Kyoto's Imperial Villas
Kyoto is rightly famed as the capital of Japan for over 1000 years and the historical home of the Emperor. The two Imperial Villas in the city make for a truly wonderful visit as you stroll through stunning Japanese gardens unchanged through the centuries.
However, you can not just turn up. Visits to the Imperial properties are by appointment only and places are strictly limited. InsideJapan Tours are delighted that we can make these appointments for you and supply a professional English speaking guide to take you around the sites.
Shugakuin Imperial Villa (Rikyu)
This imperial villa was built in the mid-17th century for the retired Emperor Gomizuno-o. Situated in north-east Kyoto, this is a place of stunning beauty, both the classical Japanese buildings and the immaculate Japanese garden set against a backdrop of paddy fields and mountains - a view that has remained unchanged for hundreds of years. The Lower Villa features a wooden tablet with calligraphy by the Emperor Gomizuno-o himself.
Katsura Imperial Villa
Designed to be the perfect example of a Japanese Villa, Katsura Rikyu in the south-west of Kyoto is a magical place to visit. The villas and tea houses were constructed by the most skilful master craftsmen in the middle of the 17th Century and the expansive gardens with exotic trees, bridges and lakes affords beautiful views from anywhere within the premises. Although visitors are not permitted to enter the main buildings they can be viewed from the exterior as well as video providing a tantalising glimpse of the interiors.
Visits to the Imperial Villas are available year round on weekdays. Saturday visits are also available during peak seasons. The villas are also closed to the public on national holidays and any days when Imperial Court functions are scheduled. Places are strictly limited so please let us know well in advance if you wish to include one of the Imperial properties as part of your stay in Kyoto.
Where:
The Imperial sites in Kyoto are dotted arund the city. The most central is the Imperial Palace. Shugakuin is to be found in the north-east of the city whereas Katsura-in is in the the south-west. It is best to only include one of these during a day of sightseeing.