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Shugaku-in Imperial Villa (Shugaku-in Rikyu)

Shugaku-in Imperial Villa (Shugaku-in Rikyu) Review

The focus of this compound is not the opulent villas but the sumptuous gardens. The grounds are held to be one of the great masterpieces of gardening. The manicured trees, lawns, and flowers are especially lovely thanks to the neighboring rice fields and orchards.

The Upper and Lower Villas were built in the 17th century by the Tokugawa family to entertain the emperor; the Upper Villa provides nice views of northern Kyoto. The Middle Villa was added later as a palace home for Princess Bunke, daughter of Emperor Go-mizunoo. Special permission is required to visit the villa, a few days in advance, from the Imperial Household Agency (3 Kyoto Gyoen, Kamigyo-ku, 602-8611. 075/211-1215. sankan.kunaicho.go.jp). From Kyoto Station, Bus 5 takes about an hour. Or you can ride 20 minutes north on a Keifuku Eizan Line train from the Demachi-Yanagi terminus, which is northeast of the intersection of Imadegawa-dori and the Kamo-gawa.

    Contact Information

  • Address: Yabusoe Shugaku-in, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto | Map It
  • Cost: Free
  • Hours: Tours in Japanese, weekdays at 9, 10, 11, 1:30, and 3; Sat. tours on 1st and 3rd Sat. of month; every Sat. Apr., May, Oct., and Nov.
  • Location: Northern Kyoto

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