A good place for visitors to Kyoto, to stroll and enjoy seasonal scenery, especially cherry blossoms in spring and autumn leaves.
The Kyoto Botanical Garden (京都府立植物園), located north of Kyoto city, is the oldest botanical garden in Japan. Covering 240,000 m², it is home to 120,000 plants from 12,000 species across various themed sections. Visitors can explore areas dedicated to roses, bamboo, hydrangeas, Japanese iris, lotus ponds, and European-style plants. The garden also features Japanese favorites like cherry trees (sakura), plum trees (ume), and a bonsai exhibition for a truly Japanese experience.
The 4,612 m² conservatory, one of the largest in Japan, rises 48 meters high and is divided into seven zones, including tropical, highland, lowland, and alpine environments. The garden also offers expansive lawns with tables and benches, making it a perfect spot for picnics while enjoying the diverse plant collections.
Features
Visitors can stroll around the botanical garden while admiring cherry blossom.
The cherry blossom season is the most popular time to visit the Kyoto Botanical Garden. Visitors come to admire the 500 cherry trees in full bloom, and in the evenings, the garden stays open late to showcase the beautifully illuminated blossoms.
You can also stroll along Nakaragi-no-michi, the path in front of the garden that connects to a hiking trail along the Kamogawa River from Kitaoji-bashi Bridge. Here, the cherry trees are all weeping cherry blossoms, known as Beni Shidare Sakura, creating a stunning and romantic riverside view.
It’s also a great spot for viewing autumn color.
In autumn, visitors can enjoy the vibrant red and yellow leaves while strolling through the garden. Among Kyoto’s popular spots for autumn foliage, the botanical garden is a well-maintained and peaceful alternative, with fewer crowds.
If you visit at other times of the year, the Kyoto Botanical Garden offers plenty to enjoy. The bamboo garden showcases many different bamboo varieties up close, while the hydrangea garden beyond the pond is spectacular in summer. Visitors can also stroll along the broad paths through the lotus ponds, admiring the large green leaves and soft pink flowers up close.
Address : Shimogamo Hangicho, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto, 606-0823
Access : The north entrance is a short walk from Kitayama station. The south entrance is about 10-minute walk from Kitaoji station on the subway Karasuma line.
Hours : 9:00 to 17:00
Admission : 200 Yen