The Kyoto Imperial Palace was the residence of the Emperor of Japan for most of Japan's history: from the middle of the Kamakura Period in 1227 until the beginning of the Meiji Period in 1869. It was built after the original Heian Palace was abandoned, and was rebuilt in 1855, in the center of the Kyoto Imperial Park (京都御苑).
Emperor Meiji ordered that the Kyoto Imperial Palace be preserved in 1877. These grounds demonstrate the position and lifestyle of the Emperor during the era of the Shogunate.
The palace grounds can be entered only on guided tour held by the Imperial Household Agency. The tours are held at 10am and 2pm, and take about one hour, passing in front of the houses and through the gardens. None of the buildings can be entered, and advanced reservations for the tours are mandatory. These reservations must be made in person at least 20 minutes in advance, at the Imperial Agency Office, which is located within the Kyoto Imperial Park, next to the Imperial Palace grounds entrance. There are many visiting procedures that must be abided by, which can be read here. The Imperial Palace is a great site to visit as it covers both the Edo and Meji era of Japan.
For teachers of grade 8 social studies the specific outcomes relating to the Imperial Palace are:
"Values and Attitudes
For teachers of grade 8 social studies the specific outcomes relating to the Imperial Palace are:
"Values and Attitudes
8.1.2
appreciate how a society’s worldview can foster the choice to remain an isolated
society
8.1.3
appreciate how models of governance and decision making reflect a society’s
worldview
Knowledge and Understanding
upon the following questions and issues:
• How did isolation
during the Edo period lead to changes in Japan?
• How did the changes
resulting from isolation affect Japan economically, politically and
socially during the Edo period?
• How did the shogun
use the feudal system and the hierarchical social classes to maintain
control of Japan?
Meiji period by exploring and reflecting upon the following
questions and issues:
• How did Japan adapt
to changes brought on by the transition from feudal to modern models
of organization?
• How did the changes
resulting from adaptation affect Japan economically, politically and
socially during the Meiji period?
• In what ways did
changes resulting from isolation in the Edo period compare to changes
resulting from adaptation in the Meiji period?
• What challenges
emerged for the Japanese in maintaining traditional cultural aspects of their
society while undergoing rapid change?" (From the Grade 8 Social Studies Program of Studies)
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| Otsunegoten – used as Emperor’s residence until 1869 [it is the largest building in the grounds, having 15 rooms] |
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| View through Jomeimon Gate 承明門 – in the background is the Shishinden 紫宸殿, the most important building in the palace as it was used for important ceremonies |
Websites: http://sankan.kunaicho.go.jp/english/guide/kyoto.html, http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3917.html, http://www.kyoto-np.co.jp/kp/koto/gosyo/gosyo_e.html, http://thedailybubbletea.com/2007/11/05/kyoto-imperial-palace/, http://www.dogboy.org/albums/japan/palace.html
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Comment on what you could learn related to what you have studied about Edo and Meiji Japan.
Comment on what you could learn related to what you have studied about Edo and Meiji Japan.
