The breathtaking beauty of Kyoto's Sentō Imperial Palace: fiery red maple leaves reflected in the pond

Text/Photos byKavanagh

Before visiting the Sentō Imperial Palace, I had no idea what to expect, nor did I anticipate the profound emotion and awe it would bring. Having seen almost all of Kyoto’s maple foliage, I thought I was used to its beauty—but if you ask me about my favorite spot for autumn leaves, I’d say without hesitation: the Sentō Imperial Palace.
The Sentō Imperial Palace is located within the Kyoto Imperial Park. Unlike the Kyoto Imperial Palace in the same park—which was once the residence and administrative center of the emperor—the Sentō Imperial Palace, situated to the south of the Kyoto Imperial Palace, served as the secluded retreat for an emperor after abdication, when he became a retired emperor (Jōkō). The name "Sentō" (Xiandong), meaning "hermit’s abode," originates from Chinese Taoist immortal ideals.It reflects the concept of the retired emperor creating a tranquil, otherworldly residence akin to where immortals dwell.

Like the Shugakuin Imperial Villa and the Katsura Imperial Villa, the Sentō Imperial Palace requires advance application for entry. As mentioned in the article about the Katsura Imperial Villa, we were very lucky—the selected visiting days for all three sites coincided perfectly with peak foliage season, allowing us to witness the most stunning and dreamlike autumn scenery.
Date of visit: November 22, 2013.

Map of the Sentō Imperial Palace grounds (Image from the Imperial Household Agency website: http://sankan.kunaicho.go.jp/guide/sento.html)

On the day, we gathered at the visitor entrance on the left side of the main gate at the appointed time, then were guided into the palace grounds by staff. The tour format was similar to that of the Katsura Imperial Villa—two guides, one at the front explaining and one at the back maintaining order. Visitors must stay between the two guides. The photo above shows the Ōmiya Imperial Palace’s Omote-Goten (main gate pavilion). The Sentō Imperial Palace and Ōmiya Imperial Palace are connected, so before entering the Sentō garden, we first viewed the exterior architecture of the Ōmiya Imperial Palace.

The Ōmiya Imperial Palace’s Omote-Gosho (main palace building). Beside it lies the “Nantei” (South Garden), covered with white gravel.

After passing through the Gyoen Gate and entering the garden area...
The view before me left me speechless~

This is the North Pond of the Sentō Imperial Palace garden.

Although it didn’t rain that day, the sky was gray and overcast—but it in no way detracted from the beauty. Fiery red maple leaves surrounded the North Pond of the Sentō Imperial Palace garden, their vivid reflections shimmering in the water. The sight was truly breathtaking.

The Sentō Imperial Palace garden was originally designed by the master Japanese garden designer Kobori Enshū, and later extensively remodeled by Retired Emperor Go-Mizunoo, resulting in its current form.

Stone bridge.

Momiji Bridge. The name of this bridge is incredibly fitting.

South Pond.

The previously crossed Momiji Bridge.

Seika-tei (Awakening Flowers Pavilion), with a gravel-lined riverbank (shirasu-hama) in front. According to one article, the pebbles for the shirasu-hama were transported all the way from Odawara by the lord of the Odawara Domain.

By this time, the weather gradually improved, and blue sky peeked through...

This vine-covered bridge is called Yatsu-no-hashii (Bridge of Eight).

After walking around, we returned once again to the North Pond.

After leaving the Sentō Imperial Palace, I strolled through the Kyoto Imperial Park. Kyoto Imperial Park is incredibly beautiful in autumn—you definitely must visit.

Visiting hours: Two time slots daily—11:00 and 13:00. Advance reservation required.
Reservation method: Admission fee: Free.

Access: 15-minute walk from Marutamachi Subway Station, or 10-minute walk from Fushimi Ward Office bus stop (City Bus stop in front of Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine Hospital).

Kavanagh @ Kyoto Living FreelyA second life begins in Kyoto.