What you’ll see & do
Book this tour alone or include it in a custom trip
This private tour can be booked as a standalone day or included within a custom Japan itinerary, with hotels, transport, guides, cultural experiences, and local support arranged around your dates.
Katsura Imperial Villa (桂離宮) was completed in 1645 for Prince Hachijo Toshihito on land gifted by Toyotomi Hideyoshi. It is considered the highest expression of Japanese architectural and garden design – the stroll garden is structured around scenes from the Tale of Genji, each turn in the path revealing a deliberately composed view. Four teahouses. Several pavilions. Everywhere the same rigorous restraint.
Access requires advance reservation through the Imperial Household Agency – which your guide handles. You visit with a specialist, not a general tour group.
Before entering the villa grounds you are dressed in a genuine antique kimono, selected and fitted with care. The tea ceremony that follows is led by a trained tea master. Three hours. Maximum three guests.
INCLUDED
NOT INCLUDED
PRACTICAL INFORMATION
LANGUAGE
English · Japanese
AVAILABILITY
Year-round
All private, bookable directly
MEETING POINT
Your hotel lobby
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