My love for Japan began the moment I arrived in Tokyo. The country amazed me with its harmony of ancient traditions, cutting-edge technology, breathtaking nature, and a culture unlike any other. Since then, Japan has become a part of my life, and I return there again and again. Today I help travelers discover the real Japan: I create personalized itineraries, give lectures, and prepare guests for their unforgettable journey. I would be delighted to open Japan for you too!
Kyoto Gyoen National Garden
The Kyoto Gyoen is a lush oasis of greenery located in the heart of Kyoto. Surrounded by the Kyoto Imperial Palace and the Kyoto Millennium Palace, the 132-hectare park is an essential destination for those who want to enjoy nature, culture, and history all at once. Whether you are a nature lover, a history buff, or simply seeking a place to relax, the Kyoto Gyoen has something for everyone.
Key Features of the National Kyoto Gyoen
Natural Beauty The Kyoto Gyoen offers a variety of landscapes, perfect for strolling, jogging, and picnicking. Flowers bloom in every season, with vast lawn areas and well-maintained walking trails. From cherry blossoms in the spring to autumn leaves in the fall, the area is filled with colorful flowers throughout the year. The beautiful gardens surrounding the Kyoto Imperial Palace and Kyoto Sento Gosho are especially enchanting, offering a great place to admire the scenery and take pictures.
The Kyoto Imperial Palace At the heart of the Kyoto Gyoen is the historic Kyoto Imperial Palace. Visitors can enjoy the grandeur of the Imperial Palace from the outside, with its impressive gates and architectural style. Access to the interior buildings is restricted, but the surrounding gardens and paths along the palace walls offer a glimpse of the former royal palace grounds.
Kyoto Sento Gosho Located west of the Kyoto Imperial Palace, the Kyoto Sento Gosho was originally built as a residence for retired emperors. The serene circular garden surrounding the Gosho is open to the public on regular tours. The garden features a traditional Japanese landscape with ponds, bridges, and beautiful plants, creating a peaceful atmosphere perfect for a leisurely stroll.
Seiwa-in Rest Area Located on the north side of the garden, the Seiwa-in Rest Area is a quiet place to relax and enjoy the surrounding scenery. This area also houses a souvenir store offering local crafts and refreshments, making it a great place to pick up souvenirs to remember your visit. The lush green surroundings and peaceful atmosphere make it an ideal spot to rest and recharge.
Click here to learn more about creating a personal itineraryHighlights of the Kyoto Gyoen
- Kenreimon Gate Located on the south side of the Kyoto Imperial Palace, this symbolic gate is one of the most important historical structures in the Kyoto Gyoen. In the past, this gate was used to admit emperors and foreign dignitaries. Although not open to the public, its grandeur can be admired from the outside.
- Fountains and Ceremonies Upon entering the garden, visitors will find a water fountain where they can purify their hands as part of a ritual before entering the sacred space. This custom is part of the Japanese Shinto religion and offers an opportunity to experience the local culture and show respect to one’s surroundings.
- Hakuun Shrine Another notable site in the garden is the Hakuun Shrine, which provides a peaceful space for quiet reflection. This small shrine is dedicated to protecting the Imperial Palace and the surrounding area from negative energy. It is a great spot to enjoy the tranquility of the gardens.
Tips for Visiting Kyoto Gyoen
- Best Season The Kyoto Gyoen is beautiful all year round, but spring and fall are the best seasons. In spring (March to May), the cherry blossoms are in full bloom, and in fall (October to November), the park is transformed by the magnificent autumn leaves. It is best to visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the midday heat, as it can be hot and humid in the summer.
- What to Bring Kyoto Gyoen is a large park, so comfortable walking shoes are essential. If you are visiting in the warmer months, bring sunscreen, a hat, and plenty of water for rehydration. A picnic blanket is also a good idea if you plan to relax in the park’s lush greenery.
- Etiquette and Rules Although the park is a public place, there are rules to ensure that everyone has a pleasant experience. Please do not feed the animals, pick the plants, or damage the trees. Dogs are allowed but must be leashed. Drones and radio-controlled equipment are also prohibited.
Since 2015, our website has specialized in individual planning of unique routes, taking into account personal preferences and desires. Each of you will receive a unique PDF file from us, which contains everything you need: travel routes, car rentals, hotels, the best tourist attractions, attractions for kids and everything you need for a perfect vacation. During the trip, we are available for you by phone via WhatsApp. Our personal service provides information from A to Z, taking into account many small details that can become a decisive factor on the way from a wasted trip to an unforgettable vacation. Our service will make your trip comfortable, save a lot of time on planning and preparation, and most importantly – will allow you to become freer and fully enjoy the pleasure of the trip.
Access
The National Kyoto Gyoen is easily accessible from various locations in Kyoto City:
- From Kyoto Station, take the Karasuma Subway Line to Marutamachi Station (approximately 7 minutes). From there, it is a 5-minute walk to the west exit of the garden.
- From Hankyu Line (Karasuma Station): Transfer to the subway Karasuma Line at Shijo Station and take the subway to Marutamachi Station (approx. 5 minutes), then a 5-minute walk.
- From Keihan Main Line (Jingu-Marutamachi Station): A 15-minute walk from Jingu-Marutamachi Station to the garden entrance.
Nearby Accommodations and Dining
There are no hotels within the Kyoto Gyoen, but there are a variety of accommodations in the area, ranging from budget hostels to luxury hotels. Popular hotels include:
- Kyoto Royal Hotel & Spa (Kyoto)
- Hotel Granvia Kyoto (Kyoto Station)
- The Westin Kyoto (Sakyo-ku, Kyoto)
For dining, you can find a variety of cafes and restaurants in the Kyoto neighborhood. There are also many traditional Japanese restaurants offering kaiseki cuisine and sushi, providing an authentic taste of Japan.
Hours: The Kyoto Gyoen is open year-round, but hours vary depending on the season.
Ticket Prices: Admission to the gardens is free, but some areas, such as the Kyoto Sento Gosho, may require an admission fee for a guided tour. Generally, the fee is about 300 yen.
What we propose Emma Heidi Take all the stress out of planning your trip! With our experts, you can create the perfect itinerary for you – complete, comfortable, and tailored to all your dreams, wishes, and needs. We take care of every little detail, so you can simply focus on enjoying your journey. We’ve been designing personalized itineraries since 2015, and over the years we’ve created thousands of custom itineraries for happy clients. Save time, avoid confusion – we do the work for you. Our service saves you weeks of searching, reading, comparing, and complicated planning. Instead of wasting endless hours – you receive a ready-to-use, accurate and clear itinerary. A tailor-made itinerary – built just for you. Your itinerary is personally designed based on our experts’ real field experience and genuine feedback from hundreds of travelers – including hidden discoveries and insider tips that don’t appear in any travel guide. Smart accommodation selection – often saves you hundreds or even thousands of dollars. We help you choose verified and recommended places to stay, checking availability for your exact travel dates. Sometimes we suggest hotels not “in the center,” but in safe, convenient, and highly strategic locations – which can significantly reduce travel costs and save you even thousands of dollars. We’re by your side even during the trip. We stay with you throughout your vacation – providing professional help whenever needed. If the weather changes, there’s a strike, a local event, heavy crowds, or any unexpected situation – we are here to update, guide, and adjust your itinerary in real time. Easy-to-use itinerary – with direct navigation links. Your itinerary includes direct Waze / Google Maps links – no need to search for parking addresses, no stress, no mistakes. Just tap – and go. Want to know if it’s really worth it? Take a look at the experiences of travelers who built their personal itinerary with us. Click here and let’s start building the itinerary that will save you time, money, and stress – and turn your vacation into perfection. Of course, your first inquiry is completely free – with no commitment whatsoever. How it works
Customer Experience Manager
Service cost: from only $210. (Special price for short itineraries up to 5 days). Clients tell us the itinerary saves them costly mistakes, fines, wrong choices – plus exclusive discounts on car rentals, better-priced accommodations, and money-saving local tips.
Latest articles
