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.
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.
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 a wealthy and powerful shogun in this opulent 17th-century castle complex.
Top hotels in Katsura
Onyado Nono Kyotoshichijo Natural Hot Springs
Very clean. Near transportation. Staff very helpful. Very busy and crowded lobby. Breakfast lines were slow. Room was warm and difficult to cool Down
Reviewed on 10 Mar 2026
Nohga Hotel Kiyomizu Kyoto
Luxury service phenomenal staff
Reviewed on 9 Mar 2026
Miyako Hotel Kyoto Hachijo
Per Japanese culture, the staff wasn't that helpfull.
Reviewed on 7 Mar 2026
THE BLOSSOM KYOTO
The spa was relaxing and a novel experience. Make sure you read up on Japanese bath customs before you decide to visit it! The staff was courteous and helpful. The Blossom restaurant is worth visiting. The breakfast buffet is delicious, but the dinner is even better. My husband could not stop raving ...
Reviewed on 6 Mar 2026
Kyoto Umekoji Kadensho
Great hotel
Reviewed on 2 Mar 2026
The Royal Park Hotel Kyoto Sanjo
All around very nice
Reviewed on 8 Mar 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. 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.
