Visiting to Katsura Imperial villa and tea ceremony experience

Kyoto , Japan

Visiting to Katsura Imperial villa and tea ceremony experience

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(8 reviews)

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About this experience

In this tour, you will visit Katsura Imperial Villa , unchanged for 400 years popular circular gardens, and experience a tea ceremony in a 100-year-old traditional Japanese house wearing an antique kimono.

◯Japanese aesthetic Katsura Imperial Villa
Katsura Imperial Villa was built in 1615 as an imperial villa with a circular garden and a tea ceremony house. Although it has undergone numerous renovations, it has remained almost completely unchanged over the past 400 years and can still be seen today. It is also famous that the world-renowned German architect Bruno Taut praised the beauty of the Katsura Imperial Villa. Visitors to this place will discover how important the Japanese sense of beauty and the tea ceremony were to the Japanese people.

◯We will take care of all the troublesome arrangements.
Only those who have permission to visit Katsura Imperial Villa are allowed to see the garden during limited hours. Only for customers who have chosen our plan, the owner will prepare the hard-to-obtain numbered admission tickets. In order to obtain them, you must be familiar with the rules of admission and apply for them. We will take care of this complicated work for you. Our store is located about 5 minutes by car from Katsura Imperial Villa, and we will pick you up and drop you off on the day of the tour. Also, please be assured that Tokusaburo, the owner of the store, will be responsible for accompanying you on the tour.

◯An antique kimono and a tea ceremony experience in a tranquil setting
After the visit, you will experience a tea ceremony in a 100-year-old traditional Japanese house. Due to our location near Katsura Imperial Villa, you will be able to enjoy the hospitality of the tea ceremony in a much quieter and calmer atmosphere than in the city. In this tea ceremony experience, you will wear a rare and valuable antique kimono from the early Showa period. The fourth generation owner will help you coordinate the kimono and our staff will dress you in it.

This is a unique experience where you can learn the tea ceremony while wearing a rare and valuable antique kimono.

Available options

Visiting to Katsura Imperial villa and tea ceremony experience

What's included

Transportation (round trip from the store to Katsura Imperial Villa)

Antique kimono rental fee (including dressing)

Tea ceremony experience fee (with matcha and Japanese sweets) (held at our shop)

Katsura Imperial Villa Same-day admission ticket arrangement fee (limited quantity)

Entrance fee for Katsura Imperial villa

What's not included

Dinner

Lunch

Available languages

Guide guide

JA EN

Reviews breakdown

Viator 3.6

5 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Tripadvisor 3.3

3 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Not recommended for pregnant travelers

Public transportation options are available nearby

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Meeting point

Meet at Miyagawa Tokusaburo Shoten.

By train
Get off at Hankyu Katsura Station. 1 minute walk from East Exit.
10 minutes from Kawaramachi Station.
20 minutes from Kyoto Station.

By TAXI,
Please show the above address to the taxi driver.
Come toward the east exit of Hankyu Katsura Station.
30 minutes from Kawaramachi
20 minutes from Kyoto Station

About Kyoto

Kyoto, once the imperial capital of Japan, is a city rich in history, culture, and tradition. Known for its numerous classical Buddhist temples, as well as gardens, imperial palaces, Shinto shrines, and traditional wooden houses, Kyoto offers a unique blend of ancient and modern Japan. The city is a must-visit for travelers seeking to experience the heart of Japanese heritage.

Top Attractions

Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)

A Zen Buddhist temple covered in gold leaf, Kinkaku-ji is one of Kyoto's most iconic landmarks. The temple's top two floors are completely covered in gold leaf, reflecting beautifully on the surrounding pond.

Historical/Religious 1-2 hours ¥400

Fushimi Inari Taisha

Famous for its thousands of vermilion torii gates, Fushimi Inari Taisha is a Shinto shrine dedicated to Inari, the god of rice. The trails leading up the mountain offer stunning views of Kyoto.

Religious 2-4 hours (depending on how far you hike) Free

Kiyomizu-dera

A historic wooden temple with a large veranda supported by massive wooden pillars, Kiyomizu-dera offers panoramic views of Kyoto. The temple is particularly famous for its spring and autumn foliage.

Religious 1-2 hours ¥400

Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

A stunning grove of bamboo, Arashiyama is one of Kyoto's most famous natural attractions. The towering bamboo stalks create a surreal and peaceful atmosphere.

Nature 1-2 hours Free (Tenryu-ji Temple costs ¥500)

Gion

Kyoto's most famous geisha district, Gion is known for its traditional wooden machiya houses, teahouses, and the chance to spot geishas and maikos (apprentice geishas).

Cultural 1-2 hours (longer if dining or attending a cultural event) Free to explore (dining and cultural events can be expensive)

Must-Try Local Dishes

Kaiseki Ryori

A traditional multi-course Japanese meal that emphasizes seasonality and presentation. Each dish is carefully prepared and artfully presented.

Dinner Often includes fish, meat, and vegetables, but vegetarian options are available.

Yudofu (Tofu Hot Pot)

A Kyoto specialty featuring tofu simmered in a light kombu (kelp) broth, often served with vegetables and condiments.

Lunch/Dinner Vegetarian-friendly, can be made vegan if broth is vegetable-based.

Matcha Desserts

Kyoto is famous for its high-quality matcha (green tea) powder, used in various desserts like ice cream, parfaits, and wagashi (traditional sweets).

Dessert Vegetarian and vegan options available.

Obanzai

Home-style Kyoto dishes made with fresh, local ingredients, often featuring vegetables, fish, and tofu.

Lunch/Dinner Can be adapted to various dietary preferences.

Popular Activities

Hiking in the mountains Cycling through the countryside Rafting on the Hozu River Onsen (hot spring) visits Tea ceremonies Scenic walks in gardens and parks Temple and shrine visits Traditional tea ceremonies

Best Time to Visit

March to May (Spring), October to November (Autumn)

Spring and autumn offer pleasant weather and are the best times to visit for cherry blossoms and autumn foliage. These seasons also see the highest tourist volumes.

15°C to 25°C (Spring), 10°C to 20°C (Autumn) 59°F to 77°F (Spring), 50°F to 68°F (Autumn)

Practical Information

Language

Official: Japanese
Widely spoken: English (limited)
English: Limited/Rare

Currency

Japanese Yen (JPY)

Time Zone

JST (UTC+9)

Electricity

100VV, 50/60HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Very safe

Kyoto is a very safe city with a low crime rate. Violent crime is rare, and petty crime is uncommon. However, as with any tourist destination, it's important to take basic precautions to protect yourself and your belongings.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure and out of sight
• Be cautious of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas
• Use reputable tour operators and taxis

Getting there

By air

Kansai International Airport • 115 km from Kyoto
Osaka International Airport (Itami) • 40 km from Kyoto

By train

Kyoto Station

By bus

Kyoto Station Bus Terminal

Getting around

Public transport

Buses are the most extensive and affordable way to get around Kyoto. They cover most areas of the city and are especially useful for reaching temples and shrines.

Taxis

Available • Apps: JapanTaxi, INDRIVER

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Gion Higashiyama Arashiyama Downtown Kyoto (Shijo-Kawaramachi)

Day trips

Nara

40 km from Kyoto • Half day to full day

Nara is a historic city known for its ancient temples, shrines, and the famous Nara Park, home to hundreds of free-roaming deer.

Uji

20 km from Kyoto • Half day

Uji is a small city known for its historic temples, beautiful riverside scenery, and high-quality matcha (green tea).

Kurama and Kibune

25 km from Kyoto • Full day

Kurama and Kibune are two neighboring villages in the mountains north of Kyoto, known for their hot springs, hiking trails, and scenic beauty.

Festivals

Gion Matsuri • July (main events on July 17th and 24th) Jidai Matsuri • October 22nd Aoi Matsuri • May 15th

Pro tips

Visit popular attractions like Fushimi Inari Taisha and Kinkaku-ji early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds.
Consider purchasing a Kyoto City Bus Pass or other transportation passes to save money on getting around the city.
Try local specialties like yudofu (tofu hot pot), matcha desserts, and obanzai (home-style Kyoto dishes).
Explore the city's many temples and shrines, but don't forget to take time to enjoy the natural beauty of Kyoto's gardens and parks.
Learn a few basic Japanese phrases to enhance your experience and show respect for local customs and traditions.