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.
Kawaramachi Street
You can find the perfect gifts to bring home when you visit Kawaramachi Street, a favourite shopping spot in Kyoto. Visit the temples and top-notch restaurants in this culturally rich area.
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.
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.
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.
Things to do
Kyoto 5-Star Geisha Night Walk: Small-Group Authentic Experience
Kyoto Gion Geisha District Walking Tour - The Stories of Geisha
Kyoto Essentials Private Tour: Perfect for First-Time Visitors
Yu's Personalized Kyoto Tour with Photo: Samurai/Geisha History
Osaka / Kyoto: Kinkaku-ji, Kiyomizu-dera Temple, Sannenzaka & Uji
Top hotels in Katsura
Onyado Nono Kyotoshichijo Natural Hot Springs
Friendly staff and help you of everything you need. Very happy with our room big and clean. We have everything we needed in the room. Best ever breakfast we had at the hotel with all kinds of varieties food. We enjoyed using the hot spring area and the massage chairs to relax. Overall my whole family ...
Reviewed on 13 Apr 2026
Nohga Hotel Kiyomizu Kyoto
We had a great stay. It was near the shopping areas as well as the traditional district Gion. The rooms were comfortable and modern with a bakery and restaurant on the premises. We would definitely stay here again when in Kyoto.
Reviewed on 12 Apr 2026
THE BLOSSOM KYOTO
Lovely location with very good on site restaurant. The breakfast is a little on the higher price side but very convenient and the staff are extremely attentive.
Reviewed on 12 Apr 2026
Miyako Hotel Kyoto Hachijo
Clean room spacious
Reviewed on 13 Apr 2026
Cross Hotel Kyoto
Excellent hotel with great location
Reviewed on 13 Apr 2026
JR WEST GROUP VIA INN PRIME KYOTOEKI HACHIJOGUCHI
Great hotel and easy access to the Kyoto station from the Shinkansen exit!
Reviewed on 13 Apr 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 Kawaramachi Street and Kyoto Railway Museum. 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
Kawaramachi Street and Sanjo Street 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 Kawaramachi Street and Kyoto Station Building.
