Shugakuin Imperial Villa

Lower Villa Garden Pond

Lower Villa Garden Creek

Lower Villa Interior

Sages Screen Doors

Ancient Tree and Fields Between the Lower and Middle Villas

Rice Harvest in the Imperial Fields

Middle Villa Safe House for storage of rice, supplies and valuables as protection from fire.


Middle Villa backrooms looking through various shoji sliding screens

Gardeners pruning trees in Middle Villa Gardens


Painted Interior of Middle Villa

Looking through the formal rooms of the Middle Villa




Leaving the Middle Villa Garden

The Walk to the upper villa is lined with trees and shrubs high enough to prevent any views of what can be seen from the top, so this view after the long climb is a complete fresh surprise.


We couldn't have had better weather for the day, though I did come home with a nasty sunburn!


This is the simple viewing house at the top of the hill which can be opened all the way around to allow the breezes and the sound of the waterfalls behind to be appreciated along with the view.

On the walk back down to the pond we pass the falls and mossy woods

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On the walk back to the bus stop I enjoyed the touchs of nature like this doorstep lily pond after the highly manicured understated elegance of the designed "natural" world at the imperial villas.

The boldness of color on this hibiscus was a pleasant counterpoint to all the subtle greenery of the villa gardens too. After the two + hour hike and one more hour bus ride I came back to the hostel and collapsed for the balance of the day. Finally jet lag had caught with me, the initial adrenaline rush had worn off.