Translation guide
The residence of the Emperor of Japan, located in Tokyo. In Japanese, it is most commonly referred to as 皇居 (Kōkyo).
Referring to the primary residence of the Emperor of Japan, located in the former Edo Castle grounds in central Tokyo.
The standard, formal name for the Imperial Palace in Tokyo. Used in official contexts, news, and everyday conversation.
皇居は東京の中心にあります。
The Imperial Palace is in the center of Tokyo.
皇居の一般参観に参加しました。
I participated in a public visit to the Imperial Palace.
Refers specifically to the outer gardens of the Imperial Palace, a popular public space.
皇居外苑を散歩しました。
I took a walk in the Imperial Palace Outer Gardens.
The East Gardens of the Imperial Palace, open to the public.
皇居東御苑は月曜日が休みです。
The Imperial Palace East Gardens are closed on Mondays.
Referring to historical imperial residences, especially the Kyoto Imperial Palace.
The former Imperial Palace in Kyoto. Often called 'Kyoto Imperial Palace' in English.
京都御所は予約なしで見学できます。
You can visit the Kyoto Imperial Palace without a reservation.
A general term for an imperial palace, but when used alone often implies the Kyoto Imperial Palace in historical contexts.
御所は昔、天皇の住まいでした。
The Imperial Palace was the emperor's residence in the past.
Referring to imperial palaces in general, or in historical contexts outside of Tokyo and Kyoto.
While primarily the Tokyo palace, 皇居 can refer to any imperial palace in formal or historical writing.
古の皇居は今は跡地のみです。
The ancient imperial palace is now only ruins.
A general word for 'palace', not limited to imperial residences. Can be used for foreign palaces or grand buildings.
皇居 (Kōkyo) specifically refers to the current Imperial Palace in Tokyo. 御所 (Gosho) is a more general term for an imperial palace, but in modern usage, 京都御所 (Kyōto Gosho) is the standard way to refer to the Kyoto Imperial Palace. Using just 御所 might be ambiguous without context.
バッキンガム宮殿はイギリスの王宮です。
Buckingham Palace is the royal palace of the United Kingdom.