Katsura Rikyū Imperial Villa

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  • Address
    Katsura misono
  • Phone
    211 1215
  • Transport
    bus: 7min walk from Katsura Rikyū-mae bus stop, bus 33 from Kyoto Station, 7min walk from Katsura Rikyū-mae bus stop, bus 33 from Kyoto Station

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Lonely Planet review

Katsura Rikyū, one of Kyoto's imperial properties, is widely considered to be the pinnacle of Japanese traditional architecture and garden design. Set amid an otherwise drab neighbourhood, it is (very literally), an island of incredible beauty and well worth the troublesome application process required to make a visit.

The villa was built in 1624 for the emperor's brother, Prince Toshihito. Every conceivable detail of the villa - the teahouses, the large pond with islets and the surrounding garden - has been given meticulous attention.

The tours (in Japanese) last about 40 minutes and you should be there 20 minutes before the start time. An explanatory video is shown in the waiting room and a leaflet is provided in English.

You must make reservations, usually several weeks in advance, through the Imperial Household Agency.