Sentō Imperial Palace, Retirement palace complex in Kyoto, Japan
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
