After waking from my shochu & sento enhanced slumber, the rain stopped and I made it out to the Imperial Palace. I ran into a fellow traveller from the New Koyo in line to enter. We tried to contact each other when we got to Kyoto, but was difficult since we were staying in different places.
Kyoto was the capital until the late 1800s when the seat of government was moved to Tokyo. The palace is still here and it’s now used for enthronement ceremonies.
It was impressive. Especially the gardens. Like my backyard could look like this!
Where can I follow up for more information
Here’s a good link or two.
http://www.kunaicho.go.jp/e07/ed07-05.html
http://www.orientalarchitecture.com/kyoto/goshoindex.htm
Info about visiting:
http://www.kyoto-np.co.jp/kp/koto/gosyo/gosyo_e.html
Good luck!