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- Destinations
- Asia
- Japan
- Kyoto
- Katsura Imperial Villa
Katsura Imperial Villa
Considered to be the finest example of pure Japanese
architecture and garden design, Katsura Rikyu, built in 1645 by
Prince Toshihito, is beautiful in its simplicity. The buildings are
constructed of entirely natural materials and consist of a
moon-viewing pavilion, an imperial hall, teahouse and the wooden
villa itself. The garden is designed for leisurely strolls with
surprises around each turn of the path, from stone bridges and
lanterns to ponds and manicured trees.
Information & Facts
Admission
Language
Japanese is the official language. Most Japanese people
will have studied English at school, but few can speak it well or
understand what is said to them.
Money
The currency is the Japanese Yen (JPY), which is equal to 100
sen. Major credit cards are accepted in the larger hotels and
stores, but most Japanese operate with cash. Cash and travellers
cheques can be exchanged in banks, post offices and currency
exchange bureaux. Banks are usually open Monday to Friday 9am to
3pm. Travellers cheques offer the best exchange rate and are best
taken in US dollars. ATMs do not accept all credit and debit cards;
only the international ATMs in post offices, airports and some
major stores.
Opening Times
The villa may be visited only on pre-arranged
conducted tours organised by the Imperial Household Agency, with
tours held each weekday, Sundays and occasional tours on Saturdays.
Tours are in Japanese only, and can be arranged at the office of
the Imperial Household Agency next to the Imperial Palace in
central Kyoto. Closed 28 December to 4 January and for imperial
functions.
Time