The Imperial Palace in Kyoto, Yamatai (Planet), is the home of the Imperial Senate of Yamatai of the Yamatai Star Empire and the office of the Imperial Premier. It is ten blocks away from (and facing) the home of the Emperor, the Empress' Palace. While not as high as the Empress' Palace, it is certainly impressive even from a distance. It is shaped mushroom-like, and it is easily distinguished between the other buildings.

It is 800 meters(2600 feet) high and 500 meters(1600 feet) broad. It is not the highest building in Kyoto, but it can be seen in the skyline and easily be depicted for its mushroom-like architecture.

In front, there is one big round tower, known as the Premier's Citadel, where the Imperial premier resides on top. Inside the tower, most of the Premier's own personnel work, but there are various Senator residents as well. It's 500 meters(1600 feet) high and 100 meters (300 feet) broad, and contains up to 200 floors. The entrance to the rest of the Palace lies on the ground floor. People enter trough what is known as the Great Archway, above which the Yamatai Flag, the Ketsurui Clan symbol, and the Star Army Hinomaru are shown. Sideways from the Archway, two Ketsurui Samurai act as ceremonial protectors for the Senate. Every 2 hours, a changing of the guard is performed, a ceremony which is filled with much tradition, and is also a touristic sight. Across the doorway, the first line of the Anthem of Yamatai, “Let the moments of our future, Be greater than those passed” is written in gold, in both Yamataigo and Trade.

Directly past the Archway, people enter a big entry hall from which various of the buildings chambers can be found. Besides a meeting hall for Senators, the hall also serves as the primary hub for all Senators personell. In the centre, several statues, including those of respected ex-Empress' and Senators, can be seen. The Senators and citizens have direct acess to SYNC and Yamatai Interstellar News Network (YINN) via various nodes stationed around the hall. At the sides of the Hall, a small restaurant and Coffee house can be found, to service the Senators. At the opposite end of the Archway, the Senate Dome can be found.

This stands in the heart of the building and is the place where most of the senate's discussions and proposals are done. The area has the shape of a semi-circle, with the Imperial Premier sitting at one end of the circle, with the Steward and Sergeant in Arms in front in slightly lower chairs. The Senators are seated in rather simplistic cushioned chairs, with small wooden tables with Volumetric Displays in front of them. During sessions, the Premier adresses the proposed issues and laws from his seat, while the sponsoring Senators make their pleas from a small stand aside from the podium, somewhat turned towards both the Premier's podium and the Senators around them.

The podium is rather elaborate, with a large silk curtain surrounding it, with a large golden frame on top with the symbol of a Dove in flight, a symbol of peace for Yamatai. Behind the Premier is the Yamatai flag, or more specifically the Lotus flower that is central on the flag. Above the dome, a large public tribune is situated where Kyoto citizens and other interestees may spectate the proceedings of the Senate.

Named after the Royal Family, the space-port is the main entrance into the building from off-world. Yearly, thousands of tourists enter trough this space-port on their way trough the Imperial District. It is also the place where the off-world senators land on their way to the senate meetings. From here, several turbo-lifts can take the passengers to almost every chambers in the building. The spaceport is heavily monitored, so nothing is smuggled in.

When not conversing inside the Senate Dome, these three chambers are used for less important senate meetings. They are directly behind the Dome, filling up the other half of the circle. They are named after respected Empress'. While not as big as the Senate Dome, these chambers are often places where important gatherings are held if the Senate Dome is occupied. Mostly, when the Premier is inside the Senate Dome, the meetings in the chambers are administrated by a so-called “Imperial Chamberlain”. The Senators are seated in chairs here as well, around several long tables with the Chamberlain at the top.

Named after another member of the Royal Family, This balcony rests high above the Senate Dome and offers a great view over the rest of the city. It faces directly across to the Temple Of Chiharu, and at night it has some great view for astronomy, because it stands taller than most of the surrounding buildings and the Senate Dome blocks out most of the city light. Also, the spiritual services at the temple can be seen from here. Access is open for all, but most of the time it is very crowded.

This page was created by Yoerik.