Katsura Rikyu is in western Kyoto, a 15-minute walk from Katsura Station on the Hankyu Kyoto Line. You can also take Kyoto City Bus 33 from Kyoto Station (20 minutes, 270 yen) to the "Katsura Rikyu-mae" stop. Note, the Kyoto City Bus One Day Card does not fully cover this ride. Keihan Bus 2 and 26 are also available.
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Katsura Imperial Villa
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5.0
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9 of 75 in Kyoto
Katsura Imperial Villa (桂離宮, Katsura Rikyū) is a masterpiece of Japanese architecture and garden design, showcasing the elegance of the Edo Period. Completed in 1645 as a residence for the Katsura Family, part of the Imperial lineage, the villa is surrounded by a stunning landscape garden that reflects harmony and balance. Its circular walking trail leads visitors around a serene central pond, offering picturesque views of the villa and meticulously crafted scenery.
To visit Katsura Imperial Villa, guests must join a guided tour, with English tours available. While the palace buildings can only be admired from the outside, the journey along the trail reveals the timeless beauty of Japanese aesthetics. Photography is permitted but only from designated spots, ensuring the tranquility of the setting is preserved.
Hours and Fees
Katsura Imperial Villa
- Opening hours
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8:40 to 17:00, tours of Katsura Imperial Villa run daily; book early online or in person with your passport at the Imperial Household Agency in Kyoto Imperial Park, or try for limited same-day tickets at the villa from 8:40 on a first-come, first-served basis.
- Closed
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Mondays
- Entrance fee
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1000 yen
Getting there
Google MapsResources
English
Imperial Household Agency
Official website
Application for Visit
Application for visits
Japanese
Imperial Household Agency
Official website
Application for Visit
Application for Visits
Related
Reviews
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5/5 - Excellent
Visiting Katsura Imperial Villa was an extraordinary experience that offered a deep appreciation for traditional Japanese architecture and garden design. The villa's meticulously crafted teahouses and the main residence exemplify the elegance and simplicity characteristic of the Sukiya-zukuri style. Strolling through the expansive gardens, with their artfully arranged ponds, islands, and pathways, felt like walking through a living painting. Each turn revealed a new, thoughtfully composed vista, reflecting the designers' profound understanding of harmony and aesthetics.
The guided tour provided insightful context about the villa's historical significance and the imperial family's influence on its development. While the tour was structured, there was ample opportunity to absorb the tranquil atmosphere and admire the intricate details of the landscape. Due to the villa's popularity and the need for preservation, advance reservations are essential. This exclusivity enhances the sense of privilege in exploring such a remarkable site. For anyone interested in Japanese culture, history, or landscape architecture, Katsura Imperial Villa is an unmissable destination in Kyoto.1 month ago — by Daan