Shugakuin Imperial Villa
Cost
free
Attractions > Kyoto > Japanese Gardens > Kyoto North
About | Access | Hotels & Lodging | Hours & Fees
Shugakuin Early Fall by np&djjewell (CC BY 2.0)
About
![Shugakuin Lower Garden [Daderot|https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Shugaku-in_Imperial_Villa_-_Lower_Garden_a.JPG| GNU Free ]](/files/business/600x450-shugakuin-imperial-villa-0002.jpg "Shugakuin Lower Garden [Daderot|https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Shugaku-in_Imperial_Villa_-_Lower_Garden_a.JPG| GNU Free ]")
The Shugakuin Imperial Villa (in Japanese; Shugaku In 修学院), a set of gardens and buildings (mostly tea houses), was constructed by order of Emperor Gomizunoo in the mid-seventeenth century (started in 1655, completed in 1659). The gardens are considered "Masterpieces" of Japanese style gardening. It is an "official" Imperial Grounds so you cannot just go there because the Imperial Household Agency runs it and you must 'book' an official tour (see below). Unfortunately the official tour is only given in Japanese but there is an English audio guide available. This imperial villa has 3 villas; the Upper, Lower and Middle villa. Because it is an "official" Imperial Site, you cannot enter the buildings that are on the grounds but doors are left open and you may look inside.
![Shugakuin Upper Garden waterfall [Daderot|https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Shugaku-in_Imperial_Villa_-_Upper_Garden_waterfall.JPG| GNU Free ]](/files/business/600x450-shugakuin-imperial-villa-0003.jpg "Shugakuin Upper Garden waterfall [Daderot|https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Shugaku-in_Imperial_Villa_-_Upper_Garden_waterfall.JPG| GNU Free ]")
Access
Closest Train Station: Shugakuin
Shugakuin Yabusoe
Kyoto, Kyoto 606-8052 Japan
Tel: 075-211-1215
Train: from Shugakuin station (Eizan Railway Line) it is a 10 to 15 min. walk.
To get to Shugakuin station: From Kyoto Station, take the JR Nara Line to Tofukuji Station (3 minutes) and transfer to the Keihan Line to Demachiyanagi Station (10 minutes). Once again change to the Eizan Railways line to Shugakuin Station (7 minutes). The entire trip costs about 620 yen and takes about 40 minutes.
Hotels & Lodging
View a full list of Hotels and Lodging in or nearby Shugakuin Imperial Villa.
Hours & Fees
Hours: "Tours" are only given to those who have submitted an "Application" and have been accepted for a guided tour. Please see the official website (below) and or ask your hotel clerk to help you. You can 'usually' book a tour the same day but best to rese
Information presented is based on the time it was created. There may be changes since publication. Please confirm information by visiting the Official Website before visiting.
Resources
Website: Shugakuin Imperial Villa Homepage
