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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Things to do
From Osaka: Fushimi Inari -taisha, Omihachiman and La Collina
Quick Kyoto Tour for the First-Timers by Local Tour Guide
Osaka / Kyoto: Kinkaku-ji, Kiyomizu-dera Temple, Sannenzaka & Uji
Kyoto and Nara UNESCO Highlights Full-day Tour From Osaka
Kyoto: Full Course Tour: Explore 10 Must-Sees & Hidden Gems
Osaka & Kyoto Highlights Tour with Traditional Kimono Experience
Top hotels in Katsura
Onyado Nono Kyotoshichijo Natural Hot Springs
The Onsen at this hotel is its main specialty feature. It is really relaxing to go at the Onsen post your tourist sightseeing day of Kyoto. The hotel is very clean and much bigger than other hotels in Japan
Reviewed on 25 Oct 2025
The Royal Park Hotel Kyoto Sanjo
The breakfast was excellent but it was always crowded.
Reviewed on 26 Oct 2025
Hotel Emion Kyoto
Amazing place to stay in an amazing city. The rooms were a good size and the staff was wonderful. The cherry on top was the rooftop terrace!
Reviewed on 25 Oct 2025
THE BLOSSOM KYOTO
Staff is amazing and room is spacious
Reviewed on 25 Oct 2025
Nohga Hotel Kiyomizu Kyoto
We were so impressed and grateful for this hotel! It’s honestly perfect in every way. From quiet and spacious rooms, incredible ambiance, impeccable cleanliness, delicious food, every convenience for our stay, and a short walk to everything in Gion as well as the train. The shower and bath is something ...
Reviewed on 24 Oct 2025
Hotel Gracery Kyoto Sanjo
Spacious room, very kind staff, amazingly accessible to shopping/restaurants. The cleanliness lacked attention to detail, but didn’t warrant a complaint nor room change.
Reviewed on 25 Oct 2025
Other neighbourhoods around Katsura
Nishikyo Ward
Well liked for its mountain views and restaurants, Nishikyo Ward is worth a visit. Check out the variety of things to see and do like Katsura Imperial Villa and Bamboo Forest Muko City, and jump on the metro at Kameoka Hozukyo Station to get around the city.
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.
