Kyoto

Jul 17, 2014 - 1 min read

Kyoto's Katsura Imperial Villa

Take a tour of one of Kyoto's finest

By Larry Knipfing

Community writer

There was no wind that day, so reflections in the ponds were very pretty

One of the numerous lovely ponds in the villa

Depending on what time of year you visit, you will find completely different flowers in bloom - this is early May

A small temple just over the small bridge

Bridges like this make it easy to imagine you are in the Japan of yesteryear

Another turn and another bridge!

Some of the smaller details are also poetic and beautiful

The total package: Temple, Bridge, Flowers, Lantern

From a different angle, and equally beautiful

Views like this abound around every turn

The villa is in the middle of nowhere, and so there is greenery and quiet everywhere

An impressive bamboo fence lining the road to the villa

Strolling around the Katsura Imperial Villa, it is easy to imagine what it might have been like hundreds of years ago, with sophisticated court nobles and powerful samurai, and elegant ladies in kimono all here enjoying the good life. Managed by the Imperial Household, only those with reservations can enter for the 2-3 hour tour. If you like a lot of lakes and ponds, well-tailored gardens, and quaint bridges, this is the place for you! English audio tours are available and are fairly interesting.

More info

Find out more about Katsura Imperial Villa.

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Larry Knipfing

By Larry Knipfing

Community writer

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