Sento Imperial Palace, Kyoto
The Sento Imperial Palace, also known as Sento Gosho, once served as the retirement residence for emperors, with its origins dating back to 1630 when it was constructed for Emperor Go-Mizunoo. Despite enduring a devastating fire two centuries later, it still stands as the Kyoto abode for the Imperial family. Surrounding the palace is a sprawling 22-acre garden, enclosed by an ancient mud wall. To explore this verdant expanse, visitors must join a free tour organized by the Imperial Household Agency and pass through a stately wooden gate.
The garden, highly esteemed for its scenic beauty, features a winding path that leads past quaint tea houses, with the most notable feature being a shoreline meticulously crafted from individual pebbles lining the edge of a tranquil pond. Though the tours are conducted solely in Japanese, audio guides in various foreign languages are available to enhance the experience. Some structures, like the Seikatei teahouse, are left open for visitors to peek inside and appreciate the imperial architectural style.
But there's more to this area than just aristocratic estates. Amidst the towering pines and cedars, one can find delightful groves of plum and cherry trees. Additionally, scattered throughout are shrines and spaces for recreational activities such as tennis and baseball. Dog walkers and birdwatchers frequent the area year-round, as this oasis of green space in the heart of the city serves as a beloved refuge, perhaps offering solace for the absent emperor.
The garden, highly esteemed for its scenic beauty, features a winding path that leads past quaint tea houses, with the most notable feature being a shoreline meticulously crafted from individual pebbles lining the edge of a tranquil pond. Though the tours are conducted solely in Japanese, audio guides in various foreign languages are available to enhance the experience. Some structures, like the Seikatei teahouse, are left open for visitors to peek inside and appreciate the imperial architectural style.
But there's more to this area than just aristocratic estates. Amidst the towering pines and cedars, one can find delightful groves of plum and cherry trees. Additionally, scattered throughout are shrines and spaces for recreational activities such as tennis and baseball. Dog walkers and birdwatchers frequent the area year-round, as this oasis of green space in the heart of the city serves as a beloved refuge, perhaps offering solace for the absent emperor.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Kyoto. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
Sento Imperial Palace on Map
Sight Name: Sento Imperial Palace
Sight Location: Kyoto, Japan (See walking tours in Kyoto)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Kyoto, Japan (See walking tours in Kyoto)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Kyoto, Japan
Create Your Own Walk in Kyoto
Creating your own self-guided walk in Kyoto is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Higashiyama Walking Tour
Kyoto is a city catering to tourists, especially those who love history, religion, and, of course, Japanese culture. Many of Kyoto's attractions are found in the eastern part of the city, which itself is split into wards. One of them is the Higashiyama Ward, home to several famous temples, where the look and the feel of feudal-era Japan are still preserved.
One of Higashiyama's most... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.6 Km or 1.6 Miles
One of Higashiyama's most... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.6 Km or 1.6 Miles
Kyoto Shopping and Food Tour
The cultural capital of Japan, Kyoto is just as famous as a shopper’s paradise and, without a doubt, the best place in the country to buy traditional and modern Japanese goods. Souvenirs, food, bargains, and various “one-of-a-kind items” are all up for grabs here.
In addition to its shopping scene, Kyoto boasts a rich culinary heritage, from Michelin-starred restaurants to humble street... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.0 Km or 1.2 Miles
In addition to its shopping scene, Kyoto boasts a rich culinary heritage, from Michelin-starred restaurants to humble street... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.0 Km or 1.2 Miles
Imperial Kyoto Walking Tour
The former capital of Japan, Kyoto is the city of tradition. During its heyday, Imperial Kyoto was the cultural and political heart of the country. At the heart of its historical landscape, there are several iconic landmarks, each bearing witness to the city's imperial past.
Nijo Castle, an architectural marvel renowned for its elegant design and elaborate gardens, boasts impeccably... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.1 Km or 2.5 Miles
Nijo Castle, an architectural marvel renowned for its elegant design and elaborate gardens, boasts impeccably... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.1 Km or 2.5 Miles
Arashiyama and Bamboo Grove Walking Tour
The Arashiyama district of Kyoto is slightly out of the way for tourists, but that means you can enjoy it more comfortably.
Undoubtedly, the most popular attraction here is the iconic Bamboo Grove, a mesmerizing forest of towering bamboo stalks that sway gently in the breeze, creating an ethereal atmosphere. This serene setting is a must-visit for travelers seeking tranquility amidst... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.4 Km or 2.1 Miles
Undoubtedly, the most popular attraction here is the iconic Bamboo Grove, a mesmerizing forest of towering bamboo stalks that sway gently in the breeze, creating an ethereal atmosphere. This serene setting is a must-visit for travelers seeking tranquility amidst... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.4 Km or 2.1 Miles
Walk on Philosopher's Path
The Philosopher's Path in Kyoto winds its way for about 2 km along the canal that carries water from Lake Biwa to the foothills. Lined with cherry trees, this picturesque walking trail was named in honor of the famed Japanese philosopher, Nishida Kitaro, who used to walk here as a part of his daily meditation in the first half of the 20th century. A popular spot for both locals and tourists,... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.7 Km or 1.7 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.7 Km or 1.7 Miles
Gion District Walking Tour
Famed as one of the most mesmerizing parts of Kyoto, Gion has long been associated with traditional Japanese entertainment, stunning temples, geishas, and local eateries, ideal for whiling away a day in the ancient capital of Japan. This district forms part of the Higashiyama (“Eastern Mountain”) neighborhood.
Among its notable landmarks is the Minamiza Kabuki Theater, a venue where... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.8 Km or 1.7 Miles
Among its notable landmarks is the Minamiza Kabuki Theater, a venue where... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.8 Km or 1.7 Miles
Useful Travel Guides for Planning Your Trip
18 Japanese Products To Bring Home from Kyoto
The old capital of Japan, the city of Kyoto has once again been the talk of the world lately, thanks to the bestselling "Memoirs of a Geisha" book and the namesake Hollywood blockbuster movie. Renowned for its impeccable craftsmanship, Japan has so much to amaze a foreign eye with. Many of...