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.