you can imagine how Arts & Crafts architects were inspired, how Frank lLloyd Wright traveled here and applied some of the articulate design element to the Imperial Hotel he would later build... Location is not eay however, just walk over and you'll,sample the sights, sounds and scents of this great city.
Can be a challenge touring because of its isolated location in SW Kyoto, not near public transportation, requires a taxi or driver. But the huge and varied garden is magnificent and the buildings are Zen beauty. Simply perfect garden design.
The architecture of Katsura Imperial Villa is credited with influencing many American architects. However, what was impressive to me was the gardens. The one drawback is the guides who hurried you along and I could not linger to take photographs where I wanted.
Getting the entrance permit can be a bit of a hassle but this place is totally worth it if you have the time in Kyoto. On short trip it might not be worth it, but if you have a week then its worth it. I would not recommend it anytime in winter or before May, as you want to see...
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Katsura is widely considered to be the best of gardens and sophisticated architecture in all of Japan! Go in November, if possible, to enjoy the cool weather and changing leaf colors. Yes, it takes a little extra effort to go to the office of the Imperial Household Agency in the park at the Imperial Palace to reserve a date and...
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Disappointed couldn't go inside any part. Very pretty garden, great monument to lookmat but would have been great to go inside at least some part, especially seeing it is unoccupied.
The most incredible garden I've seen during any of my six trips to Japan or anywhere else. Even the Japanese in our escorted group (all visitors have to sign up for escorted tours in advance) were astounded by the garden's beauty.
The imperial villas in Katsura are an absolute must for anybody who is interested in classical Japanes Architecture and Gardens. To get there is not so easy, because you have to obtain a permission for your visit and you have to turn up in person (with your passport in hand) at the Royal Household Information Office at the Palace Compound...
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Beautiful palace, great history behind it, one of the sites where it´s worth paying for a guide. In September 2012 it was undergoing renovation, but still worth going.
This place is not for everyone. You have to put up with minders and linear commentary as well as stay with your little visitor group, but it is worth it. Just close your ears and look around. It is a 360 degree paradise. The buildings, and perhaps to a lesser extent the gardens, of Katsura became influential to a number...
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