Jurakudai, 16th century palace in Kamigyō district, Kyoto, Japan
Jurakudai was a fortified residence in Kamigyō district, Kyōto, with massive walls and a moat covering an area almost as large as the Imperial Palace Enclosure. The compound included multiple buildings, gardens, and courtyards that together formed an imposing urban power center.
Construction began in 1586 under orders from Toyotomi Hideyoshi after he became Kampaku and took nineteen months to finish. The compound was later dismantled on his orders, with portions distributed to temples across Kyōto.
The name literally me ans 'pal ace of enjoy ment', ref lecting how its owner wanted to proj ect power through hosp itality . Visitors today can see some original architectural elements at nearby temp les where parts were relocated after dem ol ition .
Stone markers near Imadegawa Station indicate the original location, while surviving architectural elements are housed at Nishi Hongan-ji and Daitoku-ji. The site itself is openly accessible, though the relocated structures require visiting the temple grounds.
Archaeological excavations uncovered roof tiles covered with gold leaf, confirming the extraordinary decoration level. The site now lies beneath modern streets and residential buildings, though tile fragments are preserved in local museums.
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