On October 8, 2026, a special autumn exhibition titled "An Introduction to Imperial Court Culture" began at the Kyoto Imperial Palace in Kamigyo Ward, Kyoto City, offering the public a rare chance to view wall paintings and furnishings not typically on display. Following the conclusion of this exhibition, the Shishinden (Ceremonial Hall) will undergo extensive maintenance—including the replacement of its *hiwadabuki* (cypress-bark) roof—which is expected to last approximately nine years. Many visitors arrived on the opening day, eager to catch a final glimpse of the Shishinden in its current state.
The event saw an unusually high turnout, with about 270 people lining up before the gates opened at 9:00 a.m. From the southern courtyard of the Shishinden, visitors were able to get a close-up view of the *Takamikura* (imperial throne) and *Michodai* (empress’s throne)—both used during imperial enthronement ceremonies—and take photographs.
On display for the first time are wall paintings titled "Ganjitsu Sechie" (depicting New Year’s banquet festivities) and "Jugatsu Koromogae" (depicting the seasonal change to winter attire within the Seiryoden, or Imperial Living Quarters). These are exhibited at the Gishu-mon Gate guardhouse, alongside statues of *shishi* and *komainu* (mythical guardian lions). Inside the Seiryoden, the scene of the seasonal change of attire is also illustrated using traditional dolls.
A 68-year-old man from Ukyo Ward, Kyoto, who had been waiting in line before the gates opened, remarked, "The construction work is necessary to preserve these cultural assets for future generations. I look forward to seeing the Shishinden again in nine years."
This special exhibition is organized annually in the spring and autumn by the Kyoto Office of the Imperial Household Agency. It will run until October 12. Admission is free, and the gates are open from 9:00 a.m. to 3:20 p.m. Scheduled performances include *kangen* (court instrumental music) on October 9 and 10, *kemari* (traditional court football) on October 11, and *gagaku* (imperial court music and dance) on October 12—with two performances held for each.
