Katsura Travel Guide
Tourist Guide
Popular places to visit
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Activities
Kyoto Top 4 Must-see Attractions One Day Sightseeing Trip
Tokyo to Kyoto 1-Full Day Private Guided Tour
Osaka/Kyoto: Arashiyama, Nara & Fushimi Inari Shrine w/Lunch
Kyoto: Arashiyama Bamboo, Temple, Matcha, Monkeys, & secrets
Kyoto: 45-Minute Tea Ceremony Experience
Kyoto & Nara & Uji: Full Day Sightseeing Tour from Osaka or Kyoto
Our pick of the best Katsura Hotel Deals
Hotel Vischio Kyoto by GRANVIA
Reviewed on 7 Aug. 2025
Onyado Nono Kyotoshichijo Natural Hot Springs
Reviewed on 8 Aug. 2025
Hotel Granvia Kyoto
Reviewed on 6 Aug. 2025
JR WEST GROUP VIA INN PRIME KYOTOEKI HACHIJOGUCHI
Reviewed on 6 Aug. 2025
THE BLOSSOM KYOTO
Reviewed on 6 Aug. 2025
Hotel Emion Kyoto
Reviewed on 5 Aug. 2025
Other neighbourhoods around Katsura
Nishikyo Ward
Well liked for its mountain views and restaurants, Nishikyo Ward is worth a visit. Check out the variety of things to see and do like Katsura Imperial Villa and Saihoji Temple, and jump on the metro at Kameoka Hozukyo Station to get around the city.
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 To-ji Temple.
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.
- Lake Biwa
- Kiyomizu Temple
- Nishiki Market
- Fushimi Inari Shrine
- Kyoto University
- Kawaramachi Street
- Kyoto Tower
- Nijō Castle
- Kinkaku-ji Temple
- Kyoto Imperial Palace
- Shijo Street
- Heian Shrine
- Expo ’70 Commemorative Park
- Yasaka Shrine
- Arashiyama Bamboo Grove
- Pontocho Alley
- Gion Corner
- Sanjusangen-do Temple
- Mount Hiei
- Biwako Valley Ski Resort
- Nintendo World Headquarters
- Kyoto Station Building
- Arashiyama Onsen
- Kuzuha Mall
- Ryoan-ji Temple
- Arashiyama Monkey Park Iwatayama