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THE 10 BEST Kyoto Parks
Parks in Kyoto
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- Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, number of page views, and user location.
Recommended Outdoor Activities (90)
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What travellers are saying
- PeterAbbeyRichardsSingapore118 contributionsAs a visitor native in Europe, stepping into Kyoto Gyoen felt like time-traveling to a Japanese Versailles! This sprawling park, once the grounds of the Imperial Palace, boasts an otherworldly atmosphere that rivals the charm of Europe's finest royal estates. Imagine Versailles or Schönbrunn, but with more zen and fewer tourists.
Exploring Kyoto Gyoen on rented bikes is an absolute must. Picture yourself pedaling past ancient trees, serene ponds, and majestic gates, feeling like a modern-day samurai on a sightseeing mission. The park's tranquility is a stark contrast to the hustle and bustle of Kyoto, much like escaping the city for a breath of fresh air at Hampton Court or the Gardens of Versailles.
Kyoto Gyoen's vastness and serenity offer a perfect blend of history and nature. The beautifully manicured gardens and traditional Japanese architecture make you feel like you're in a different world, one where you half-expect to see an emperor strolling by.
In summary, Kyoto Gyoen is a regal retreat that offers a delightful escape into history and nature. Renting a bike to explore this magnificent park is not only practical but also adds a dash of adventure to your visit. Highly recommended for anyone looking to experience a slice of imperial Japan with a touch of European elegance!Written 29 July 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - John and Deb KKarratha, Australia824 contributionsThis place is just stunning, with the Sakura in full bloom, the egrets in the water and the young people in their hire Kimonos looking spectacular. Many food vendors cooking and serving up a variety of food. So much going on and to take in it was very enjoyable.Written 4 April 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- TassieTravellers99Launceston, Australia3,405 contributionsThis is a nice green space that extends from the Arashiyama Old Town. We accessed it via the Bamboo Forest. There are large open green spaces and a number of crisscrossing paths. Many of these lead up to lovely viewpoints over looking the river and others are at the river level offering a pleasant view of Kyotos outskirts. Compared to the crowds of the Bamboo forest and the old town this park is a welcome respite.Written 28 June 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Claire DSeattle, WA283 contributionsOur hotel being across the street from Umekoji park, this park becomes our "home" for 7 days that we stayed in Kyoto. It does not have a play structure but it is usually full of university students walking around since there's a university campus right to the West. In the evening, there would be locals gathering with their dogs and an opportunity to chat with them, especially if you are a dog lover. There's a Starbucks (on the west) and Family Mart, a Laundromat and another "Potel" -- onsen-style hotel just on the south west side of the park, right by The Royal Park Hotel.
Across the "Shichijo-dori" Shichijo-street to the north, there are a few good restaurants such as Kobushi Ramen (Michelin rated) and Hambarg's Steak.
As said below, this park is right by JR Umekoji-Kyoto Nishi train station, and leads to Kyoto JR Railway Museum, a must visit for train aficionados. Nothing much besides this, but this park would be a good landmark to remember if you are in the area.Written 26 June 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Kimitaka STaichung, Taiwan15,313 contributionsIt is actually not the center of Kyoto, but thanks to subway Karasuma line it is easily accessible. Takaragaike Park, beside Kokusai Kaikan, International Conference Hall, is a huge natural park, where everybody can spend a wonderful time. Escaped from a busy downtown, it is a very pleasant place to relax yourself.Written 12 July 2020This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- KwakakuSakai, Japan2,213 contributionsEvery street and sightseeing spot are so crowded in Arashiyama. It is sometimes very difficult to meet in a group. But the Nakanoshima area is very roomy and not crowded.Written 11 May 2019This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- chriscylKuala Lumpur, Malaysia137 contributionsAfter visiting Kinkakuji (Golden Pavillion) in the morning, we stopped by at his park before heading to Demachiyanagi station. Bought our bento from a nearby convenience store and had our lunch at the park bench, nearby the river. One of the best lunch place we had. Cheap, delicious bento with a beautiful view. The place is lovely, cooling and peaceful. The river is so clean with clear, blue water. And the park is free. We were there on a weekday, so not many people around. To cross the river, either take the bridge or the stepping stones.
It is just opposite of Demachiyanagi station. If you are around Demachiyanagi station and have some spare time, suggest to stop by here for a breather or try walking across the stone for fun or ….. like us, have your bento lunch there. Just make sure you clean up the area after eating and take your trash with you.Written 4 October 2020This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - DanielleNew Jersey18 contributionsI actually first discovered this bamboo park while looking for different Kyoto sightseeing places on Trip Advisor! After visiting the larger bamboo park in Arashiyama with its crowds of people (I was there at 8:30am), it was refreshing to later go to this quiet, hidden gem. I was the only visitor at that time of the afternoon and when signing the guestbook, pretty much all past visitors were Japanese natives (I'm from the U.S.). More foreigners should know about this wonderful place, it was GREAT! The staff there were super friendly and the guy I spoke with (in Japanese, though he knew some English) was very knowledgeable about bamboo. The air-conditioned museum had lots of displays giving fun facts and information on the science and history of bamboo (explanations in both Japanese and English) and the actual grove contains 110 different species of bamboo (something you don't see at Arashiyama). I was given a colorful map to help me explore all the different pathways. Even though the heat of the summer afternoon was intense, there were some shady areas of the bamboo grove so it was enjoyable to walk through (just be prepared with bug spray and watch for spider webs!) and the air-conditioned museum was a good resting place.
Just a little tip, if you are trying to find it on Google Maps, type in "Kyotoshi Rakusaichikurin Park". When I left out the "Kyotoshi" (which means Kyoto City) Google couldn't locate it, but when I included it as the first word, I was able to find it along with which bus to take to get there (Minamifukunishicho bus stop is a 3-5 minute walk to the bamboo park entrance).Written 9 August 2019This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Kevin H63 contributionsMy intent was to visit the Arashiyama bamboo grove, but both Google and Apple Maps had other plans for me. They both sent me here, but it was worth the journey because this temple is only open to tourists during the winter months. The grounds are very well cared for, and the bamboo path is iconic in its own way, but uniquely different than that of Arashiyama. We were running out of time, so we took a cab for about $40 US to visit Arashiyama. I liked the two groves equally but for different reasons. If you only have time for one, then I’d suggest Arashiyama because of the iconic images.Written 24 January 2020This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Gary W22 contributionsThis park is best combined with a visit to Heian Shrine. Surrounded by a moat, it houses numerous museums and a zoo. Good for strolling on weekends and the museums are excellent.Written 30 October 2019This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- tinytrevSydney25 contributionsOmiyakotsu Park is very definitely off the tourist track in Kyoto, and is a bit of curiosity. It's basically a go-kart track in which kids (and adults) can 'race' around a streetscape which includes traffic lights, roundabouts, pedestrian crossings, etc. It's certainly not an essential on anyone's itinerary in Kyoto, but if you're spending a week or more here (or you're living in Kyoto) and you want something a bit different to do with the kids, I'd certainly recommend it.
The park is in north-west Kyoto, at this location http://g.co/maps/9xa67. It's in roughly the same part of town as Kinkakuji (Golden Temple) - we got from one to the other in about 25 minutes, but it did involve changing buses en route. If you're coming from the city centre, the number 46 bus drops you pretty much at the door.
The set up is a simple road layout with dual seat (for little kids, who ride with their parents driving) and single seat (for 7+ years old) go-karts to drive around. Almost every kart was different, but they all basically looked (and sounded like!) mini racing cars with lawnmower engines attached! Tickets are 200yen (for a single seater) or 250yen (for a dual seat) car, with three of each being ¥500 and ¥600 respectively. Each ticket entitles you to a single trip round the circuit, which takes less than five minutes - so the purchase of multipack tickets is recommended!
Our six year old absolutely loved being driven round the track by his dad. Having 'real' traffic lights, etc, on the circuit really added to the thrill. If he'd been slightly older I'm sure he'd have enjoyed driving himself round too. In addition to the racetrack, there are lots of playground toys in the aprk - climbing frames and the like. There's also and old steam engine which you can clamber over, and a couple of old Kyoto trams which are full of kids books to read - all in Japanese, of course.
In fact, the park itself is entirely Japanese - no English spoken by the staff, and no English signs (even on the toilet doors). However the tickets are sold from a vending machine (of course) and the two second 'driving instructions' I was given didn't need any verbal communication!
Surprisingly, there's no café on site, or source of food nearby other than a Family Mart. However on the warm spring day we visited there were lots of local families picnicking on the grass in the park, so make sure you bring some food along with you. There are plenty vending machines for drinks and ice cream at the park.
Opening hours are 0900-1630, but the day we were there they closed at 12 for lunch.Written 2 May 2012This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
