Kyoto’s most spectacular cherry blossom spot is little-known Haradani-en Garden. Located in northwest Kyoto, it’s a must-see for serious cherry blossom fans.
Haradani-en in full bloom – image © Chris Rowthorn
Few tourists have ever heard of Haradani-en – it’s a secret cherry blossom spot known only to the locals. While it’s a lovely garden and pleasant to visit at any time of year, it’s truly superb in cherry blossom season. While a regular Kyoto bus runs from Kitaoji Station (on the Karasuma subway line), it’s better to take the free shuttle bus that runs from in front of Shikichi-jinja Shrine (known to locals as “Wara-tenjin”). Wara-tenjin is on Nishioji-dori, about 10 minutes’ walk south of Kinkaku-ji Temple. The free shuttle runs frequently in both directions during cherry blossom season (late March to early April).
Lost in blossoms at Haradani-en – image © Chris Rowthorn
Name in English:
Haradani-en Garden
Name in Japanese:
原谷苑
English address:
36 Okitayama-Haradaniinui-cho, Kita-ku
Japanese Address:
北区大北山原谷乾町36
Opening hours:
9am-5pm
Admission:
Y300-1500 (depends on the condition of cherry blossoms)
Non-smoking area: Yes
Nearest Transport:
2min walk from Haradani Bus Stop, Kyoto City Bus M1 from Kitaoji Station
This bus is full during the cherry blossom season. Please go by taxi.
Nearest Hotels:
:: Check availability and pricing for hotels near to Haradani-en on Booking.com or Agoda.com.
Telephone: 461-2924
Website:
Official Website (Japanese)
Near To Here:
Haradani-en Garden is located in Northwest Kyoto. See our complete list of things to do in Northwest Kyoto, including places to eat, nightlife and places to stay.
Kyoto Vacation Checklist
- ESSENTIALS – For all the essentials in a brief overview, see my First Time In Kyoto guide
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About InsideKyoto.com and Chris Rowthorn
- Chris Rowthorn is the co-founder of InsideKyoto.com and has an unparalleled travel knowledge of Kyoto spanning three decades. Chris has written or commissioned and edited every page on the Inside Kyoto website.
- A former author of Lonely Planet Kyoto and Lonely Planet Japan guidebooks, Chris is also the director of the Kyoto walking tour company Chris Rowthorn Tours, and Japan Travel Consulting, where you can get bespoke travel advice for your Japan trip.
- InsideKyoto.com has been cited by the New York Times and The Times of London, among many other publications and websites.
