Katsura Imperial Villa, Kyoto (must see)

According to experts, Katsura is the crème de la crème of Japanese real estate. It's not just the garden that's a knockout; the buildings are the epitome of Japanese craftsmanship. Prince Toshihito (1571–1629), the brain behind this paradise, wanted a pad where he could entertain his artsy pals in style.

The highlight? A pond garden that plays peek-a-boo with your senses: as you stroll, strategically placed greenery keeps the pond a mystery, until suddenly, bam! You're hit with a clear view of the scenic shoreline, bridges, and scenes straight out of literary classics.

Toshihito, a tea enthusiast, sprinkled 'wabi-sabi' charm throughout the garden with rustic touches like stone lanterns and water basins. And don't miss the four tea houses, each with its own vibe – one's perched like a mountain retreat, while another appears to float serenely on the water.

The main buildings, crafted by Toshihito's son, are deceptively simple yet sneakily intricate – think doorbells shaped like flowers and shelves showcasing 18 wood varieties. So enchanted was the son with the estate that he rarely visited, fearing he might spoil the magic. Each trip was like stepping into his own personal paradise, and you'll likely feel the same if you pay a visit.

Tip:
To peek at this paradise, you’ll need to hop on a 40-minute tour (they have English audio guides), which loops around the centerpiece pond. Sadly, you can't snoop around the buildings, and snapping pics is only allowed in designated areas.
To snag a spot on a tour, you gotta rock up in person (don't forget your passport) to the Imperial Household Office at Kyoto Gyōen. If you're feeling lucky, you can try your hand at scoring a spot on their website, but move fast – they go like hotcakes!