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Kyoto

Kyoto Imperial Palace
Sento Imperial Palace
Shugakuin Imperial Villa
Katsura Imperial Villa

Tokyo Imperial Palace

Gardens
Gardens of Kyoto

Kyoto: Access and Orientation

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most visited sights
# 35   of 46 sights
in Kyoto
 
Home - Travel - Sightseeing Guide - Kyoto
Katsura Imperial Villa
 
basic information

Katsura Imperial Villa (Katsura Rikyu) is one of the finest examples of purely 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.

The villa can be viewed only on tours held by the Imperial Household Agency. They last about one hour and are in Japanese only, however, an English audio guide is available.

Any advice or questions? Voice them in the forum!

how to get there

Katsura Rikyu is located in western Kyoto, a 15 minute walk from Katsura Station on the Hankyu Kyoto Line. Alternatively, you can reach the villa by Kyoto City Bus number 33 from Kyoto Station in about 20 minutes. Get off at "Katsura Rikyu-mae" bus stop.

How to get to and around Kyoto

hours and fees

Free tours of Katsura Imperial Villa are held several times daily in Japanese only. No tours are held on Sundays and national holidays. Most Saturdays are also unavailable. Check with the agency for an up to date schedule.

To book a tour, you need to apply in advance with your passport at the Imperial Household Agency's office in Kyoto Imperial Park. Reservations are often possible on the same day as the intended visit. The agency office is open Monday to Friday from 8:45 to 12:00 and from 13:00 to 17:00.

Additionally, a small number of tour spots are available for reservation over the agency's website (see links below), however, these often get booked out. Online reservations must be completed several days before the intended visit.

news and reports

Kyoto Cherry Blossom Report
April 15, 2009
Kyoto Cherry Blossom Report
April 12, 2009
Kyoto Cherry Blossom Report
April 7, 2009
Kyoto Cherry Blossom Report
April 4, 2009
Kyoto Cherry Blossom Report
April 1, 2009
Kyoto Cherry Blossom Report
March 30, 2009
Kyoto Cherry Blossom Report
March 25, 2009

travel community

Popularity of Katsura Villa:
Users who have been to Kyoto: 1925
Users who have been to Katsura Villa: 91

35th of 46 most visited sights in Kyoto.
200th of 554 most visited sights nationwide.

Have you been to Katsura Villa?

Ratings for Katsura Villa:
japan-guide.com Rating:
  best of Japan  
User Rating (by 48 users):
86/100
  recommended

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Gion Hatanaka
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tours and packages

Kyoto Tours
Various tours and travel packages for Kyoto and surroundings.

english links

Imperial Household Agency
Official English website.
Application for Visit
English application page.

japanese links

Imperial Household Agency
Official website.
Application for Visit
Japanese application page.

 

 
December 28, 2008  
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