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Katsura Imperial Villa

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Katsura Imperial Villa

Masterpiece Japanese garden in the oldest circuit style.

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In early Edo Period, Imperial Prince Hachijonomiya Toshihito lived in Katsura Detatched Palace. It was developed over decades, known as a graceful garden throughout the Edo Period and the Imperial Household Agency took over the administration in Meiji Period. The vast ground with hills, ponds and tea houses is the oldest example of circuit style garden that exists.

A German architect, Bruno Taut, visited Japan and praised the beauty of the garden and architecture. Since then, it became widely known as a masterpiece of Japanese garden.

Passing the Miyuki Gate on to Miyuki Path, the whole picture of the wide garden comes in view. The first part is likened to Ama-no-hashidate and the sand beach, made up of the pond and stones. Shokin-tei at the center of the garden is the most valued tea house with the elegant scenery, which is like a picture framed by columns and railings. Circling around the garden, you will come to Ko-shoin, Chu-shoin and Shin-goten (studies and new palace). They were built in early to mid 17th century with the half-hipped bark roof in Irimoya style.

Highlights

  • The pond and stones are likened to Ama-no-hashidate and the sand beach. Shokin-tei with an elegant view is down the path.
  • Shokin-tei with the paper doors in novel grid design.
  • Touring is based on reservation. Guides in English are limited.

Photos

  • Retired Empress Gomizunoo is said to have Miyuki Gate built to enter the imperial villa ©Imperial Household Agency Kyoto Office

    Retired Empress Gomizunoo is said to have Miyuki Gate built to enter the imperial villa ©Imperial Household Agency Kyoto Office

  • Shoka-tei at the top of a hill is also called a “Tea House on the Pass” ©Imperial Household Agency Kyoto Office

    Shoka-tei at the top of a hill is also called a “Tea House on the Pass” ©Imperial Household Agency Kyoto Office

  • Ama-no-hashidate viewed from Shokin-tei ©Imperial Household Agency Kyoto Office

    Ama-no-hashidate viewed from Shokin-tei ©Imperial Household Agency Kyoto Office

  • Shokin-tei standing by a pond ©Imperial Household Agency Kyoto Office

    Shokin-tei standing by a pond ©Imperial Household Agency Kyoto Office

Reviews

3

Some reviews are AI-translated.

  • wendy
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    Katsura Imperial Villa, acclaimed as a masterpiece of Japanese garden design, is also a place I had always wanted to visit in person. It is said that the garden took a long time to design, build, and refine. Only after stepping inside can you truly appreciate the ingenuity of a classical Japanese garden, where the scenery changes with every step.

    Visiting in summer, there were none of the brilliant cherry blossoms or maple leaves, but instead, everything was lush green. The trees, pond, teahouses, and small bridges created a fresh and peaceful summer scene in the sunlight. As I slowly followed the path through the circuit-style garden, every turn seemed to reveal a different landscape. However, Katsura Imperial Villa is not a place you can simply visit without planning. You need to apply for a reservation in advance and enter at your scheduled time. The site is managed by the Imperial Household Agency. It is recommended that you arrive at least 20 minutes early to verify your identity and check in before waiting for the group to assemble.

    Tours are available in Japanese and English, and multilingual audio guides are also provided. Even if you do not understand Japanese, the guide can help you learn more about the history and design behind the garden. The entire tour lasts about an hour, and the group enters and exits together. Along the way, you pass many narrow paths and small bridges, and some sections are uneven, so a certain level of walking ability is definitely required.

  • 珊莎
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    This is a famous Japanese garden. The scenery is really beautiful and stunning.

  • Melody Chen
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    This is a garden used by the Imperial family, with a very Japanese-style design. You can apply for entry on the spot, but spots are limited, so it's best to make a reservation with the Imperial Household Agency in advance.

Details

Name in Japanese
桂離宮
Postal Code
615-8014
Address
Katsuramisono, Nishikyo-ku, Kyoto City, Kyoto
Telephone
075-211-1215 (Imperial Household Agency Kyoto Office, Touring Department)
Closed
Mondays (If it falls on a holiday, the following Tuesday), Event days, December 28 - January 4
Hours
Reservation required via internet, mail order or at the window. Hourly tour with a guide 9am - 4pm. Same-day reservation at Katsura Imperial Villa begins at 8:40am each day, first come, first serve.
Admission
1,000 yen (Middle and high school student: Free)
Directions
1) From JR Kyoto Station, ride the City Bus 33, Keihan Kyoto Kotsu Bus 2, 14, or 26, get off at Katsura Rikyu-mae Stop, and walk 15 min.
2) From Hankyu Kyoto Line / Arashiyama Line, Katsura Station, walk 20 min.
Official Website
Official Website (English)
Hokkaido Tohoku Kanto Chubu Hokuriku Kansai Chugoku Shikoku Kyushu Okinawa