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Kyoto
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Katsura Imperial Villa

桂離宮, Katsura rikyū

A real cultural treasure, renowned for its magnificent gardens and fine classical architecture. You can obtain permission to join a tour of the property either through the Imperial Household Agency's official website (which also contains a detailed list of instructions ) or by applying in person at the agency's Kyoto office (near the Imperial Palace). Be sure to apply well in advance of your visit: slots are extremely limited and the much sought-after online permits are rationed out through a lottery selection process.

  • Entry 1000 JPY
  • Built 1616
Address
Katsuramisono
Getting there
about 15-20 minutes on foot from Katsura Station on the Hankyū Kyōto Main Line, 5-8 minutes on foot from Katsura Rikyū-mae bus stop

Listing from Wikivoyage: Kyoto/Arashiyama, CC BY-SA 4.0.

Location and details from OpenStreetMap, © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL.

Also listed in Overture Maps open data.

Updated 27 Sept 2026. Something wrong? Tell us.