grounds include a number of buildings, along with the imperial residence. The neighboring building to the north is the , or residence of the retired Emperor, and beyond that, across Imadegawa Street, sits Doshisha University. The Imperial Household Agency maintains the building and the grounds and also runs public tours. Structures The main buildings are, among other halls, the , , , , and a number of residences for the Empress, high-ranking aristocrats and government officials. Okurumayose Dignitaries with special permission for official visits used to enter the palace through the entrance. Shodaibunoma The building was used as a waiting room for dignitaries on their official visits to the palace. They were ushered into three different anterooms according to their ranks. Shinmikurumayose The structure was built as a new carriage entrance on the occasion of the enthronement ceremony of Emperor Taisho in 1915. Gates For state ceremonies, the dignitaries would enter through the , which has a cypress-wood roof, and is supported by four unpainted wooden pillars. This gate would have been used on the rare occasions of the Emperor welcoming a foreign diplomat or dignitary, as well as for many other important state ceremonies. Passing through the Kenreimon, the inner gate Jomeimon would appear, which is painted in vermilion and roofed in tile. This leads to the Shishin-den, which is the Hall for State Ceremonies. The Gekkamon is a smaller gate on the west side of the main courtyard. The annual Aoi Matsuri in May is the procession of the Saiō-Dai, historically a priestess of the imperial house, to the Shimogamo Shrine and Kamigamo Shrine. The procession departs in front of the Kenreimon. Another gate in the outer courtyard is the Kenshunmon, which has a similar architectural style to the Kenreimon. Located next to the Kenshunmon is a square where the traditional ball game Kemari is played. Shunkōden The was constructed to house the sacred mirror on the occasion of the enthronement ceremony of Emperor Taisho in 1915. The roof is modern in that it is made out of copper and not wooden shingles. Shishinden The is the most important ceremonial building within the palace grounds. The enthronement ceremonies of Emperor Taisho and Emperor Showa took place here. The hall is in size, and features a traditional architectural style, with a gabled and hipped roof. On either side of its main stairway were planted trees which would become very