Sento Imperial Palace — Emperor's Retirement Villa Garden

Sento Imperial Palace (仙洞御所) served as the residence for retired emperors from 1630 onward. The palace buildings no longer exist, but the expansive 20-acre stroll garden remains — one of Japan's greatest Edo-period gardens featuring large ponds, bridges, artificial islands, tea houses, and borrowed scenery. The garden demonstrates kaiyu-shiki (回遊式, 'circuit-style') design where the path reveals new compositions at each turn.

The garden was designed by renowned landscape architect Kobori Enshu and refined over centuries. Visits are by guided tour only (free, reservation required), maintaining the garden's contemplative atmosphere and limited impact.