Pictures
In the center of the city of Kyoto is a city within the city. This is the ancient Imperial Palace from whence Japan was ruled for hundreds of years. The inner walls of the palace are seen here and are well within the outer palace walls forming a huge park in the middle of the city.
The inner palace grounds where the emperor would hold court.
The main audience hall
Living quarters of the court nobles
Noblewoman's audience chamber. She would sit on a platform within the white curtained area. These curtains would be completely lowered. The two sets of bamboo screens hanging from the Ceiling, an outer set and another set visible further in, would also be lowered and visitors would be required to remain outside and speak to her from within these three layers of curtains and screens.
