noun
imperial palace; Kyoto Imperial Palace; residence of a shogun or high-ranking noble
Refers to the physical residence of the emperor, a retired emperor, or historically a shogun or high minister. Often specifically the Kyoto Imperial Palace.
京都御所は、かつて天皇の住まいでした。
The Kyoto Imperial Palace was once the residence of the emperor.
江戸時代、将軍の御所は江戸城にありました。
During the Edo period, the shogun's residence was at Edo Castle.
noun
emperor; ex-emperor; empress; imperial prince; shogun; minister
Honorific metonymy: the residence is used to refer to the person. Used historically for the emperor, shogun, or high-ranking nobles. Modern usage is rare and largely historical.
御所の仰せにより、家臣たちはすぐに動いた。
At the command of His Majesty, the retainers moved at once.
皇居 refers specifically to the current Tokyo Imperial Palace, while 御所 is a broader historical term that can refer to any imperial or shogunal residence, especially the Kyoto Imperial Palace.
宮殿 is a general word for 'palace', not limited to Japanese imperial residences. 御所 is specifically Japanese and carries historical and cultural weight.
From 御 (honorific prefix) + 所 (place). Literally 'honorable place', used as a respectful term for the residence of the emperor or shogun, and by extension for the person themselves.