It was here that Emperor Kogon was crowned in 1331. From then, it was the Imperial Residence until the year 1869, when the Emperor Meiji moved the capital to Tokyo. The Shishinden is the most important building within the palace grounds. It is where important ceremonies like the enthronement ceremony is held. It faces south and was built in the traditional architecture, shinden style, with a raised floor and cypress bark roof. The 'Takamikura' (Emperor's throne) stands in the center, flanked on the east by the Michodai (Empress's throne). A garden of white gravel spreads out before the building with a cherry tree on the right (Ukon no Sakura) and mandarin tree to the left (Sakon no Tachibana) of the building.
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