Shugakuin Rikyu
- Kyoto
- 29 Aug, 2025
Shugakuin Rikyu Imperial Villa is the most spacious and, in some ways, the most pleasing of Kyoto’s four imperial properties.
[Shugakuin Imperial Villa Garden]
Way up in the northeast of town, in the shadow of Mt. Hiei, Shugakuin Rikyu Imperial Villa occupies a vast swath of land on a hillside overlooking the flat plain of Kyoto. As with the other three imperial properties in town, it’s necessary to apply through the Imperial Household Agency to visit and you must join a guided tour (exploring freely and at your own pace is strictly forbidden, which detracts somewhat from the experience). Still, the leafy walkways and beautiful pond, along with the great views over the city make a visit worthwhile for those with more than a few days to spend in the city.
English address:
Yabusoe, Shugakuin, Sakyo-ku
Japanese Address:
左京区修学院藪添
Guided tour hours:
9am, 10am, 11am, 1:30pm, and 3pm (50min)
An audio guide is available for non-Japanese speakers.
Admission:
Fee
Advance reservation required through the Imperial Household Agency
Non-smoking area: Yes
Nearest Transport:
15min walk from Shugaku-in Rikyu-michi Bus Stop, Kyoto City Bus 5 from
Kyoto Station.
Nearest Hotels:See hotels near to Shugaku-in Rikyu Imperial Villa on Agoda.com
Telephone: 211-1215 (8.45am-noon, 1pm-5pm, Mon-Fri)
Website: Official Website (English)
Near To Here:
Shugakuin Rikyu Imperial Villa is located in Kyoto’s Northern
Higashiyama district. See our complete
list of things to do in Northern
Higashiyama, including places to eat,
nightlife and places to stay.
Where Is This Place Located?
- Open the Kyoto map
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Kyoto Vacation Checklist
- For a quick overview, see my First Time In Kyoto guide.
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