Kyoto Sento Imperial Palace

Visiting the Kyoto Imperial Palace was one of the most memorable experiences of my time in Japan. From the moment I arrived, I was impressed by the warm and welcoming staff who guided visitors with a genuine friendliness. They were always approachable, ready to answer questions, and seemed truly proud to share the history and cultural significance of the palace. Their enthusiasm added so much value to the visit, making the atmosphere feel both informative and inviting. Another aspect that stood out to me was the high level of security throughout the grounds. The Imperial Palace is an important cultural and historical site, and the staff and security teams worked seamlessly to ensure the environment felt safe and well looked after. Security was present but not intrusive — you could enjoy the beauty of the gardens, architecture, and historical surroundings with complete peace of mind. The combination of the palace’s stunning traditional design, beautifully maintained grounds, and the professionalism of both staff and security made my visit exceptional. It wasn’t just about seeing the historical site; it was about experiencing it in a safe, comfortable, and well-supported environment. I would highly recommend visiting the Kyoto Imperial Palace to anyone interested in Japan’s history and heritage.

Absolutely beautiful. We went in the morning, admission is free (at least when we went). Scenery is great and full of history, with lots of signs in both Japanese and English describing everything. Make sure to stop by when in Kyoto.

If you ever find yourself in Kyoto, don’t miss the chance to visit the Kyoto Imperial Palace. Before the capital moved to Tokyo, this was the heart of Japan’s imperial history—and walking through its peaceful grounds feels like stepping back in time. The architecture is elegant, the gardens are serene, and best of all, it’s free to enter. There’s something really special about being able to see centuries of Japanese history up close in such a beautifully preserved place. It’s not just a sightseeing spot—it’s a quiet, powerful reminder of Japan’s cultural legacy.

Similar to the main Imperial Palace, it features a mixture of traditional architecture and spectacular generational gardens. To visit the Sento Palace, you must do so with a guide and as part of a group since it is still used as an imperial residence in Kyoto (it is free, and staff in front of the entrance will help you sign up for the tour). Beware that the tour is only of the gardens, and you can partly see the actual imperial residence.

Fascinating palace and amazing golden paintings in each room and halls, worth a visit ❤️👍

If you are planning to visit the garden, best to book in advanced because it is always fully booked throughout the day. Visited last 29-Nov-2024.

So incredibly beautiful I was wowed. If you have a free afternoon I would definitely recommend going there (or even just for a walk as it’s free)

Lovely place. However, on the tour, you have an (in your language) audio guide. Unless you are Japanese then the tour guide is great. Spent most the time stood waiting for him to finish talking so we could move on as a group. He obviously had lots of information for japanese group but the audio guide was short which was disappointing. Would rather have been allowed to walk around in my own time. You can only go around the palace with a tour group. Which you need to book in advance. I arrived at 10:50am and all the slots were full except last 2