Joanna James
Offering visitors a welcome break from the hustle and bustle of downtown Kyoto, the city's chief green spaces encompass not only curated gardens but also temple grounds. From Kyoto's version of Central Park to botanical hotspots, here are seven green spaces to explore on a trip to the city.
Ranked among Kyoto's must-visit highlights for avid horticulturists, the Kyoto Botanical Gardens is a breathtaking patch of green in the heart of the city. While its greenhouse is the park's most popular attraction, those based at Park Hotel Kyoto and other similar Kyoto hotels in the vicinity will also find the venue an ideal picnic spot. Those who love to go on long walks in the afternoon or enjoy reading a good book under a tree will also find the Kyoto Botanical Gardens nothing short of a dream landscape.
Known as Kyoto’s greenest temple, the lush moss garden in Arashiyama's Gio-ji Temple is another must-experience highlight for those who love natural environments that appear to have been abandoned by time and human activity for centuries. Find carpets of green moss here, which also turns into vibrant hues of reds and oranges in Autumn.
This picturesque green space near the Kyoto University Campus is one of the most romantic spots in all of Kyoto. The Yoshida- jinja Shrine which occupies the western side of Yoshida-yama Hill is not only a great place to spend quality time with loved ones but also a magical location to go on a morning hike.
Occupying pride of place in the Southern Higashiyama sightseeing region, the Maruyama-koen Park is a family-friendly green hotspot where locals and tourists can relax. This public park is free to access and is perhaps best known for its weeping cherry blossom tree.
While most Japanese temples are surrounded by lush gardens, the Nanzen-ji Temple has taken this to another level by creating a veritable natural oasis in a place of worship. The large central precinct in the temple's garden boasts massive maple trees and plenty of moss while views of the forest located uphill also enhance the beauty of the Nanzen-ji Temple grounds.
Also called the Kyoto Imperial Palace Park, Kyoto Gyoen is often referred to as the city's own Central Park due to its vast size and scale. Serving as the primary playground and leisure hub for city dwellers, the Kyoto Gyoen provides a much-needed respite for residents who occupy busier areas of the bustling metropolis. An ideal venue to host a children's birthday party or picnic or enjoy a jog, the park attracts both active locals as well as tourists.
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought.
A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
