Sentō Imperial Palace, Retirement palace complex in Kyoto, Japan
Description
Sentō Imperial Palace is a retirement residence in Kyoto, where the main buildings once stood but the gardens and water features remain. The two ponds are linked by a canal, crossed by six bridges of different construction that offer changing views across the grounds.
History
Emperor Go-Mizunoo ordered the construction from 1630 as his retirement home after abdicating in favor of his daughter. The main buildings burned in 1854 and were never rebuilt, leaving only the gardens and two teahouses standing today.
Culture
Visitors may explore the grounds only through guided tours, which lead through the gardens and the two remaining teahouses. The name Sentō refers to a retreat for former rulers who abdicated and lived quietly within the court society.
Practical
Access is granted only through official guided tours, which require advance registration with the Imperial Household Agency. Audio guides in several languages are provided to help international visitors follow the tour route and understand the site.
Did you know?
The two teahouses Seika-tei and Yushin-tei survived the fire as the only structures remaining from the original complex. The walking paths pass close to these pavilions, allowing visitors to observe their contrasting roof shapes and tea ceremony architecture.
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide. Discover all places nearby (Japan).
Kyoto is a city where history is found around every corner. You will see Buddhist temples with curved roofs, Shinto shrines hidden in forests, imperial palaces with grand gates, and castles that remind visitors of old warriors. Well-kept gardens invite long walks, and older neighborhoods keep their...
Kyoto Prefecture
747 m
Kyoto Imperial Palace
241 m
Kyoto Gyoen National Garden
2 m
Hamaguri-gomon Gate
339 m
Rozan-ji
482 m
Sakon-no-Sakura
116 m
Ukon-no-Tachibana
141 m
Nashinoki Shrine
416 m
Doshisha University Imadegawa Campus
789 m
Shōjōke-in
513 m
Sugawara-in Tenman-gû
563 mKyoto Prefectural Government Office
737 m
Kinki Regional Agricultural Administration Office
821 m
Shirakumo Shrine
256 m
Kitamura Museum
831 m
KBS Hall
417 m
同志社教堂
713 m
Honzen-ji
587 mShusui-tei
631 m
Neesima's Residence
654 m
Reikōden Tenman-gū
872 m
Kōdōkan
555 m
Masutomi Museum of Geoscience
472 m
Kyoto City Library of Historical Documents
599 m
Entsū-ji
747 m
Agency for Cultural Affairs main building
736 m
Kyoto Prefectural Office Former Building
757 m
St. Joseph Roman Catholic Church, Nishijin, Kyoto
776 mDiscover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes