Shugakuin Imperial Villa

Built in the 1650s by Emperor Go-Mizunoo as a private retreat in the hills northeast of Kyoto, Shugakuin Imperial Villa is one of the finest garden compositions in Japan. The grounds occupy three terraced levels, each with its own teahouse and pond, and the upper level opens onto a borrowed landscape that incorporates the surrounding mountains into the garden's design. Access is by guided tour only, which must be reserved in advance through the Imperial Household Agency. Tours run in Japanese but the garden speaks for itself. The walk between levels along paths through rice paddies is part of the experience. Reserve early, especially in spring and autumn.