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
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.
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
This was our favorite hotel on our 10 day trip to Japan. The onsen was amazing, the massage chairs hit the spot when available, and we enjoyed the free coffee / ice cream / ramen daily. We did not add breakfast. The check in area can get hectic, but they had plenty of staff and things moved along ...
Reviewed on 10 Apr 2026
Nohga Hotel Kiyomizu Kyoto
Great location amazing breakfast and very friendly staff
Reviewed on 12 Apr 2026
THE BLOSSOM KYOTO
The rooms were very nice and the beds were heavenly!! The breakfast was okay, but overall the hotel was a wonderful stay in a great location!
Reviewed on 12 Apr 2026
Miyako Hotel Kyoto Hachijo
Everything was clean, lots of restaurants in hotel and in the area, right next to the station, kind staff
Reviewed on 12 Apr 2026
Cross Hotel Kyoto
Hotel is in a great central location! Close by to Pontocho, Gion and train station. The canal next to the hotel was so beautiful with cherry blossoms and willow trees. Comfy beds and cozy rooms. The breakfast buffet was good also. Note that the hotel's restaurant closes by 3 pm. Would definitely ...
Reviewed on 11 Apr 2026
JR WEST GROUP VIA INN PRIME KYOTOEKI HACHIJOGUCHI
The hotel was a beautiful space and we were well looked after. They had a nice selection of toiletries in the lobby
Reviewed on 11 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 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
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 Kyoto Station Building and Kyoto Tower.
