| The Imperial Palace
And Villas - Kyoto
Described
by Rikae Yamazoe
Kyoto
was the imperial capital from 794 to 1868. Even though the capital has
been moved to Tokyo, the original Imperial Palace and two Imperial Villas
remain in Kyoto. Even today, the imperial family visits them several
times a year.
To
visit the Imperial Palace or any of the Villas, you must apply in advance.
This rule is strictly enforced.
We'll be glad to assist with planning your tour to The Imperial
Palace And Villas in Kyoto
We'll be glad to send you the application form as part of the booking
form for you to fill , after you decide on your tour booking.
The
palace was the official imperial residence until the capital was moved
to Tokyo in 1868. It is now registered as a part of the World Heritage.
The elegant buildings provide a glimpse of ancient court culture and
are the height of sophisticated simplicity.
Visiting The Imperial Palace And Villas in
Kyoto
Permission
is required . Must apply in advance.
Children must be accompanied by an adult ( who is at least 20 years
of age or older r).
Groups / party must not exceed 9 guest per tour ( Including the guide)
.
Larger groups may have separate tour times and must apply for permission
in advance, different application is required.
The Imperial Palace:
Location
: Central Kyoto, near Nijo Castle
Getting there : From JR Kyoto station by subway to Imadegawa station:
10 minutes.
Closed on : Saturdays, Sundays, National holidays, on other days determined
by the Agency, and during Dec. 25 through Jan. 5.
| Tour notes :
|
| Times
: |
9:00
a m, 11:00 a m, 1:30 p m, 3:00 p m. |
| Minimum
age: |
None |
| Maximum
number of visitors per party: |
9
(Guides when requested are counted as a member of the group)
|
| Admission
fee: |
None |
| Our
handling fee: |
Yet
there is an
application fee .( Total for your party)
This handling fee is NON refundable , even if you decide to cancel
, sending in your payment confirms that you have read & agreed
to this point.
(No changes allowed in names / number of guests ) |
| Application
is accepted : |
As
early as 3 months prior to arrival into Japan, but no later then
to 2 week prior arrival into Japan. |
| Information
required for application: |
Full
name / age / sex/ passport number / nationality for each person
( we'll send you the application) |
| Tour
voucher: |
An
original voucher will be issued by Imperial House Hold Office
Either your guide will present it to you, or it will be waiting
for you at your hotel.
The original voucher must be with you when your party reaches
the gate of the Palace. |
Katsura
Imperial Villa
Katsura
Imperial Villa
was built in the 17th century as a country
house for the Imperial family. It is a "Shoin" (study room) consisting
of three buildings in "Sukiya" style.
A pond surrounding these buildings is created from the water of
the Katsura River.
There is also a garden with a circular promenade and a tearoom,
creating a harmonious beauty with the architecture.
The garden is renowned as the best in Japan.
Bruno Taut, a German architect, who introduced Katsura Imperial Villa
in an overseas magazine, was profoundly moved by the site, saying “
How beautiful it is! I can’t help shed tears.”
Katsura
origins extend back to the Heian Era a thousand years ago, when Kyoto
was known as Heian-Kyo.
Location : Southwestern Kyoto.
Getting there : From Kyoto JR Station by bus to Katsura- Rikyu: 20 minutes.
Shugakuin
Imperial Villa
Shugakuin
Imperial Villa was built for a retired Emperor
in the 17th century and it boasts one of the most famous garden in Japan.
The garden was constructed utilizing the best of the surrounding
natural features including the holy Mt. Hiei. It consists of upper,
middle and lower detached villas.
The view is marvelous and all visitors never tire of looking for different
views from which to enjoy the garden.
Location
: Northeastern Kyoto. The eastern foot of Mt. Hiei.
Getting around : From Kyoto Station to Demachi-Yanagi-Ekimae stop by
bus: 40 minutes . Then by Eizan Dentetsu Local train “Kurama Line “:
5 minutes .
| Tour notes :
Katsura Imperial
Villa
or Shugakuin
Imperial Villa |
| Closed
on : |
Saturday,
Sunday and national holidays except the 3rd Saturday of each month
and Saturdays in Apr, May, Oct. and Nov. |
Villas
do not accommodate
Guests using Wheel Chair |
Wheel
chairs and guide dogs are not allowed in the villa for safety
reasons. In the garden, visitors are required to cross the narrow
bridge and jump on the small stones across the pond. |
| Maximum
number of visitors per party: |
4
guests . Parties with more than 4 participants, may be divided
into two or more parties using different tour times on the same
day.
(Private Guides when requested are counted as a member of the
group) |
| Admission
fee: |
None |
| Our
handling fee: |
110
USD $ per party / application.( Total for your party)
This handling fee is NON refundable , even if you decide to cancel
, sending in your payment confirms that you have read & agreed
to this point.
(No changes allowed in names / number of guests ) |
| Application
is accepted : |
As
early as 3 months prior to arrival into Japan, but no later then
to 2 week prior arrival into Japan. |
| Information
required for application: |
Full
name / age / sex/ passport number / nationality for each person
( we'll send you the application) |
| Tour
voucher: |
An
original voucher will be issued by Imperial House Hold Office
Either your guide will present it to you, or it will be waiting
for you at your hotel.
The original voucher must be with you when your party reaches
the gate of the Palace. |
|
