- Address: Katsuramisono, Nishikyo Ward, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture 615-8014, Japan
- Phone: +81 75-211-1215
- Website: sankan.kunaicho.go.jp
- Foundation date: XVII century.
Located in the central part of the largest island of the Land of the Rising Sun, Honshu, Kyoto is one of the largest cities of the state, as well as the most important cultural and educational center of Western Japan . This city has become a home for numerous churches, palaces and museums, and its ancient architecture today attracts tens of thousands of travelers annually. Among the main attractions , Katsura Palace, also known as the Imperial Villa Katsura, enjoys special popularity among foreign tourists. Let's talk about this amazing place more.
Interesting information
Katsura Palace today is considered one of the main buildings in Kyoto. It was built in the 1600s on the orders of Prince Toshihito on the ground, presented to him by the famous Japanese military and political figure Toyotomi Hideyoshi. The total area occupied by a luxury villa is about 56,000 sq. M. m.
The entire palace complex is of great importance for local culture and is regarded as the top of Japanese architecture and garden design. According to one version of the researchers, even the ingenious architect Kobori Encu took part in the planning and construction of the building.
Villa Features
Prince Toshihito, under whose leadership the Katsura Palace was built, was a big fan of the famous work of Japanese classical literature "The Tale of Genji". Many scenes from the legendary novel were even recreated in Katsura's garden. Initially, on its territory were placed 5 tea houses, but to this day only 4 of them have been preserved. Small buildings were built to hold tea ceremonies in accordance with the three main laws - harmony, silence and reverence. For the construction, natural materials were chosen, so that the tea-houses served as a kind of continuation of the natural atmosphere of the garden.
Walking through the territory of the Katsura Palace, we also advise you to pay attention to the following facilities:
- Old soyin. One of the main buildings of the complex, built by Prince Toshihito. In the southern part of the building there is a small room with access to the veranda, from where you can see a wonderful view of the pond. According to the researchers, the Old Soyin was established to hold informal meetings and accommodate a large number of people.
- Middle Shore. Used as a living room of a prince. This is confirmed by the presence of a bathroom and a toilet.
- New palace. The name of the building indicates that it was built last. This is also evidenced by a more modern tent roof and an unusual design for this place. The main rooms in the New Palace, which must be looked at when visiting the villa Katsura - is the imperial bedchamber and rooms of his wife, which include a dressing room, pantry and bathroom.
The Katsura Imperial Palace serves as an excellent example of traditional Japanese design, which includes the principles of early Shinto shrines, aesthetics and the philosophy of Zen Buddhism. Such a unique combination is quite rare in the modern world, so every foreign visitor during a trip to Japan is obliged to visit here.
How to get there?
Visit the palace and garden of Katsura can be as part of the tour group, and independently, by taxi or public transport . Only 10 minutes. walk from the main entrance there is a bus stop of the same name, which you can reach by buses Nos. 34 and 81.