Free admission to see one of the best Japanese Architecture and Landscaping !
Disadvantages:
Need to obtain visitor's permit .
Recommend to potential buyers:
yes
Full review
Katsura Imperial Villa is one of the iconic Japanese architecture and garden. Its built as a princely estate in the early 17th century by the bank of the Katsura River, which supplies the water for its magnificent ponds and streams. The estate covers an area of about 16 acres. In 1590 it was given to Prince Toshihito, the younger brother of the emperor. The Japanese government tightly controls access to Katsura even today. You should apply permit in advance through the Imperial Household Agency, the office in charge of the Emperor's affairs. Unfortunately, I didn't know until I've got there and had to go to Imperial Household Agency in the other side of town in following morning to obtain permit. But it is worth makeing the effort to obtain permit and going to see its beautiful experience of pure architecture and landscape specially when its cames down to Free entry after all! The villa can be viewed only on tours held by the Imperial Household Agency. Its very official and serious, some men in black watching you every move you make during the tour. It doesn't bother you once you start admiring the beauty of Katsura Villa. Several tours are held daily on weekdays. They last about one hour and guides are in Japanese only but you can request English audio thing on arrival.
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