Katsura Travel Guide
Tourist Guide
Popular places to visit
Nishiki Market
Come to this market in the heart of the city to experience the authentic sights, smells and sounds of the bartering vendors and their traditional food.
Kiyomizu Temple
Constructed entirely without nails and built on high poles, this temple is part of a World Heritage Site and offers visitors both beauty and history.
Fushimi Inari Shrine
This shrine at the base of Inari Mountain is dedicated to the goddess of rice and prosperity. See its thousands of red gates around a network of beautiful trails.
Nijō Castle
Visit the world of a wealthy and powerful shogun in this opulent 17th-century castle complex.
Kinkaku-ji Temple
Built in the 14th century for a shogun, then rebuilt twice, this temple is now a Buddhist site and its top two floors are completely covered in gold leaf.
Kyoto Tower
In a city known for its temples and other ancient relics, this observation point catches the eye as an example of 20th-century innovation.
Activities
One-Day Tour of Japan's Ancient Capitals - Kyoto and Nara
Kyoto: Insider Sake Experience with 7 Tastings and Snacks
Kyoto Gion Cultural Walk & Geisha Show with Dining Options
Historical Nara & Kyoto 1-Day Bus Tour
Kyoto: Arashiyama, Nara, Fushimi Inari Tour & Lunch Option
Amanohashidate & Ine Funaya Sightseeing Full Day Trip from Kyoto
Our pick of the best Katsura Hotel Deals
Onyado Nono Kyotoshichijo Natural Hot Springs
Love this property and always love staying here with the hot springs
Reviewed on 7 Jan 2026
Hotel Emion Kyoto
Good service , clean & spacious rooms. Western food items very limited in breakfast buffet.
Reviewed on 5 Jan 2026
Hotel Gracery Kyoto Sanjo
Excellent location, within walking distance from the train station. Helpful and attentive staff, very clean room and bathroom.
Reviewed on 4 Jan 2026
Hotel Forza Kyoto Shijo Kawaramachi
location good. Free sake nice!
Reviewed on 3 Jan 2026
Cross Hotel Kyoto
Everything very good - room/location/food/staff but check-in was a joke — electronic check-in was ridiculous and slow !!
Reviewed on 7 Jan 2026
Nohga Hotel Kiyomizu Kyoto
Very nice hotel. Clean rooms, great service in the restaurants and front desk, and the rooftop bar is wonderful.
Reviewed on 3 Jan 2026
Other neighbourhoods around Katsura
Ukyo Ward
Gardens, forests and river views highlight some notable features of Ukyo Ward. Make a stop by Aeon Mall Kyoto or Shijo Street while you're visiting, and jump aboard the metro at Uzumasa Tenjingawa Station or Hanazono Station to get around town.
Shimogyo Ward
Shimogyo Ward is highly notable for its popular shops, and you might want to visit top sights like Kyoto Railway Museum and Shijo Street. See more of Kyoto by jumping on the metro at Tanbaguchi Station or Umekoji-Kyotonishi Station.
Minami Ward
Travellers choose Minami Ward for its ample dining options. Hop aboard the metro at Nishioji Station or Jujo Station and check out top sights like Kawaramachi Street.
Nakagyo Ward
Sanjo Street and Nijō Castle are top sights in Nakagyo Ward, and you should be sure to explore the popular shops. Hop aboard the metro at Nijojo-mae Station or Karasuma Oike Station to see more sights in the area.
Arashiyama
You might enjoy the river views while in Arashiyama. Kyoto Arashiyama Orgel Museum is a notable sight, and you can get around town at Saga-Arashiyama Station or Torokko Arashiyama Station to see more of the city.
Higashikujo Nishisannocho
If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Higashikujo Nishisannocho and surrounding area, you can visit Kyoto Station Building and Kyoto Tower.
