During a visit to Kyoto in 2007 I had the chance to tour the Imperial Palace. These grounds were where the emperor lived until the government moved to Tokyo in the late 19th century. (See photos of the Imperial Palace in Tokyo here.)

My visit to the Palace in Kyoto was during the hot and steamy month of August and the visit to the palace was taken just as a storm was rolling in. I spent the majority of my time taking photos of the Oikeniwa Garden. With the wind blowing the crepe myrtle blossoms were scattered on the lake and blown across the ponds making for great photo opportunities.