The first Imperial Palace was built in 794 and since then has been burned down and rebuilt a total of 16 times. Its current incarnation dates from the end of the 19C and you can have a look around, albeit somewhat hastily and with a fairly taciturn guide. Cast an eye over the Court Room to see the paintings and sliding doors and another into the Coronation Hall and with that you are already out in the garden, at the end of the visit. Your time is your own in the surrounding 85h park, shaded with trees and graced with a pond, where all of Kyoto comes to enjoy the fresh air, doze, play or picnic.