The sakuheimoin gate was the main
gate used by the empress and the gishumon gate for the court nobles.
GENERAL ARRANGEMENT OF SPACES OR ZONING OF THE CURRENTLY KYOTO IMPERIAL
PALACE:

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The shinshinden (the most important ceremonial building within the palace grounds. The
enthronement ceremonies of Emperor Taisho and Emperor Showa took place here). The
hall is 33 by 23 meters (108 by 75 ft) in size, and features a traditional architectural style,
with a gabled and hipped roof. On either side of its main stairway were planted trees
which would become very famous and sacred, a cherry (sakura) on the eastern, left side,
and a tachibana orange tree on the right to the west. The garden of white gravel played
an important role in the ceremony.
The Seiryōden sits to the west of the Shishin-den, facing east. It, too, has a hipped and
gabled roof, and is primarily cypress wood. Originally a place where the Emperor would
conduct his own personal affairs was later used for various gatherings and meetings as
well. In the center is an area where the Emperor would rest, and on the east side of the
hall, an area of two tatami was set aside for dignitaries and aristocrats to sit. Here was
where the Emperor could conduct formal affairs. On the north side of the hall was an
enclosed area where the Emperor would sleep at night; later, Emperors began to use the
official residence. The west side was set aside for the Emperor's breakfasts, and also
contained the lavatories, while the south side was used by the keeper of the Imperial
Archives.

Page35
The palace and garden are within the old palace enclosure but were built much
later, during the Edo period (1855). The style is loosely based on the Heian shinden-
zukuri style, with large gravel courtyards and a small pond garden
Its northern part was where the woman and
the children lived
The center part was where the emperor resided
Garden views
Oike-niwa garden highlighted in pink

Page36
PERSONAL DISCUSSIONS
I learned that Japanese people keep that track of their records
through scriptures and painting way back from 794. They truly respect and
preserve their cultural tradition and respect it like during the
enthronement ceremonies of their Emperor. The area of the palace
includes several buildings, along with the imperial residence. It is amazing
that way back they already thought of bringing nature into their design to
bring a zen and peaceful environment.
Peter Leslie Salva
One thing that amazed me from researching about the Kyoto
Imperial Palace and the Heian Palace was that large kingdoms did not only
exist in movies but in real life as well.
Furthermore, I was surprised to know that the Chinese had a huge
influence on Japanese culture, traditions, lifestyle and even in its
architectural designs and style.
The imperial palaces gates that symbolized status were unique and it was
first time I have heard of it. It was great and it showed how well-mannered
and cultured the Japanese are and how they respect authority which shows
how much they are disciplined from which I hope we Filipinos will emulate.
Joseph Roi Castanares
History is one of the most precious information that we can learn
not only in the field of architecture but in every perspective of knowledge.
The research of Heian Period and Kyoto Imperial Palace gives me the
answer of my curiosity, in terms of how did the culture and tradition of
Japan sync in to the present time, on how the Japanese respects their
culture, on how classical Japanese architecture influence the present style,
and one of my favorite is the fact that how big is Heian Palace during that
time. What I've love about in this activity aside from learning the
terminologies is how the Japanese respect their culture and their tradition,
it really amazed me that they brings back the essence of tranquility
through the preservation of the classical Japanese architecture.Bryan Vince Estrella
The Heian Period lasted for almost 400 years, its legacy paved way
for Japan’s state today. Although they started off basing on the
construction and lay-out methods of the Chinese, what they have learned,
they incorporated and mixed it with their culture making it something of
their own. Applying the same grid system made their city more systematic,
and effective. The prevalent use of symmetry is also what I’m very satisfied
in their designs. The construction of the imperial palace took time, heavy
labor and money, I’m really curious how they come up with new designs.
The layout of the Imperial Palace is very much applied even today, public,
semi private, and private zones, how they were put in the complex. The
most memorable thing that stuck to me while learning about the Heian
palace is the importance of literature in our history, the Heian palace was
long gone, but it has forever remained in the books and records of the
scholars of the past that became basis of today.
Krisha Marie Orbiso

Page37
REFERENCES
http://www.jlit.net/reference/history/heiankyo.html
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kyoto_Imperial_Palace
https://www.kunaicho.go.jp/eabout/shisetsu/kyoto.html#:~:text=The%20Kyoto%20Imperial%20Palace
%20had,buildings%20were%20rebuilt%20in%201855.
https://wiki.samurai-archives.com/index.php?title=Meiji_Emperor
https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3917.html
https://www.orientalarchitecture.com/sid/210/japan/kyoto/kyoto-imperial-palace
https://asia453.wordpress.com/2017/03/page/2/
http://baijiahao.baidu.com/s?id=1651593751903959657
Plan of Heian-kyo Map-https://www.flickr.com/photos/24354425@N03/12891603895/in/photostream/
Birds eye view of Heian-kyo- Easton, M & Saldais, M, 2011, Oxford Big Ideas Geography| History 8 Australian
Curriculum, Oxford University Press, Melbourne, p. 394
Inter-active map overlay of Heian-kyo to present day Kyoto-
http://www.arc.ritsumei.ac.jp/archive01/theater/html/heian/
https://www.planetware.com/japan-tourism-vacations-jpn.htm
https://nosonotakako.weebly.com/blog/category/heian-period-7941185-ad

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