Katsura Travel Guide
Kyoto
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 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 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.
Things to do
Quick Kyoto Tour for the First-Timers by Local Tour Guide
Kyoto Gion Geisha District Walking Tour - The Stories of Geisha
KIYOTO’s Kyoto E-Cycling: Highlights & Hidden Gems
Osaka / Kyoto: Kinkaku-ji, Kiyomizu-dera Temple, Sannenzaka & Uji
Katsuo-ji Temple, Arashiyama Forest, & Nara Park
Osaka & Kyoto Highlights Tour with Traditional Kimono Experience
Top hotels in Katsura
Onyado Nono Kyotoshichijo Natural Hot Springs
Loved the modified ryokan experience. The staff is very welcoming. The onsen was excellent - so many different looks to choose from. The food is the best - excellent breakfast with so many choices including fresh seafood, availability of noodle and ice cream after onsen at night. The only downside ...
Reviewed on 6 Jan 2026
Hotel Emion Kyoto
A hotel that hits the spot at a price that's worth every penny
Reviewed on 7 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
직원분들 모두 친절했고 숙소에 좀 까다로운편인데 너무 깔끔했어요! 어메니티도 필요한것만 가져가는것도 좋았고 욕조가 있는것도 정말 좋았습니다! 로비 커피도 좋았어요! 주변 돌아다니기에 위치도 좋았습니다 너무 편안하게 지내다 가요 :)
Reviewed on 3 Jan 2026
Nohga Hotel Kiyomizu Kyoto
Staff were amazing and the amenities were wonderful.
Reviewed on 8 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.
