Katsura Travel Guide
Tourist Guide
Popular places to visit
Kiyomizu Temple
This World Heritage temple is ingeniously built, without nails, and takes its name from the nearby waterfall.
Fushimi Inari Shrine
This mountain shrine is dedicated to the goddess of rice. Time your descent to coincide with the lighting of the lanterns.
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.
Nijō Castle
This 17th-century castle complex was once a seat of unfathomable power and wealth.
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.
Kinkaku-ji Temple
This stunning temple, glittering with gold leaf, is a renowned Buddhist site, first built in the 1300s as a shogun.
Activities
Tokyo to Kyoto 1-Full Day Private Guided Tour
Kyoto and Nara UNESCO Highlights Full-day Tour From Osaka
Kyoto Top 4 Must-see Attractions One Day Sightseeing Trip
Kyoto: Arashiyama Bamboo, Temple, Matcha, Monkeys, & secrets
Kyoto: 45-Minute Tea Ceremony Experience
Our pick of the best Katsura Hotel Deals
JR WEST GROUP VIA INN PRIME KYOTOEKI HACHIJOGUCHI
Reviewed on 18 Jul. 2025
Onyado Nono Kyotoshichijo Natural Hot Springs
Reviewed on 21 Jul. 2025
Hotel Vischio Kyoto by GRANVIA
Reviewed on 10 Jul. 2025
THE BLOSSOM KYOTO
Reviewed on 19 Jul. 2025
Sotetsu Fresa Inn Kyoto-Kiyomizu Gojo
Reviewed on 15 Jul. 2025
Hotel Granvia Kyoto
Reviewed on 19 Jul. 2025
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 To-ji Temple.
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 Kiyomizu Temple and Kyoto Station Building.