Shugakuin Imperial Villa on Mount Hiei

Shugakuin Imperial Villa is located at the foot of Mount Hiei, known as the mother mountain of Japanese Buddhism. It is divided into three parts: Lower Ochaya, Middle Ochaya, and Upper Ochaya. "Ochaya" was the term used during the Edo period for an "imperial villa," which is what we commonly refer to as a "summer retreat." The "Lower Villa," "Middle Villa," and "Upper Villa" are three separate courtyards, with vast rice fields between them. The courtyards are connected by carriage roads lined with pine trees on both sides, and the entire route is mostly gravel paths. Black Diamond Release

Post by GlobeTrotterExtra | Oct 26, 2025