Katsura Imperial Villa (桂離宮) is a renowned imperial villa located in the western part of Kyoto, Japan. Construction of the villa began in the early 17th century under Prince Toshihito of the Hachijo-no-miya family (八条宮), younger brother to Emperor Go-Mizunoo, and was completed in the mid-17th century.
The villa is celebrated for its exquisite architecture and gardens, considered some of the finest examples of traditional Japanese design. The villa’s architecture embodies the aesthetics of the Edo period, emphasizing simplicity, symmetry, and harmony with nature. The villa is comprised of the Old Shoin (古書院), Middle Shoin (中書院), and New Goten (新御殿) buildings, each with its own unique charm.
The villa’s gardens are equally famous for their beauty and meticulous attention to detail. They feature a variety of plants, including pine trees, bamboo, and maple trees, along with several ponds and streams that reflect the surrounding natural scenery. The gardens also include several tea houses, such as the Shokintei (松琴亭) within the New Goten and the Shoiken (笑意軒) in the Middle Shoin, as well as the Geppa-ro (月波楼) moon-viewing platform, providing visitors with serene spaces to relax and appreciate the beauty of the surroundings. There is even a miniature representation of Amanohashidate (天橋立), a scenic sandbar known for its beauty.
Today, the Katsura Imperial Villa is open to the public for guided tours, allowing visitors to experience the beauty and history of this unique cultural landmark. However, due to its status as a National Treasure, access is limited and reservations are required in advance through the Imperial Household Agency website. Visitors must also submit a “Permission Application for Visit” in order to join a tour.
Getting there
By Train
- About 15 minutes walk from Katsura Station on the Hankyu Kyoto Line
By Bus
- From Kyoto Station:
- Take City Bus No. 33 for about 20 minutes, get off at “Katsura Rikyu-mae” bus stop (270 yen)
- Buses run approximately twice per hour
- Keihan Bus No. 2 and 26 are also available
Details
| Hours | 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM Closed on Mondays. |
| Admission | 1,000 yen per person. |
| Phone | +81 3-3213-1111 |
| Address | 1 Katsuramisono-cho, Nishikyo Ward, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture 615-8011, Japan |