Kyoto Imperial Palace

It was my first time in Kyoto in April 2023. People who know me well knew I was leaving Hong Kong for good at the end of the 2023 to move to a location that wasn’t in Asia. So it was practically the last chance (or so I thought) for me to visit Japan for a long while. My son also has a thing for Japan & Japanese culture, so I took him along for this journey. Kyoto has in many ways retained its tradition unlike other large cities in Japan like Tokyo & Osaka. It holds an immensely important place in Japanese history, as it was the imperial capital of Japan for over 1,000 years.

One of the first things I wanted to visit in Kyoto is the Imperial Palace grounds. The Kyoto Imperial Palace served as the residence of Japan’s emperors from 794 until 1868, until the capital moved to Tokyo during the Meiji Restoration. Although no longer the imperial residence, it remains a symbol of Japan’s cultural and imperial heritage, renowned for its traditional architecture and beautiful gardens.

I wasn’t able to tour the Kyoto Imperial Palace itself when I visited, but the experience of exploring the gardens and shrines surrounding it was more than enough to make the trip worthwhile. The palace grounds are lush with traditional Japanese gardens that felt like a peaceful retreat. I found myself lingering in the Oike-niwa Garden, with its tranquil pond, perfectly placed stones, and manicured trees. The blend of nature and design felt so calming, and I couldn’t help but slow down and take in the serene surroundings.

There are also a few hidden shrines nestled in the corners of the palace grounds. Each one feels like a quiet sanctuary, allowing visitors to step away from the hustle of the city and experience a sense of spiritual calm. Walking through these gardens and passing by the shrines was like stepping into Kyoto’s imperial past, where everything was designed to create balance and harmony with nature. Even without seeing the palace itself, the experience was a beautiful reminder of Kyoto’s deep cultural roots. If you’re ever in the city, the palace gardens are a must-see for their serenity and historical significance.