Katsura Imperial Villa is one of the most renowned examples of traditional Japanese architecture and garden design in Japan. Built in Kyoto in the early 17th century, the Edo-period complex features palace buildings, teahouses, stone lanterns, bamboo fences and other structures carefully placed in a Japanese stroll garden with a pond.

Prince Toshihito initiated construction on Katsura Rikyu (meaning “Katsura Detached Villa” in Japanese), drawing inspiration from his interests in the tea ceremony and classic works of Japanese literature like the 11th-century The Tale of Genji. His son, Prince Toshitada, further expanded the complex to reach its final design.

As a Japanese stroll garden, Katsura Imperial Villa has meandering stone paths that lead visitors to meticulously constructed views. A favorite looks onto a miniature version of the pine-forested sand bar of Amanohashidate—historically, one of the three most scenic views in Japan—which is represented at Katsura by a peninsula of stones jutting into the pond.  

Stone lanterns and rustic teahouse are dotted among the small hills, trees and moss of the garden, providing visual cues and promises of respite to visitors.

Shokintei is the most notable teahouse at Katsura Imperial Villa. Its refined architecture, with a thatched roof, blue-and-white checkered wallpaper and modular spaces, inspired leading 20th-century modernist architects, including Bruno Taut, Le Corbusier and Walter Gropius.

The main buildings at Katsura Imperial Villa are the interconnected Old, Middle and New Shoin palaces, which served as living quarters and spaces for entertaining.

The zigzagging floor plan optimize light and air flow in the rooms. Tatami floors create open layouts that can be shaped into rooms by fusuma (sliding internal doors).

Doorways frame views of the gardens and wood engawa (verandas) offer places to sit and watch the moon rise over the pond. As a whole, the design of the palaces blurs the boundaries between interior living spaces and the surrounding landscape.

Katsura Imperial Villa is highly recommended for travelers interested in Japanese architecture and gardens. Artisans of Leisure can arrange special appointments to tour the grounds as part of our private Kyoto tours.

Contact Artisans of Leisure to begin planning a private Japan tour that incorporates visits and special appointments to tour gardens, villas and design sites, including Katsura Imperial Villa and other imperial gardens.