Katsura, Kyoto City
Area Guide

Imperial Elegance and Sacred Moss Sanctuaries

Katsura Overview

Katsura, situated along the tranquil Katsura River south of Arashiyama, is renowned for the world-famous Katsura Imperial Villa, widely celebrated as the pinnacle of classical Japanese garden and palace design. The district also boasts ancient brewing deity shrines like Matsunoo Taisha and world-renowned moss sanctuaries like Saiho-ji (Kokedera).

Katsura Top Attractions

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Nakamura Tokichi Main Branch location image photo
Nakamura Tokichi Main Branch

Renowned confectioners near Katsura Station serving artisan matcha parfaits and Kyoto wagashi in tranquil tea salon settings.

Kegonji (Suzumushidera) Temple location image photo
Kegonji (Suzumushidera) Temple

Popular Buddhist temple famed for the year-round chirping of 5,000 crickets, humorous monk sermons, and a wish-granting straw-sandaled Jizo.

Matsunoo-taisha (Matsuo-taisha) Shrine location image photo
Matsunoo-taisha (Matsuo-taisha) Shrine

One of Kyoto's oldest Shinto sanctuaries (founded 701 AD), revered as the supreme patron shrine of Japanese sake brewing.

Katsura Imperial Villa location image photo
Katsura Imperial Villa

Masterpiece of 17th-century Japanese landscape architecture and aristocratic tea villas, celebrated worldwide for sublime garden design.

Saihōji (Kokedera) Temple location image photo
Saihōji (Kokedera) Temple

Enchanting UNESCO Zen temple world-renowned for its surreal carpet of over 120 species of living green moss.

Umenomiya-taisha Shrine location image photo
Umenomiya-taisha Shrine

Tranquil ancient shrine dedicated to brewing and easy childbirth, renowned for fragrant plum blossoms, hydrangeas, and resident shrine cats.

Jizo-in Temple (Take-no-tera) location image photo
Jizo-in Temple (Take-no-tera)

Serene Zen hermitage surrounded by a dense emerald bamboo grove, historic childhood retreat of Zen master and poet Ikkyu.

Katsura River location image photo
Katsura River

Scenic riverside promenade and bike path offering unobstructed views of the Arashiyama mountains, seasonal cherry blossoms, and waterbirds.

Katsura Frequently Asked Questions

How do I visit Katsura Imperial Villa?

Visits to Katsura Imperial Villa require advance reservations through the Imperial Household Agency website, though a limited number of same-day tickets are distributed.

What is Saiho-ji (Kokedera)?

Saiho-ji (Kokedera) is a UNESCO World Heritage Zen temple celebrated for its dreamlike carpet of over 120 varieties of lush, velvety moss. Reservations are required.

What is Matsunoo Taisha Shrine known for?

Founded in 701 AD, Matsunoo Taisha is one of Kyoto's oldest shrines and is revered nationwide by brewers and distillers as the patron deity of sake.

What is Suzumushidera (Cricket Temple)?

Kegon-ji (Suzumushidera) is famous for the chirping of thousands of crickets year-round and its unique straw-sandaled Jizo statue who walks to grant wishes.

Is Katsura easily accessible from central Kyoto?

Yes, Katsura Station is just 7 minutes by rapid express train from Hankyu Kyoto-Kawaramachi Station or Shijo-Karasuma.

Katsura, Kyoto City Tourist Attraction Spot Map Area Guide