Kyoto Imperial Palace

Although the Emperor of Japan currently resides in Tokyo, this Palace is still preserved and used whenever the Emperor visits Kyoto. Within the Palace compound, there's 'Shishinden' (pic 1), which is the most important building here. It was the place where enthronement ceremonies were held. There are several entrance gates (pic 2) to the palace whereby each gate has a different status and purpose. There's also the beautiful 'Oikeniwa' garden (pic 3). I came to know that in 2005, the meeting between President Bush and Prime Minister Koizumi was held in this Palace..not to forget the tight security and street demonstrators