Shugakuin Imperial Villa, Kyoto

Good quality garden which is also an imperial villa. Entrance is free but you need to book on advance but some day passes are available. Need I'd such as passport or arc. Looks best not in early winter. Group tour is on Japanese with English audio guide

Gardens: it is really nice place! If you are photographer, you really have to visit this place. There are nice views (they guarantee that this view is the same as it was in 17th century!), nice ponds, moss gardens and ancient buildings where emperor lived. Guide: guide speaks only Japanese but you can get an audio guide for free in English (Chinese, Spanish or French too). Location: there is no easy to get there. You can use local train (nearest station is 20 minutes, but these trains are not included in JR rail pass). You can use Metro, but it is quite far away (40 minutes) Entrance: it is free! But there is strictly limited capacity (check it on their website). You will need your passport when you want to visit these gardens.