Sento Imperial Palace

Sento Imperial Palace in Kyoto is highly recommended as a famous spot for autumn foliage.

Like the Kyoto Imperial Palace, the Sento Imperial Palace is located within the vast park known as the Kyoto Gyoen, in the heart of Kyoto. Its size is almost the same as that of the Kyoto Imperial Palace. Completed in 1630, it has been used as a residence for retired emperors.

While the Kyoto Imperial Palace does not require advance reservations, the Sento Imperial Palace generally does. A limited number of visitors can enter without a reservation, but this is on a first-come, first-served basis. Numbered tickets are distributed from 11 a.m., and you can enter at the time indicated on your ticket.

A staff member will guide you in Japanese, but audio guides in English, Chinese, French, Korean, and Spanish are also available for free for foreign visitors. Please ask the staff at the reception desk on-site.

Advance reservations start on the 1st day of the month, three months prior. For example, reservations for November begin on August 1st. Please try booking through the URL listed in the table below.

The main buildings of the Sento Imperial Palace have not been rebuilt since they were lost in a fire in 1854. The highlight of the palace lies in its vast gardens, especially during the autumn foliage season, which is spectacular. The peak of the autumn foliage in Kyoto city is around late November. Reservations for this period fill up quickly, so please make your reservation early.

Basic Information

Location Sento Imperial Palace in Kyoto

Access:
15 minutes walk from Marutamachi Station on Subway Karasuma Line
10 min. walk from Kyoto City Bus Pref. Medical University Hospital-mae

Duration All year round

※Closed: Mondays (or the following day if Monday is a national holiday), Year-end and New Year holidays

Tour Details 9:30 a.m., 11:00 a.m., 1:30 p.m., 2:30 p.m.,3:30 p.m
Each Session: Limited to 50 Participants
Approx. 60 min.
Tour Type general public viewing
Eligible Participants Ages 18 and over. Children are not allowed. Groups are limited to a maximum of 4 people.
Reservations Required. Reservation Page:https://sankan.kunaicho.go.jp/register/month/3201?locale=en
URL https://sankan.kunaicho.go.jp/english/guide/sento.html

MAP

PHOTOS

The Sento Imperial Palace in Kyoto

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