Kyoto Sento Imperial Palace (not main 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.

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.

The Kyoto Imperial Palace is a stunning historical site, offering a glimpse into Japan’s royal past. The architecture is beautiful, with traditional wooden buildings and lovely gardens surrounding them. The palace grounds are expansive, making it a peaceful place to walk around and enjoy the serene atmosphere. The free guided tours are informative and provide a deeper understanding of the history and significance of the palace. While it may not be as flashy as other attractions, the Kyoto Imperial Palace is a must-visit for anyone interested in Japan’s culture and history.

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

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)

Regarding Google's information, I find it very disappointing that the distinction between Kyoto Gyoen National Garden, Kyoto Imperial Palace, Sento Imperial Palace, and Omiya Imperial Palace is not made at all. Looking at Google's Kyoto Imperial Palace, many people are uploading photos that mix Kyoto Gyoen National Garden, Kyoto Imperial Palace, and Sento Imperial Palace. ❶ Kyoto Gyoen National Garden is a district surrounded by Imadegawa Street to the north, Marutamachi Street to the south, Karasuma Street to the west, and Teramachi Street to the east. It is 700m east to west, 1300m north to south, with a circumference of 4km, and is a national park managed by the Ministry of the Environment. ❷ Kyoto Imperial Palace is a historical and cultural facility within Kyoto Gyoen National Garden, managed by the Imperial Household Agency, and is currently open to the public. Before the Meiji Restoration, it was the residence and working place of the Emperor. ❸ Sento Imperial Palace and Omiya Imperial Palace are also located within Kyoto Gyoen National Garden and are imperial palaces and gardens managed by the Imperial Household Agency, similar to Kyoto Imperial Palace. In the past, Sento Imperial Palace was the residence of retired emperors, and Omiya Imperial Palace was the residence of empress dowagers, but now they are in the same location. The buildings of Sento Imperial Palace were destroyed by fire, and now there is a Japanese garden and tea houses, while Omiya Imperial Palace is still used by the Emperor's family as accommodation in Kyoto. ❹ Sento Imperial Palace was built in 1630 as the palace of Emperor Gomizuno-o after his abdication, and Omiya Imperial Palace was built to its north for the Empress Tofukumonin, the consort of the retired emperor. ❺ Currently, Sento Imperial Palace is open to the public throughout the year, but it is open to introduce the historical and cultural value of the Japanese garden of the imperial court culture, and it is not a commercial tourist facility for profit. Also, although it is open as a Japanese garden, it is important to note that it is not a facility or park for individuals to stroll around freely. ❻ To visit Sento Imperial Palace, advance reservations are required, though the admission is free (no payment). The tour is a guided tour of about one hour, and officials of the Imperial Household Agency will guide you through the garden while providing explanations. There are five tour start times: 9:30 AM, 11:00 AM, 1:30 PM, 2:30 PM, and 3:30 PM. If you are late for the tour time, you might neither enter the palace nor join the tour. The gate tickets for walk-in visitors are also available in front of the Sento Palace in addition to advance reservations. They are distributed on a first-come, first-served basis from 8:40 AM, but the number is limited, so it is better to make a reservation in advance. For reservation methods and details, please refer to the Imperial Household Agency's website on palace visits. Please be sure to read and understand the conditions for visiting before applying. Please note that there is an age restriction of 18 years or older due to the various conditions for admission. For reservations and visits, it is necessary to present the passport, residence card, My Number card, or driver's license of all visitors. Visits are closed on Mondays. If Monday is a national holiday, visits will be open, and the following Tuesday will be closed. Also, the second Tuesday of each month is a closed day for visits.

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.