Translation guide
Refers to the dwelling place of the Japanese emperor or imperial family. The most common term is 皇居 (Kōkyo), specifically the current Imperial Palace in Tokyo. Other terms exist for historical or specific contexts.
The primary residence of the Emperor of Japan, located in Tokyo.
The standard term for the current Imperial Palace in Tokyo. Used in official and everyday contexts.
The Imperial Palace is in the center of Tokyo.
A generic or formal term for the dwelling of an emperor, not necessarily the current one.
A respectful term for an imperial residence, historically used for the Kyoto Imperial Palace and other palaces.
Specific former imperial residences, especially in Kyoto.
The Kyoto Imperial Palace, the former residence of the emperor before the capital moved to Tokyo.
A secondary residence or retreat for the imperial family.
An imperial villa or detached palace, such as the Katsura Imperial Villa.
皇居 (Kōkyo) specifically refers to the current Imperial Palace in Tokyo. 御所 (Gosho) is a more general respectful term for an imperial residence, often used for the Kyoto Imperial Palace (京都御所). Using 皇居 for the Kyoto palace would be incorrect.
For most modern references to the emperor's residence, 皇居 is the safest and most common term.
I visited the Imperial Palace for the New Year's greeting.
京都御所は昔の天皇の住まいでした。
The Kyoto Imperial Palace was the residence of past emperors.
Means 'palace' and can refer to an imperial residence, but is broader and can also mean a royal palace in general.
That palace was built for the emperor.
The Kyoto Imperial Palace is open to the public.
Refers to the greater imperial palace complex in Heian-kyō (ancient Kyoto), mainly used in historical contexts.
The Daidairi was the center of Heian-kyō.
The Shugakuin Imperial Villa is known for its beautiful gardens.
An imperial villa used as a retreat, often in a resort area. The term is still used for some current imperial properties.
The Nasu Imperial Villa is a retreat for the imperial family.