logo
ic_menu

Katsura Imperial Villa

京都府道123号, Kyoto, Kyoto

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

Meta review

Listed as one of the key attractions in the city by travel guides, the attraction tends to slip down the list on travel blogs and online review portals, most likely because it requires some advance planning to get a spot on the guided tours and it is not centrally located. That being said, the reviews are consistently excellent, describing the harmony between the pond, bridge, tea house and various plants. The buildings are a simple affair on the surface because they lack decoration but they have this refined purity one often experiences in Zen Buddhist buildings in Japan. Both the English-speaking tour and the audio-guide option seem to be satisfactory.

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

Included Items
None
Timing
Duration of visit
Tours last 40mins. Closed 28 Dec-04 Jan

av. transport time:0h 40m

est. visit time:1h 15m

Regulated hours

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

Pricing
Age band
Age band
Regular price / pers.
Senior
65 - 99
JP¥1,000
Adult
18 - 64
JP¥1,000
Teen & Young
12 - 17
JP¥0
Child
3 - 11
JP¥0
Infant
0 - 2
JP¥0
Min. age is 12yrs old. Free admission for 12-17yr old.

We use cookies on this site to enhance your user experience. For a complete overview of all cookies used, please see MORE INFORMATION.