Katsura Imperial Villa
Katsura Imperial Villa, Royal villa in Nishikyo-ku district, Japan
Description
Katsura Imperial Villa is a royal residence in Nishikyō Ward, situated along the western bank of the Katsura River approximately 8 kilometers from central Kyoto. The compound covers roughly 69,000 square meters and contains several pavilions, ponds with islands, and winding paths that thread through the entire property.
History
Prince Hachijō Toshihito began construction in the early 17th century with a small teahouse, which his son later expanded by adding more buildings and landscape features. The compound grew through several phases and eventually gained recognition as a royal retreat.
Culture
The estate demonstrates classical elements such as stepping stones, paper sliding doors, and tatami mats arranged in a composition that embodies the sukiya style. The rooms in the Old, Middle, and New Shoin follow a thoughtful layout that allows the surrounding scenery to be viewed from changing angles.
Practical
Access is granted only through guided tours operated by the Imperial Household Agency, which must be booked in advance by phone or online. Tours typically last about an hour and run in most weather conditions.
Did you know?
The gardens employ borrowed scenery techniques, incorporating distant mountains and trees so they appear to merge with the grounds. Architects also positioned lanterns and stones at measured intervals to create shifting perspectives as visitors walk.
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide. Discover all places nearby (Nishikyō Ward).
Kyoto is a city where history is found around every corner. You will see Buddhist temples with curved roofs, Shinto shrines hidden in forests, imperial palaces with grand gates, and castles that remind visitors of old warriors. Well-kept gardens invite long walks, and older neighborhoods keep their...
Jōjū-ji
2.1 km
Tenno-no-mori Kofun
1.9 km
Chōfuku-ji
2.2 km
Katsura Ōhashi
332 m革嶋城
1.2 km
Kamino Bridge
1.7 km
Nishi-Ōhashi
1.1 km弥勒寺
962 m阿弥陀寺
1 km
Jōraku-ji
1 km
Nishikyogoku Athletic Stadium
1.1 kmKyoto City Nishikyogoku Comprehensive Sports Park
1.1 kmMemorial, stele
2.1 km蓮生塔
1.1 kmJizo-in
2.2 km右 浄住寺
1.9 km一字一国 大乗妙典塔
2 kmひむき地蔵尊
2 km日向地蔵尊
2 km青山音楽記念館
1.8 kmWayside shrine
711 mWayside shrine, Buddhism
1.5 kmWayside shrine, Buddhism
2 kmWayside shrine, Buddhism
2 kmWayside shrine, Buddhism
2 kmWayside shrine, Buddhism
2 km西之茶屋
2 kmWayside shrine
2 kmDiscover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes