Shugakuin Imperial Villa (Shugaku-in Rikyu) in Kyoto

This post can contain affiliate links, which means that we may receive a small commission if you make a purchase using these links.

Facts & Figures

The Shugakuin Imperial Villa (Shugaku-in Rikyu) in the northeastern part of Kyoto includes three villas (Lower, Middle, and Upper) and their surrounding Japanese gardens. It covers an area of approximately 54.500 square meters. The three detached villas are connected through graveled paths alined with lovely pine trees. The paths were built during the Meiji Period. The design of the gardens and teahouses is famous for their beauty. The word Shugakuin came from an earlier temple located on this site. Most of the Shugakuin Imperial Villa grounds are terraced fields where farmers are still working. You can only enter the villa's grounds via scheduled guided tours which last around one hour and twenty minutes. If you cannot speak Japanese you should use audio guides available in many different languages to get the most out of it. Unfortunately, visitors are not permitted to go inside any of the buildings. But you still have a chance to view through the sliding doors of the villas, to catch a glimpse of the simple and beautiful interiors. By the way, the tour is free of charge and you are allowed to take any pictures you want.

• Shugakuin Imperial Villa (Shugaku-in Rikyu):
• Admission - Before you can join one of the three daily guided tours you have to apply for a ticket with your passport several months in advance at the Imperial Household Agency's office in Kyoto Imperial Park (phone: 075-211-1215) or online. Children are not allowed and you must be at least 18 years old. Opening hours are from 8:40 am to 5:00 pm and Mondays are closed.
• Admission - If you are lucky there are day tickets issued at 11:00 am at the entrance of the villa. First come, first served principle.

Experience the Ultimate Japanese Hospitality at a Kyoto Ryokan.
 Find Your Perfect Ryokan Now >

My tips for local activities

How about exploring the best parts of my favourite city Kyoto with a local guide? The personalized tour by our partner GetYourGuide can take between 2 - 8 hours. For more details check out this page >

History

Emperor Emeritus Gomizuno (1596 – 1680) gave the order to build the Shugakuin Imperial Villa in Kyoto as a royal pleasure garden. It took from 1656 - 1659 to finish the project. Imperial Princess Akenomiya Teruko (1634 - 1727), a daughter of Emperor Gomizuno, got her own palace here roughly ten years later. Since 1883 the Imperial Household Agency has been in charge of the property. In 1964 the Imperial Household Agency decided to extend the area in buying the surrounding farmland.

Sightseeing spots

Top:

Miyukimon Gate - The gate with a shingled roof is located at the entrance of the Lower Villa. Jugetsukan (Lower Villa) - The current building dates back to 1824. Emperor Gomizuno usually took a break here before he went to the upper villas. The structure consists of three principal rooms in the size of 15, 12, and 5 tatami mats.

Kyakuden (part of the Middle Villa) - In 1682 this pavilion was moved from the Nyoin Palace of Tofukumonin in Kyoto to its current location. Within one of the two rooms, you will find one of the three most treasured shelves in Japan with the name Kasumidana. The other two can be seen in the Katsura Imperial Villa called Katsuradana and the Daigoji Temple in Kyoto named Daigodana.

Rakushiken (part of the Middle Villa) - This pavilion was constructed for Princess Akenomiya Teruko (1634 - 1727). The last repair work for Rakushiken’s shingled roof was done in 2021.

Rinuntei Pavilion (Upper Villa) - The Rinuntei Pavilion is located on the south bank of Yokuryuchi Pond and offers through its elevated location amazing views over the Shugakuin Imperial Villa and the Kyoto hills.

Upper Garden - This huge stroll garden with an artificial pond (Yokuryuchi) uses the principles of borrowing scenery called shakkei. It incorporates distant views or external features, like the surrounding nature or mountain ranges, into the composition of a garden. It is one of the best places to enjoy the colorful autumn leaves when the maple trees turn into a vibrant red at the end of October.

Yokuryuchi Pond - This large artificial pond with a number of small islands and its beautiful surroundings is part of the Upper Villa. It was formed by damming a water stream flowing down the Higashiyama Mountains.

Kyusuitei - The teahouse with its pyramidal shingled roof and a single room in the size of 18 tatami mats is located near the Yokuryuchi Pond at the highest point of the garden.

Chitosebashi Bridge - The stone bridge with Chinese influences is capped with a wooden pavilion and was constructed in the early 19th century.

Festival & Events in Kyoto (dates can change without notice)

April

Miyako Odori (1st - 31th)
The traditional annual spring dance of the Kyoto district Gion Kobu performed by Geiko and Maiko is a must-see on your Kyoto visit. Don't miss the most popular dances the Miyako Odori "Cherry Blossom Dances" or "Dances of the Old Capital" at the Gion Kobu Kaburenjo Theater (located close to Gion Corner).

May

Aoi Matsuri (15th)
The highlight of this festival is a large parade from the Imperial Palace through the Shimogamo Shrine to the Kamigamo Shrine. More than 500 people wearing aristocratic costumes from the Heian Period (794 - 1185). The Aoi Matsuri belongs with the Gion Matsuri and Jidai Matsuri as the three most famous festivals in Kyoto.

June

Aoba Matsuri (Green Leaf Festival) at Chishaku-in (15th)
The festival is an ancient ritual of followers of the Shingon sect of Buddhism, which is called Yamabushi. They participate in a series of ceremonies like celebrating the birth of founder Kobo-Daishi (744 - 835).

July

Gion Matsuri (whole month)
The month of July is full of different events like the Yoiyama - Kyoto's Magical Night (locals in kimonos look at the giant Gion floats the day before the parade) or the famous Yamaboko Junko (float procession on the 17th of July).

October

Jidai Matsuri ("Festival of Ages") (22nd)
People celebrate with a large parade between Imperial Palace to Heian Shrine the anniversary of the foundation of Kyoto. App. 2000 participants wearing historical costumes from different time periods. Enjoy this great festival which lasts around 2 hours.