Shugakuin Imperial Villa

　Although Kyoto is teeming with people everywhere you look, there are still places where you can enjoy beautiful scenery without getting overwhelmed by the crowds.

　One such place is Shugakuin Imperial Villa. Whilst advance booking is generally required, you can visit on the day if there are any available slots. Compared to Katsura Imperial Villa, which is very popular with foreign visitors, it tends to be less crowded.

　Visits are conducted as guided tours, so you cannot wander freely around the grounds, but you can enjoy the elegant surroundings that were so beloved by Emperor Go-Mizunoo.

　In particular, the view of the Yokuryuchi Pond from the Rinuntei in the Upper Villa area is simply magnificent. In the centre of the pond, created by damming the valley stream, lies an island known as Banshōu, which is said to represent the back of a dragon.

　The main drawback is that it is a 12-minute walk from the Shugakuin-rikyu-michi bus stop on the city bus route, or a 20-minute walk from Shugakuin Station on the Eiden line, but it is well worth a visit.