Katsura Imperial Villa on Postcard

"As soon as you get to Kyoto, go to the Imperial Household Agency and see if there are any spots left for touring Katsura Rikyu, arguably the most beautiful house in Japan. It’s actually easier to get in as a foreigner than as a Japanese citizen, but either way, admissions are limited—which means you can enjoy this astounding villa without a crowd. Built in the early 1600s, the villa is a collection of classic Japanese buildings, with interiors resplendent with polished wood, shojis, tatamis and fusumas (painted, movable wall screens), and surrounded by a garden that was so meticulously art-directed that scouts were sent around the country to find identical stones to line the pond. If you’ve ever marveled at Japanese design, this is the most perfect example."

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Georgia

Google

The garden is absolutely stunning, perhaps the most beautiful I have seen in Japan. The guided tour, which we applied for a few months in advance, was so interesting and informative - our guide was very knowledgeable.

Norman C

Google

Hard to get to. Make sure you have tickets first, they are strict here. Amazing garden and very beautiful views. 1000yen per person, English guide available. Take pictures quickly as the group moves at a steady pace. 1 hr tour overall, with good explanations. Reflections in the water were incredible.

Dan Davidson

Google

Reservations are required as is the case for other properties managed by the Imperial Household Agency. It is a guided tour in Japanese but headsets for English commentary are available. It is beautiful and its history is interesting, I would like to see it again in autumn. I would also recommend Shugakuin Imperial Villa. We visited both in one day.

Rory Rosszell

Google

This is certainly one of the most beautiful Japanese gardens I have ever seen (and I have visited many!). However, unlike most, because the Imperial family occasionally visits, reservations and guided tours are mandatory. It is impeccably kept, and well worth a visit. You just need to plan ahead. Reservations can be made online.

Chris Barham

Google

10/10 for the gardens which are simply stunning. But the rest of the experience was 4/10. The beaurocracy to enter a tourist attraction was ridiculous, and the English tour was poor. Also, despite doing an online reservation, nowhere did they earn you that the villa is undergoing works and is covered in scaffolding.

João Antunes

Google

Katsura Imperial Villa, built along the Katsura River during the Edo period as a retreat for the Katsura family, offers a deeply tranquil experience. The gardens are exceptionally well-crafted, with an astonishing arrangement of elements that exude harmony. The serene ponds and the thoughtfully designed pathways, varying from formal to informal, create a cohesive and purposeful flow throughout the villa grounds. It’s a place where you can truly feel the serenity that has been carefully cultivated over centuries.

Philipp Nedomlel

Google

If you are into garden design you have to go their. Better to buy tickets in advance, otherwise you might not get in.

ESB NYC

Google

Stunningly beautiful and well preserved historic buildings and gardens. You must reserve your tour online in advance to guarantee entry. If you don’t speak Japanese then you should reserve one of the tours led by an English speaking guide. They control you tightly during the tour and security follows the tour to make sure there are no stragglers. You have to pay 1,000¥ when you get to reception. Bring your passport. They’re rather intense with the procedures. Stunning photo opportunities but they keep you moving, a shame. My advice, be ready for the photo opportunities, they abound. Don’t let them rush you.

Georgia

Google

The garden is absolutely stunning, perhaps the most beautiful I have seen in Japan. The guided tour, which we applied for a few months in advance, was so interesting and informative - our guide was very knowledgeable.

Norman C

Google

Hard to get to. Make sure you have tickets first, they are strict here. Amazing garden and very beautiful views. 1000yen per person, English guide available. Take pictures quickly as the group moves at a steady pace. 1 hr tour overall, with good explanations. Reflections in the water were incredible.

Dan Davidson

Google

Reservations are required as is the case for other properties managed by the Imperial Household Agency. It is a guided tour in Japanese but headsets for English commentary are available. It is beautiful and its history is interesting, I would like to see it again in autumn. I would also recommend Shugakuin Imperial Villa. We visited both in one day.

Rory Rosszell

Google

This is certainly one of the most beautiful Japanese gardens I have ever seen (and I have visited many!). However, unlike most, because the Imperial family occasionally visits, reservations and guided tours are mandatory. It is impeccably kept, and well worth a visit. You just need to plan ahead. Reservations can be made online.

Chris Barham

Google

10/10 for the gardens which are simply stunning. But the rest of the experience was 4/10. The beaurocracy to enter a tourist attraction was ridiculous, and the English tour was poor. Also, despite doing an online reservation, nowhere did they earn you that the villa is undergoing works and is covered in scaffolding.

João Antunes

Google

Katsura Imperial Villa, built along the Katsura River during the Edo period as a retreat for the Katsura family, offers a deeply tranquil experience. The gardens are exceptionally well-crafted, with an astonishing arrangement of elements that exude harmony. The serene ponds and the thoughtfully designed pathways, varying from formal to informal, create a cohesive and purposeful flow throughout the villa grounds. It’s a place where you can truly feel the serenity that has been carefully cultivated over centuries.

Philipp Nedomlel

Google

If you are into garden design you have to go their. Better to buy tickets in advance, otherwise you might not get in.

ESB NYC

Google

Stunningly beautiful and well preserved historic buildings and gardens. You must reserve your tour online in advance to guarantee entry. If you don’t speak Japanese then you should reserve one of the tours led by an English speaking guide. They control you tightly during the tour and security follows the tour to make sure there are no stragglers. You have to pay 1,000¥ when you get to reception. Bring your passport. They’re rather intense with the procedures. Stunning photo opportunities but they keep you moving, a shame. My advice, be ready for the photo opportunities, they abound. Don’t let them rush you.

Katsura Imperial Villa

Katsura Imperial Villa

Photos

Highlights

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