Imperial palaces to expand public access

The Imperial Household Agency says it will increase opportunities for the public to visit the grounds of the Imperial Palaces in Kyoto and Tokyo.The Agency says it will open the palace compound in Japan’s ancient capital of Kyoto year-round instead of only for 5 days each in the spring and fall.The palace includes buildings where enthronement ceremonies have taken place and the living quarters of Emperors, and many valuable screen and wall paintings. The residence was used for about 540 years until 1868. At the current palace grounds in Tokyo, the biannual opening of the tree-lined Inui-dori avenue will be extended from 5 days to one week.The road is open to the public during the spring cherry blossom season and in the autumn when leaves turn color.This year’s spring viewing in Tokyo will start on March 25th.   Source and image: NHK Share this:TweetEmail