Katsura Imperial Villa
桂離宮
This is the Katsura Imperial Villa, established in 1615 after taking 50 years to complete. With a beauty that could be called the culmination of Japan’s gardens, the grounds are a chisen-kaiyushiki garden covering an area of 69,400 square meters. The main buildings include the Koshoin (Old Shoin), Chushoin (Middle Shoin) and Shingoten (New Palace), while also around the pond are four teahouses each with a different feel. It is a garden where one can enjoy the four seasons of Japan from spring’s cherry blossoms to autumn’s changing leaves. Though same day booking is possible, one should book in advance to be guaranteed entry.
- LOCATION
- Kyoto Kyoutoshi Nishikyou-ku Katsuramisono
- PHONE
- 0752111215
- Hours
- [Visit Hours] 9:00, 10:00, 11:00, 12:00, 13:00, 14:00, 15:00, 16:00
- Closed
- Monday (The next day for Public holidays), 12/28-1/4
- Fees
- [18 and over (1 time)] 1,000yen (application system, this Sunday application is possible) * Please refer to the Imperial Household Agency homepage for details.
- Parking Lot
- Available
- Note
- [Imperial Household Agency Kyoto Office Visiting Office] 075-211-1215
Reviews
- Reviewed
- 2020-12-27
- Must-see
Katsura Imperial Villa is one of must-sees in Kyoto. To visit the villa, you should either make a reservation in advance, or go directly to the entrance early in the morning. Only the limited number... more
- Date of visit:
- 2020-12
- Reviewed
- 2020-09-29
- Tranquil and Beautiful
The early 17th-century Katsura Imperial Villa provides a stunning example of Japanese architecture and garden design. It features a variety of simple structures in a gorgeous garden setting, complete... more
- Date of visit:
- 2019-10
- Reviewed
- 2020-03-16
- Serene beauty.
I was lucky in that passing through Kyoto two weeks previously I had booked my tours of the imperial villas at the helpful Imperial Household Agency. By the time I came to take the tours the... more
- Date of visit:
- 2020-03
- Reviewed
- 2020-01-07
- My highlight of Kyoto
Even in winter, this garden is excellent. I can only imagine how amazing it would be in spring or autumn. You do have to apply in advance for a tour (I think you can try on the day but not... more
- Date of visit:
- 2019-12
- Reviewed
- 2019-12-30
- Not to be missed--a wonderful experience
This was one of the highlights of our 12 days in Japan. The gardens are a stunning example of Japanese style and simplicity, and the tour groups are small enough that you can enjoy them and learn a... more
- Date of visit:
- 2019-12
