The city of Kyoto had been the site of the imperial residence since the relocation of the capital by emperor Kanmu in 794. 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.
Presently, some of the important court events such as the Kyoto Imperial Palace Tea Party hosted by Their Majesties the Emperor and the Empress sometimes are celebrated here. The palace also receives state guests and plays an important role as a place that introduces Japanese court culture to foreign dignitaries. On the palace grounds, besides the palace buildings, are two gardens. In the main garden, called Pond Garden, a spacious pond dominates the center, and the other garden, called Inner Garden, where variously styled stone lanterns presented by some prominent feudal lords can be seen. The seasonal changes of flowers and trees are a delight for visitors to the palace grounds.