Grand Duke Henri ends his trip to Japan in the historic Sento Palace Gardens

Grand Duke Henri ends his trip to Japan in the historic Sento Palace Gardens

On June 3, 2025, Grand Duke Henri of Luxembourg ended his diplomatic trip to Japan in the historic city of Kyoto. This trip, which took place from May 27 to June 1, was dedicated to the Osaka World Expo and the upcoming celebration of the 100th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Japan and Luxembourg in 2027.

At the start of his trip, the Grand Duke visited the metropolis of Tokyo, where he shared dinner with Emperor Naruhito at the Imperial Palace. He then traveled on to Osaka to take part in events promoting cooperation between Japan and Luxembourg. The conclusion of his trip took place in Kyoto, where he visited the gardens of the Sento Imperial Palace.

The Sento Imperial Palace and its gardens

The Sento Imperial Palace, also known as Kyoto Sentō Gosho, was built in 1630 under Emperor Go-Mizunoo and served as a retreat for retiring emperors. Although the original palace buildings were destroyed in a fire in 1854, the palace's gardens have been preserved. These gardens, designed by the famous horticulturist Kobori Enshū, exemplify garden art from the Edo period.

Visitors can explore the gardens by registering in advance. Access is via free guided tours organized by the Imperial Agency. However, these tours, which last about an hour, are only available in Japanese. However, for international guests, audio guides in several foreign languages ​​are available to provide a deeper insight into the imperial architecture and historical context.

Kyoto: A city with history

Kyoto, with more than 1.4 million inhabitants, was the capital of Japan from 794 to 1868. During the visit, Grand Duke Henri met the Luxembourg Honorary Consul in Kyoto, Shigehiko Hattori, and deepened diplomatic relations between the two nations. The city is known for its Buddhist temples, ancient Shinto shrines and classical garden landscapes.

The Sento Imperial Palace Gardens encompass the scenic North and South Pond areas, providing visitors with a tranquil retreat to experience the beauty of nature and imperial history. Although the palace buildings no longer exist, some structures, such as the Seikatei Tea House, can be entered to give visitors a sense of imperial design and style.

Grand Duke Henri's trip to Japan not only brings a piece of Luxembourg diplomacy to the Far East, but also shows the cultural and historical connections between the two nations. Efforts to strengthen these relationships will certainly continue in the coming years.

For more information about the trip and the gardens of the Sento Imperial Palace, see the articles from Royal Histories and Japan guide.