Katsura Travel Guide
Kyoto
Popular places to visit
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.
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.
Kawaramachi Street
During your trip to Kyoto, you can do some window-shopping at Kawaramachi Street. Visit the temples and top-notch restaurants in this culturally rich area.
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.
Nijō Castle
Visit the world of the wealthy and powerful shogun, in this opulent 17th-century castle complex.
Things to do
Kyoto: Nijo Castle, Arashiyama, Kinkaku-ji, Kiyomizu-dera & Fushimi Inari
Kyoto Gion Geisha District Walking Tour - The Stories of Geisha
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
Completely blown away by this hotel! Friendly and attentive staff, numerous amenities and felt like an authentic Japanese experience from the moment you walk in the door. Everybody must take their shoes off at the entrance and place them in easy to use lockers. The rooms had nice Japanese touches, ...
Reviewed on 28 Feb 2026
Nohga Hotel Kiyomizu Kyoto
Great stay! and wonderful staff
Reviewed on 2 Mar 2026
Kyoto Umekoji Kadensho
Great hotel
Reviewed on 2 Mar 2026
sequence KYOTO GOJO
The staff were extremely helpful and courteous as soon as you walk in. The hotel is so nice and clean aside from some dust collected on top the sink area. I am happy to report I did not see any bed bugs/bed bug spots when checking the mattress and everything was very clean. The restaurant in the ...
Reviewed on 1 Mar 2026
Miyako Hotel Kyoto Hachijo
Perfect location. Very friendly and helpful staff. Rooms were spacious and very clean.
Reviewed on 1 Mar 2026
Hotel Gracery Kyoto Sanjo
Staff was friendly, housekeeping did an excellent job. The only negative thing is that the smoking room allows too much smoke into the lobby and the laundry room. We used the laundry room and our clothes smelled of cigarette smoke. Maybe a better ventilation or air purifier would eliminate the smell ...
Reviewed on 26 Feb 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.
