Best Parks & Green Spaces in Kyōto, Japan

1. Maruyama Park

Central park near Kiyomizudera Temple with iconic cherry blossoms and vibrant autumn foliage.

Cherry Blossom Viewing Spot: Offers one of the best spots in Kyoto for viewing sakura (cherry blossoms)
Near Kiyomizudera Temple: Located just a short walk from the famous Kiyomizudera Temple
Historical Landmark: Surrounded by several historical buildings, including Yasaka Shrine

Classic Japanese garden around the Silver Pavilion temple, with a sand sculpture and dry landscaping.

Dry Landscaping: Features unique dry landscaping style found in many Kyoto gardens
Silver Pavilion Temple: Adjacent to the beautiful Silver Pavilion temple
Tranquil Atmosphere: Provides a peaceful, tranquil atmosphere for visitors

A scenic walking path lined with cherry blossom trees and historic temples leading to Ginkakuji.

Cherry Blossom Walk: Great for enjoying cherry blossoms along a peaceful walking path
Historic Temples: Passes by several historic temples and attractions
Scenic Views: Offers beautiful scenic views of Kyoto's traditional architecture and nature

Famous bamboo forest in Arashiyama with long walkways and a serene atmosphere.

Bamboo Forest: Features one of the most famous bamboo forests in Japan
Scenic Walkways: Includes beautiful walkways winding through the bamboo grove
Near Arashiyama Attractions: Adjacent to other popular attractions like the Monkey Park and Tenryu-ji Temple

Spacious shrine complex with a traditional garden, torii gates, and seasonal flowers.

Traditional Garden: Boasts a beautiful traditional Japanese garden
Seasonal Flowers: Features seasonal flowers throughout the year, especially cherries and maples in spring and autumn
Large Shrine Complex: One of the largest shrine complexes in Kyoto

Peaceful temple garden with large-scale autumn foliage and a beautiful pagoda.

Autumn Foliage: Known for its breathtaking autumn foliage
Large Pagoda: Features a large, ornate pagoda that is an iconic symbol of Kyoto
Historic Attraction: Is one of the Five Great Temples of Kyoto and a UNESCO World Heritage Site

Spacious botanical garden with over 12,000 plant species from around the world.

Variety of Plants: Showcases a wide variety of plant species not found in other Kyoto parks
Tropical Greenhouse: Includes a large tropical greenhouse with exotic plants and flowers
Open Space: Offers ample open space for picnics, walks, and relaxation

A serene forest surrounding Kifune Shrine, with a beautiful waterfall nearby.

Waterfall: Features a beautiful waterfall near the shrine
Forest Hiking: Offers forest hiking trails for exploring the area
Shrine Atmosphere: Provides a peaceful and spiritual atmosphere ideal for meditation and reflection

A hillside park offering scenic views of Kyoto with historic temples and a traditional tea house.

Scenic Views: Offers panoramic views of Kyoto's cityscape and historical landmarks
Historic Temples: Includes several historic temples, such as Chion-in Temple and Kiyomizudera Temple
Traditional Tea House: Features a traditional tea house where visitors can enjoy matcha (green tea)

Minimalistic rock garden with 15 rocks arranged in a serene setting.

Rock Garden: Features a famous Zen rock garden
Meditation: Encourages meditation and reflection within its peaceful atmosphere
UNESCO Site: Is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognized for its cultural significance

Spacious garden surrounding the former imperial palace, with a pond and traditional architecture.

Imperial History: Has ties to Kyoto's imperial history as the former imperial palace
Traditional Architecture: Showcases traditional Japanese architecture and design
Large Pond: Features a large pond with beautiful landscaping and seasonal flowers

Mountain park home to over a hundred wild macaques, offering great photo opportunities.

Wild Macaques: Offers the opportunity to observe and photograph wild Japanese macaques
Mountain Hike: Includes a short hike up the mountain for access to the park
Scenic Views: Provides scenic views of Kyoto's cityscape from the mountain peak

Spacious temple garden with beautiful autumn foliage and a large suspended bridge.

Autumn Foliage: Known for its stunning autumn foliage
Suspension Bridge: Features a large, beautiful suspended bridge over the temple garden
Historic Attraction: Is one of the Five Great Temples of Kyoto and a UNESCO World Heritage Site

A temple complex with traditional gardens, a long walking path lined with cherry blossom trees.

Cherry Blossoms: Offers beautiful cherry blossom viewing in spring
Traditional Gardens: Boasts several traditional gardens within the temple complex
Historic Attraction: Is one of the Five Great Temples of Kyoto and a significant historical site

Long temple hall housing over a thousand life-size statues of Kannon deities.

Thousand Statues: Features over a thousand beautifully crafted statues of the Kannon deity
Historic Attraction: Is a National Treasure and an important historical site in Kyoto
Long Temple Hall: Boasts the longest temple hall in Japan, stretching over 120 meters