Kyoto Station to Katsura

Kyoto Station - Toji Temple - Katsura Imperial Villa　京都駅～東寺～桂離宮

Overview

Kyoto Station is the massive gateway to the ancient city. The current Station opened in 1997, the same year as Kyoto's 1,200th anniversary. It is an astounding 70 meters high and 470 meters east to west. Outside of Kyoto, Hiroshi Hara's design was widely reviled. It is futuristic and out of scale with the city's original character. The short ride to Toji Temple through south Kyoto provides an interesting contrast.

Toji Temple is due south of the Station, and features the pagoda you saw from the bullet train as you arrived. It is a World Heritage Site established in 796 C.E. that was the setting for parts of Akira Kurosawa’s Rashomon.

Toji is affiliated with the Shingon sect and is associated with Kobo Daishi (also known as Kukai). Kukai was the head priest at Toji from 823.

Katsura Imperial Villa is a villa with gardens and outbuildings that is stunning. Architects from around the world go on their Hajj to Kyoto, which climaxes here. Reservations are required through the Imperial Household Agency.

Designed by Prince Toshihito of Hachijo in the early 1600s, Katsura is a masterpiece of Japanese design. Its gardens and buildings are exquisite.

Getting to the Starting Point

If you are coming from downtown, head down Karasuma Dori - or take a side street to avoid cars - to Kyoto Station. To get around Spaceship Kyoto Station, there are three bike-friendly options: Kiyamachi, Kawaramachi, and Horikawa. At each of these streets, you will find a bike/pedestrian lane that takes you under the tracks to the other side of the Station.

Toji Temple

Toji Temple Lantern

Directions (Map Below)

To get from the north side of Kyoto Station to the south side, ride to Kawaramachi Dori. There is a bike path under the tracks here.

From the south side of Kyoto Station, ride south until you get to Toji Michi. Turn right, heading west, and ride about 10 minutes. Toji Temple will be directly in front of you.

After Toji Temple, head west on Kujo on the sidewalk lanes several blocks to Nishi Oji Dori. Turn right and head north. Go under the train tracks, then turn left on Hachijo Dori. Ride west over the bridge that spans the Katsura River. Katsura Imperial Villa is on your right.

Total Riding Time

Three hours round trip riding time from City Hall to Katsura Imperial Villa.

More Information

Toji Temple

Kujuo-cho 1, Minami-Ku, Kyoto, Japan

Entrance Fee: 500 yen (to Godo, Kodo, and the famous five-story pagoda; otherwise it is free)

Katsura Imperial Villa

Entrance Fee: Free

Reservations required through the Imperial Household Agency

Public Bath

There are few public baths in this area, but the Nizaemon Super Sento is a roughly 20-minute ride. Telephone: 075 393 4500. 650 yen weekdays, 850 on weekends. To get there, ride Hachijo Dori (Route 142) from the south end of Katsura Rikyu. Ride until Sanin Road （山陰）. Turn right. The super sento is on the left about 200 meters up the road.

Map

Kyoto Station to Toji Temple to Katsura Imperial Villa Route

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