Katsura Imperial Villa is one of the finest examples of Japanese architecture and garden design. The villa and garden in their present form were completed in 1645 as the residence for the Katsura Family, members of Japan's Imperial Family.
It is set in immaculately landscaped grounds dotted with teahouses.

Palace buildings can be viewed only from the outside, and photographing is allowed only from designated spots.

Featuring magnificent layouts, the villa boasts fine examples of Japanese gardening. Additional features include the drawing-room, a strolling garden and tea houses.

The spacious garden and the architecture of the teahouses blend perfectly according to the highest aesthetic standards. Famous names in architecture and design including German architect Bruno Taut have expressed great admiration for Katsura Imperial Villa.

In old days, visitors viewed the scenery of the spacious pond and its many islands from a boat. This is why the bridges spanning the pond are arched to enable the passing of boats. Currently, you can enjoy the garden while strolling around the pond.

The teahouses were built to be hidden out of sight from visitors until the guests happen upon them. Each structure has subtle and rustic details that enhance the highest principle of the wabi-sabi aesthetic and in keeping with the tea ceremony's goal of blending the natural with the spiritual.

Getting There: From Kyoto Station , take the Hankyu line to Katsura Station. The villa is a 20-minute walk from there or about 700 Yen by taxi. From Kyoto Station bus 33 stops at Kitsura Rikyu-mae, 5 minutes by foot from the villa.

Admission Fee: is 500 Yen per person.

Opening Hours: 6 am to 6 pm.

Importance Rating: 8 - this is one of Kyoto's top sights and praised by architects worldwide.

Busyness Rating: 7 - it's a popular attraction.

Top Tips: To visit the villa, you must apply to join one of the regularly scheduled daily tours so may be best done with one of our guides. The tour follows the garden's circular walking trail around the central pond.

Please note that children under the age of 12 are not able to join this tour.