Shugakuin Imperial Villa, Kyoto

My husband and I visited the property earlier this morning and I would highly recommend signing up if you're in the area. Be sure to sign up online a few days in advance as there is a specific selection process that takes a few days (and is not guaranteed). Our group was about 30 people in size and the tour was in Japanese but we received free headsets that gave us the necessary information in English. The grounds are beautiful and it was fun to imagine what the views and property would of looked like when emperors and princesses visited this area hundreds of years ago. Was a very nice way to spend the morning and the tour lasted about 80minutes. Mostly easy walking terrain with minimal uphill and well worth it overall!

I booked my tour the day beforehand at the office of the Imperial Household Agency. It all went very smoothly. The Shugakuin Imperial Villa is a bit far from downtown Kyoto, but well worth the trip. The villa’s and gardens itself are amazing. The view that the site grants over the city itself is stunning. Walking through this place gave me a wonderful insight into the luxuries of old Japanese nobility and as such is a great cultural experience.

One of the best gardens I've visited in Japan! I've wanted to visit one of the imperial villas in Kyoto for some time but the online bookings are go very quickly. Thanks to another google reviewer pointing out that there are slots in the afternoon tours (1:30 and 3:00) are available on a first come first served bases I was able to visit. The tour is in Japanese, but you can borrow an earphone guide for free in several languages and lasts about 1 hour 20 minutes. In order to apply for the tour you'll need your passport or a residency card. You visit 3 different areas on the tour with the final area a spectacular walk around a lake.

I highly recommend this tour of the breathtaking Shugakuin Imperial Villa. The tour is approximately one hour with a Japanese guide but audio tours are available in English and Chinese. Please be aware that this is a reservation only tour which must be done prior online. Otherwise you can wait for an availability on the spot for the afternoon slots.

Very much worth it and Free, BUT: it can only be visited with a tour. Tours in the morning NEED to be reserved, tours in the afternoon can be joined on the spot. Only 2 afternoon tours available, so check out their schedule online!! Gardens are splendid, and the villas and history totally worth your time.