Katsura Travel Guide
Kyoto
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.
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.
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.
Nijō Castle
Visit the world of the 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 Imperial Palace
Kyoto Imperial Palace is just one of the places to see in Kyoto, so why not enjoy the other things to explore during your travels? Discover the fascinating museums and temples in this culturally rich area.
Things to do
Kyoto Kimono Rental Chamatsu Ladies Plan with Hair Set
Osaka & Kyoto & Nara Top Hightlights English Speaking Tour
Explore a Historic House: Kimono Photoshoot and Matcha Tea
Kamo River’s Timeless Tales: A Self-Guided Audio Tour in Kyoto
Top hotels in Katsura
Onyado Nono Kyotoshichijo Natural Hot Springs
Good spot
Reviewed on 17 Dec 2025
Hotel Gracery Kyoto Sanjo
The room is very small, just enough for 2 people. The bed is very hard and flat.
Reviewed on 20 Dec 2025
Hotel Emion Kyoto
Very friendly staffs, excellent service. Highly recommended
Reviewed on 20 Dec 2025
JR WEST GROUP VIA INN PRIME KYOTOEKI HACHIJOGUCHI
This is a lovely hotel! It is short walk from Kyoto station and near many shops and restaurants. The staff is friendly and the rooms are clean and more spacious than many others we’ve stayed in.
Reviewed on 17 Dec 2025
Mitsui Garden Hotel Kyoto Shijo
Clean
Reviewed on 5 Dec 2025
sequence KYOTO GOJO
Enjoyed the excellent bath and steam sauna
Reviewed on 17 Dec 2025
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.
