Katsura Imperial Villa — Attraction in Kyoto

There was still a disabled senior man guiding us at the gate. They must have committed much to the well-being of the disabled. The group of this villa was in a smaller size with only eight visitors, and there were groups with English speaking guides. We followed a young female guide who introduced us in English, and she could even speak some Chinese. A man dressed like an old Shanghai detective guarded in the team tail. 外腰掛 was a waiting area for visitors, where they could collate garments in a small room, rest at the outing bench and enjoy the landscape of 蘇鉄山. We were allowed to sit on the bench to feel the moment. I loved that place very much. The first landscape just amused me, expecting more from then. 洲浜 evokes the image of the seashore, and a small stone lantern at the tip represents a lighthouse. A stone linking two islets depicts 天橋立, which is one of Japan's three scenic views, a significant route of pines in 宮津. I only knew that after long after, but still liked the composition very much. The shape of the bond changes dramatically, in contrast with 修学院離宮. 松琴亭 is the final viewpoint across the stone lantern and the 天橋立. There was a superior teahouse there. Unfortunately, I didn't notice the sliding screens with the blue-and-white checkerboard design. 賞花亭 is at the top of a hill, from which we can enjoy broad sight below, both natural and architectural, relaxing people a lot. 笑意軒 is a country-style teahouse. It's my favourite place here because of the magnificent view every window makes. Inward was a quiet garden, outward was a vivid farm. Here is the room I want to live most. 月見台 is for moon viewing. As far as I got to know from documentaries, people in Kyoto are keen on the moon., very romantic and emotional. Drinking tea there at night with the moon would be an extraordinary moment. We witnessed workers transferring moss on the way. I began to love the bright and forky moss very much. The female guide spoke moderate English but very easy on that tone. She said the villa looked different in various seasons and welcomed us to visit at...

If you're able to get tickets (either via the lottery system online, or by luckily showing up on the day - bring passport!) you should certainly come here. The audio guide for those less confident in Japanese is very good, and the tiny guided group you join makes the experience of this moon-oriented garden very fulfilling. Mind your feet, wear something nice, and enjoy walking through a place designed with care to ensure every step you take, shows you a new landscape.

This is an Imperial property, with all that implies. It isn't a loosy-goosy tourist experience, you do have some hoops to jump through and are expected to be on conforming behavior. Its worth it, though!

For those with less Japanese, when you arrive you see a small stall where you can ask about on the day tickets, or let them know you are here for your pre-booked slot. You need to be on time, early if possible. Lateness will get you shut out. Once its time for your slot, you will show your booking reference and then be shepherded into the visitor center, where you will buy your ticket (¥1000) with cash or card. You will then show ticket, and ID (passport, for non-Japanese nationals), and booking reference and recieve a complimentary audioguide and pamphlet in your language if needed. You will also get a lanyard with a numbered visitor pass.

There is a small shop, and bathrooms, in the visitor center. Use the bathroom if you need it ' you cannot access it once the tour starts.

Pay attention to the number on your lanyard. You will be called (in Japanese) to make a subgroup to walk the garden with your guide, by this number. (I.e.: "numbers 1 to 8, come forward") If you are unsure, look at who has been called and see if your number is close to theirs. At worst, you'll return to sit and wait 10-15 mins to join the next subgroup. Also for this reason, when you book a slot, buy tickets and get lanyards, do so with your companions - or you may...

We signed up for an English tour. THERE IS NO SUCH THING! IT DOESN'T EXIST. You are given an audio guide device, which has about 30 to 60 seconds of information. The whole tour is in Japanese, and it is extremely difficult to listen to your audio when the tour guide is talking. The guide is talking dor about 3 to 5 minutes at each stop, and you know your 30 seconds of info doesn't add up to what is actually being said. WARNING ⚠️ if you are afraid of heights, have vertigo, or have difficulty walking on stepping stones, skip this place!! You will have to cross non railed bridges in between uneven stepping stones. The place is not big. Would recommend going to Nijo castle where the audio guide was awesome. The waiting room for the tour is a time machine back about 50 years. Perhaps it was pretty modern way back when. There was a really agitated guard following the group the whole time. I mean, he looked irritated the whole time. Not a blank or stern look, which I would've respected since it's his job to make sure nothing happens with bad intentions. Really didn't enjoy the whole experience. I think the misinformation about their services was not a good start. I would've happily paid extra for it or don't say you have a particular service...