We could luckily take panorama photos of Kyoto Imperial Palace, Sento Imperial Palace, Katsura Imperial Villa, & Shugakuin Imperial Villa in summer. Please enjoy Japanese beauty by clicking each thumbnail photo. For more details about these places, please visit the website of the Imperial Household Agency.

Kyoto Imperial Palace

Rich in tradition, Kyoto Imperial Palace preserves the look and ambiance of the Palace as it had been in the time of Japan’s ancient imperial dynasties. The current Palace was rebuilt in 1855 and comprises several structures–including the Shisinden, the Seiryoden, the Kogosyo, the Ogakumonjyo, and the Otsunegoten–that reflect the architectural styles of various periods. (according to the website of the Imperial Household Agency)

Sento Imperial Palace

Sento Imperial Palace was built on the occasion of the Emperor Gomizunoo’s retirement at the beginning of the seventeenth century. Although the palace itself was lost to fire in 1854 and was not subsequently reconstructed, its gardens and teahouses remain. (according to the website of the Imperial Household Agency)

Katsura Imperial Villa

Constructed during the early and mid-seventeenth century by Toshihito Shinno and Toshitada Shinno, the first and second generations of the Hachijo-no-Miya family, Katsura Imperial Villa features what is said to be the most beautiful Japanese garden. (according to the website of the Imperial Household Agency)

Shugakuin Imperial Villa

Constructed by the order of the Emperor Gomizunoo in the mid-seventeenth century, Shugakuin Imperial Villa consists of three villas (Lower, Middle, and Upper). Its incorporation of the surrounding natural scenery into the garden design is typical of Japanese architecture. (according to the website of the Imperial Household Agency)