Prince Toshihito (1579-1629) and his son dreamed up this holiday resort as a string of pavilions spread along the banks of the Katsura River, "each one set upon a reflection of the moon". Here you will discover the ultimate expression of that most fascinating aspect of Japanese architecture: a striving for purity and bareness. The harmony and beauty of Katsura Imperial Villa arises from its austere layout, which was to inspire Bauhaus architects as well as Le Corbusier, who described it as a "timeless work".