The Kyoto Imperial Palace has opened to the public for its annual spring showing.
About 850 people lined up before its opening at 9 AM on Wednesday. The palace was the official residence of Japanese emperors for more than 500 years until the late 19th Century.
Visitors are usually required to get advanced permission to enter, but the public is allowed in twice a year during spring and autumn.
A picture of peonies and lilies painted on a cedar board by a 19th century painter, Kokin Yoshida, is on display inside the palace entrance known as Shin-mikuruma-yose. The entrance has been used for visits by emperors since the early 20th Century.
Dolls playing instruments are on display in a room used for meetings with shoguns and feudal lords, depicting an aristocrats’ performance of ceremonial court music.
Cherry blossoms are in full bloom in front of a hall used for enthronement ceremonies.
One young visitor said he was excited to see the historic building up close.
The palace is open to the public through Sunday.
Source and image: NHK
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