Kyoto deserves more than 1 or 2 days of visit. There are many paid and free shrines or temple that are listed as UNESCO World Heritage. And as I learn, there is a place named Uji, just 25 minutes by train from Kyoto, there is much more to know about Kyoto.
Kyoto is also a home of the older emperor's palace before it was moved to Edo (Tokyo)), and with a reservation, it's a free visit with English speaking tour guide (just visit the office on the day before the tour starts with your passport and fill in application). The palace has survived many fires so I don't remember how much of the buildings are original. There are several palace treasures that are kept inside a dark building which was not shown for the public, a shame.
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| I have to admit, getting to the former imperial palace is not as easy, though only about 20 minutes train ride, then you have to walk to the inside as it was not visible from the street |
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| Tour guide explains in waiting room |
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| Not allowed inside but there are paintings on the wall |
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| The palace has many gates |
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| Orange painted pillars |
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| Tour guide's explaining the material used for the roof |
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| Notice the lattice ornament under the roof, it's beautiful |
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| One of emperor's resting place i think, it has layers of curtain to protect against the four seasons |
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| the older and newer roof |
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| one of the several gardens |
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| tour guide mentions that there is doors underneath the halls that are used for servants only |
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| the door for servants, the emperor will never have to touch the ground as he either got carried by people on a cart or walk on the hall. |
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