A group of villas next to Nanzen-ji Temple is rarely listed in Kyoto guidebooks. These villas were built by prominent statesmen who rose to power between the late 19th and early 20th centuries. These influential figures poured their wealth and aesthetic sense into the creation of 12 architectural jewels. The villas' large gardens draw water from the ample supply provided by the aqueduct from Lake Biwa. So as not to obstruct the splendid view, the rooms were built with eaves that extended lengthwise for over ten meters without any intervening pillars. Built with the finest timber and designed in the refined sukiya architectural style, the villas exemplify the sense of Japanese beauty, which was rapidly disappearing. For the first time, cameras are allowed inside the villas, which have been closed to the public up to now, to reveal "Kyoto's last hidden sanctuary."