Katsura Imperial Villa
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Katsura Imperial Villa - by Kaito Kinjo on Unsplash





Description
Katsura Imperial Villa is one of the four Imperial residences in Kyoto. It is located on the western bank of the Katsura river, 8km west of the Imperial Palace. The grounds of the villa are considered to be one of the best examples of traditional Japanese gardens whilst the buildings and teahouses use traditional Japanese architecture influenced by Zen Buddhism with raised floors and tatami mats. The complex can only be visited by joining a guided tour that explores the gardens but the palace buildings can only be seen from outside.
Access & Transport
Address: Katsura-Misono, Nishikyo-ku / 西京区桂御園 The complex is 5km west of Kyoto Station. It is a 15mins walk from/to Katsura Station (Hankyu-Arachiyama and Hankyu-Kyoto lines). For those with a car, there is a parking on site.
Instructions & Recommendations
*** Children under 12yrs old are not allowed inside *** Applications for the visit can be made online on the Imperial Household Agency website or in person at their office in the Kyoto Imperial Palace Park (take your passport with you) and walk-in registrations are only available for the Japanese guided tours. There are tours in Japanese, English and "multi-language" using an audio-guide (English, Mandarin, French, Korean, and Spanish). At the time of this review update, the English tours were scheduled at 09h20, 11h20, 13h20, 15h20, and 16h20. Useful link: https://kyoto-gosho.kunaicho.go.jp/en/katsura-rikyu/visit
Environmental & Social
Very green complex that preserves the city's architectural heritage
Conclusion
Katsura Rikyū is a short train ride away from the center of Kyoto but visitors are sure to feel transported to another time and place. Don't expect dazzling buildings but, rather, understated elegance and a very refined aesthetic experience. Highly recommended for those who like Japanese gardens (and dislike crowds)
Key positive
Peaceful and picturesque gardens
Small groups so not busy
Key negative
Cumbersome to get a spot on a guided tour
Suitability
Children under 12yrs old are not allowed. Uneven path so possible but not easy for wheelchair users
About this Rating
TYPE
Desktop
RESEARCHED IN
August 2024
PROVIDER
Koreval
av. transport time:0h 40m
est. visit time:1h 15m
Monday -
Tuesday09:00 - 17:00
Wednesday09:00 - 17:00
Thursday09:00 - 17:00
Friday09:00 - 17:00
Saturday09:00 - 17:00
Sunday09:00 - 17:00