Trip Planner: Asia / Japan / Kinki / Kyoto Prefecture / Kyoto / Parks / Katsura Imperial Villa

Katsura Imperial Villa, Kyoto

4.5

#9 of 66 in Parks in Kyoto

Garden Historic Site

Admire the traditional Japanese architecture and garden design of Katsura Imperial Villa, a well-preserved residence of the Japanese imperial family. Only accessible as part of a tour, visits to the household last around an hour, taking the circular walking route through the garden and around the central pond. Completed in their current form in 1645, the villa and garden display many of the key features of regal Japanese households, including pristine, uncluttered living spaces, sliding doors, garden ornaments, native plant life, and shrines. By using our Kyoto trip builder, you can arrange your visit to Katsura Imperial Villa and other attractions in Kyoto.

Create an itinerary including Katsura Imperial Villa

Reviews

TripAdvisor Traveler Rating

315 reviews

Google

4.7

H365000

書院の中は公開されていないので、庭園めぐりといった体験になるが、工夫のほどこされた庭園や茶室は素晴らしい。 more »

In the study have not been published, so the garden garden tour experience to be a ingenuity parasols and tea room are great.

View original
お遍路さん京都市

何にも見るべき「見もの」がない時期なので・・・桜も紅葉も新緑もないし・・・やめておこう、って進言したのにどうしても行きたいって知人がいたので仕方なく申込しておいたが・・。あいもかわらず、狭い庭と大したことない建物を「超長い」説明を聞いて、素通りするだけの見学でした。説明も上手とはお世辞にも言えない程度のもので・・・。一度御所とか修学院離宮、日光東照宮の説明する人に就いて勉強したら如何なのかな？この... more »

So no "spectacular" to look at what time of the year... with cherry blossoms, leaves, green and then is left no choice but submission because someone had to convince me, I'll stop... I just want to go, and. It was a tour of the building yard wouldn't be a big deal, though also for super long hearing and pass straight through. Good description is intended less to say the least.... If you study who once described the Imperial Palace or shugakuin, sunlight Tosho-gu shrine full of? This Palace and just a really poor description people!

View original
Todd2PS

This stunning garden will never get the reviews it deserves because the number of visitors is so small. Before you had to get reservations 6 months in advance through the Imperial Household. Now you c... more »

View more on TripAdvisor »

Google

Peder Van Loewe

This garden is a MUST see! All the elements that are needed for an harmonic, balanced garden are here. If it's not on your "to do" list, put it there. The hassle free booking makes it so easy. DO IT! It is breathtakingly beautiful

more less
Ismael alvarez

Very nice place to visit. Limited to 60 people per day. No cost, you only have to line before 11 am

more less
Michael Jamieson

Stunning garden and we'll preserved buildings. The history isn't bad either.

more less
David Vaclík

Perfect example of Japanese style architecture with very well though garden. Free entrance, but you need to make appointment at least one day before in imperial Palace administration office (near imperial palace), or you can try luck and wait near entrance for free spots.

more less
David Lisbona

Were unable to visit as we found out on arrival that one has to book ahead for timed guided tours. Not that easy to get to with public transport

more less

View more on Google »

Plan your trip to Kyoto

Get a personalized plan

A complete day-by-day itinerary
based on your preferences
Customize it

Refine your plan. We'll find the
best routes and schedules
Book it

Choose from the best hotels
and activities. Up to 50% off
Manage it

Everything in one place.
Everyone on the same page.

Best things to do in Kyoto

Popular

Katsura Imperial Villa, Kyoto

H365000

お遍路さん京都市

Todd2PS

Peder Van Loewe

Ismael alvarez

Michael Jamieson

David Vaclík

David Lisbona

Plan your trip to Kyoto

Get a personalized plan

Customize it

Book it

Manage it

Best things to do in Kyoto

Where to stay in Kyoto

Plans in Kyoto by other users

For Business Owners