Heavily guarded! I once had to bail a guy out of jail for trying to sneak in a night. Don't you try it! This is tea at one of its extremities. Dial down your tourism and tune into the vibes. One of Japan's most aesthetic locations. Even Plato would have to get Socrates to pause his discourse while visiting here.... More

Of all the gardens Katsura and saiho-ji were the most gorgeous. The tour rushes the photograhers as i wanted to sit and stare and there was no opportunity. More

Great examples of Japanese architecture and garden design, dating from 1645. Tours only in Japanese but English audio guide available. Must request tour in advance, cannot just show up. More

We booked in advance as we're supposed to, but the booking was for the incorrect place. Would accept responsibility for that, except many travellers had exactly the same error. More

I loved Katsura, one of my favorites of the Imperial holdings for sure. The attention to detail in the landscaping is impressive when you understand the meaning behind it, but that requires understanding Japanese in order to understand the guide. The English audio provides a decent explanation, but being able to understand the guide or having a guide of your... More

The Japanese palace is hard to compare with any European palaces. The style is simple enough but exhibit its beauty through lines and curves. I aimed my camera at roofs, corners, and how buildings interconnect. One may not enjoy living here, but certainly it is a grand palace. More

First you have to get an appointment at the Imperial HOusehold Agency Information office beside the Imperial Palace Kyoto,limited reservation slots available per day. Seeing and walking through the gardens designed for the emperor was truly a sight to behold. I am glad a friend tip us about the Katsura Imperial Villa, the Shugakuin. More

A fantastic garden worth visiting. Note that you have to reserve well in advance in order to get access. Only guided tours are allowed. More

An impressive palace used for coronations etc. Though very Japanese, it has been built much more recently than some of the other sites. Subway stations are on the corners of the grounds and a walk from the entrance to the palace itself More