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.
The Kyoto Imperial Palace was once the residence of the emperor.
During the Edo period, the shogun's residence was at Edo Castle.
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.
At the command of His Majesty, the retainers moved at once.
The nobles formally attended the imperial palace on New Year's Day.
The samurai were guarding the imperial palace.
宮殿 is a general word for any palace worldwide, while 御所 is specifically Japanese and carries historical and honorific weight.
御所 refers specifically to the Kyoto Imperial Palace or a retired emperor's residence, while 宮 is the broader term for imperial palaces and residences in general.
御所 usually refers to the main imperial palace or residence, while 離宮 is a secondary palace built apart from it.
Standard kanji spelling; the most common written form in modern Japanese.
Rare variant spelling; 御所 is overwhelmingly preferred.
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.