Katsura Rikyu Review

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Katsura Rikyu

  • Address: Katsura Shimizu-cho, Ukyo-ku, Kyoto
  • Phone: 075/211-1215 inquiries only

Fodor's Review:

The setting for this villa is a perfect example of Japanese integration of nature and architecture. As is typical of the Heian period, the garden makes use of a wide variety of styles, with elements of the pond and island, karesansui, and tea gardens, among others. The garden is a study in the placement of stones and the progressive unfolding of the views that the Japanese have so artfully mastered in garden design.

Here you find Japan's oldest surviving stroll garden, dating to the 17th century, with pathways that take you through a repertoire of miniaturizations of landscapes: an encyclopedia of famous Japanese natural sites and literary references, such as the 11th-century Tale of Genji.Not satisfied to create simply beautiful pictures, landscape architect Kobori Enshu focused on the rhythm within the garden: spaces open then close, are bright then dark; views are visible and then concealed.

Look out at the garden from the three shoin (a type of house that incorporates alcoves and platforms for the display of personal possessions) and the four rustic tea arbors around the central pond, which have been strategically placed for optimal vistas. Bridges constructed from earth, stone, and wood connect five islets in the pond.

Built in the 17th century for Prince Toshihito, brother of Emperor Go-yozei, Katsura is in southwestern Kyoto on the banks of the Katsura-gawa, with peaceful views of Arashiyama and the Kameyama Hills. The villa is fairly remote from other historical sites—allow several hours for a visit. Katsura requires special permission for a visit. Applications must be made, preferably a day in advance, in person to the Imperial Household Agency (Kyoto Gyoen-nai, Kamigyo-ku. 075/211-1215. sankan.kunaicho.go.jp), open weekdays 8:45-4. You will need your passport to pick up a permit, and you must be at least 20 years of age. The time of your tour will be stated, and you must not be late. The tour lasts one hour and is in Japanese only, although an introduction video in English is shown in the waiting room before each tour begins. To reach the villa, take the Hankyu Railway Line from one of the Hankyu Kyoto Line stations to Katsura Station; then walk 15 minutes to the villa from the station's east exit or take a taxi for about ¥800.

  • Cost: Free
  • Open: Tours weekdays at 10, 11, 2, and 3; additional tours 1st and 3rd Sat. of month Dec.-Mar. and June-Sept., and every Sat. in Apr., May, Oct., and Nov.
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