Kokyo

Kokyo is a romanization of Japanese terms read kōkyō or kyo in kana, and may refer to several different concepts depending on the kanji used. The most prominent use is 皇居, commonly spelled Kōkyo in romaji and often anglicized as Kokyo. 皇居 means "Imperial Palace" and denotes the residence of the Emperor of Japan and the seat of the Imperial Household. The palace complex sits in central Tokyo, with extensive gardens and moats; most of the inner grounds are closed to the public, while the outer gardens are accessible. Official tours are offered on select days.

Outside 皇居, Kokyo can also appear as a place name or surname in Japanese, with meanings depending on the kanji chosen. Because kanji determine meaning, the same romanization can correspond to different words or names. In non-Japanese contexts, Kokyo may be used as a fictional or transliterated name in literature, games, or media, but these uses are varied and not standardized.

For readers encountering Kokyo, the identifying kanji is essential to determine which entity is intended. In English-language texts, authors often specify 皇居 when referring to the Imperial Palace, to avoid ambiguity. See also: Japanese imperial residences, romanization of Japanese, kanji.