Originally Posted by
mosburger
The Katsura Imperial Villa in Kyoto could be of more interest than the Palace tours. As for the Kyoto Palace, the surrounding park is well suited for walking and jogging. Just like locals do.
The 桂離宮 is one of the finest sites in Kyoto. One of its attractions is since you can only go there on a guided tour with a docent from the 宮内庁, from every location all you see is the site and the buildings, completely bereft of tourists, tramplers, and people blocking your nice clean picture shot. Everybody visiting at that time is right with you.