Katsura Imperial Villa Shokatei🌊🎢

The Shugaku-in Imperial Villa truly embodies the essence of the three styles of garden pathways: the formal, the semi-formal, and the informal extensions. 🌸 🌺🌇 Inside the study hall's entrance, you'll find the formal extension, where straight-cut stones are meticulously arranged in a linear pattern. 🌿 In front of the outer corridor, the semi-formal extension combines processed stones with natural stones, creating a harmonious blend. 🌿 🌊🎢 To the east of the old study hall, there is an informal extension entirely paved with natural stones, evoking a sense of rustic charm. 🌿 The stone arrangement inside the study hall's entrance is particularly unique. 🌟🌸 The formal extension doesn't directly face the main gate. Instead, it is laid diagonally to the left, with square-cut stones connecting at both ends. 🌊🎢 A few natural stones extend out on either side, and while the design is not overly complex, it inexplicably draws your gaze for a second look. 🌿 #Kyoto 🌿