What to know
Kyoto Sento Imperial Palace (京都仙洞御所, Kyōto Sentō Gosho) is a secondary palace located across from the Kyoto Imperial Palace within Kyoto Imperial Park. Built in 1630 as the retirement residence of Emperor Gomizuno, it later served as the palace for subsequent retired emperors.
The original palace buildings were destroyed by fire in 1854 and were never rebuilt. Instead, Omiya Palace was constructed on the Sento grounds in 1867 and now serves as the emperor's lodging during visits to Kyoto.
To visit Kyoto Sento Imperial Palace, you must join a free tour organized by the Imperial Household Agency. The tour takes you through the palace garden, which consists of the North Pond and South Pond areas—a stunning example of a traditional strolling garden.
Tours last about one hour and are conducted in Japanese only, but audio guides in several foreign languages are available. You won't enter any palace buildings, but some structures, like the Seikatei teahouse, are left open so visitors can peek inside and appreciate imperial design and style.
Kyoto Sento Imperial Palace is situated within Kyoto Imperial Park. From Kyoto Station, take the Karasuma Subway Line (about 10 minutes) to Marutamachi or Imadegawa Station. Both stations are roughly a 15-minute walk from the palace's entrance gate.
Free tours are held several times daily, except on Mondays (or the following day if Monday is a national holiday).
Visitor information
Practical details to check before planning this stop.
- Hours
- Closed
- Admission
- English name
- Imperial Household Agency
- Original name
- Kyoto Sento Imperial Palace
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