Kyoto palace offers last look at ceremonial hall before repairs

Kyoto Imperial Palace in western Japan opened its gates Thursday for a special autumn viewing, providing the final opportunity for visitors to witness the exterior of the main ceremonial hall before it undergoes a nine-year restoration. The Shishinden hall, the palace's most prominent building, was utilized for significant ceremonies, including imperial enthronements, with the current structure being rebuilt in 1855 after a fire.

Visitors can still view the hall's interior from the garden in front, where they can admire the Takamikura throne and the Michodai seat, both integral to enthronement ceremonies.

The exhibition also showcases the Shishinden's lion-dog statues, which serve as traditional symbols of the hall's high status. Upon arrival, about 260 people were patiently waiting in line before the gates opened. Hiroaki Imamura, an official at the Imperial Household Agency's Kyoto Office, expressed delight at the high turnout, stating that this is the first time he has seen such a large crowd on a weekday.

Once restoration work commences, the hall will no longer be accessible for close inspection. The Imperial Household Agency hopes that visitors will take advantage of this final opportunity to visit the site. The restoration will encompass replacing the hall's cypress bark roof, which is typically renewed every 30 years, upgrading disaster-prevention facilities, and assessing the hall's earthquake resistance. During the restoration period, a temporary protective structure will shield the hall from wind and rain.

The viewing period extends until Monday, with free admission and no reservation required. Visitors are encouraged to enter the site between 9 a.m. and 3:20 p.m.