Katsura Imperial Villa

Profound, authentic, and beautiful in the extreme, Katsura Imperial Villa is one of Japan's most important cultural properties. A villa for the Imperial family, it is the former study of Prince Toshihito of Hachijo-no-miya. The spatial design embodies more than mere aesthetics; it is an elegant chapter co-written by architecture and garden. At first glance, it appears understated and simple, yet it is full of creativity and exquisite detail. Since the 17th century, it has been a leading influence on Japanese modernist architecture and garden design. Opening hours: 9:00-16:30