Kyoto palace offers last look at ceremonial hall before repairs

KYOTO - Kyoto Imperial Palace in western Japan began a special autumn viewing Thursday, offering visitors a last chance to see the exterior of the main ceremonial hall before it is covered for restoration work, which is expected to take about nine years.

The Shishinden hall, the palace's most prestigious building, was used for important ceremonies including imperial enthronements, with the current structure rebuilt in 1855 following a fire.