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.
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.
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
I feel like we got really lucky this trip or chose really well. I really enjoyed my stay at this hotel and found it really relaxing. Having the extra amenities were great for my kids. Everything was clean and the staff was lovely. Would definitely stay again!
Reviewed on 25 Feb 2026
Nohga Hotel Kiyomizu Kyoto
Very clean nice environment good bakery, good location definitely recommend Room, a big and comfortable and modern
Reviewed on 25 Feb 2026
Kyoto Umekoji Kadensho
Excellent stay! Will definitely stay here in the future.
Reviewed on 14 Feb 2026
sequence KYOTO GOJO
The room was very spacious and spotless, the staff very attentive and breakfast was excellent
Reviewed on 25 Feb 2026
Hotel Gracery Kyoto Sanjo
Staff was amazing, room extremely comfortable and excellent location! I would most definitely stay here again!
Reviewed on 19 Feb 2026
Miyako Hotel Kyoto Hachijo
The cleaning staff were extremely kind every time they would see you in the hall.
Reviewed on 24 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. Sagano Romantic Train 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.
