A green sanctuary in the middle of the drab plain of Kyoto, the Kyoto Gyoen (Kyoto Imperial Palace Park) is Kyoto’s Central Park.
Kyoto Imperial Palace Park: DutchMen / Shutterstock.com
This park that surrounds the Kyoto Imperial Palace and Sento Gosho, is the green heart of Kyoto. Unlike the imperial properties it surrounds, the Imperial Palace Park can be entered free of charge and without any application procedure.
It’s popular with runners, walkers, romantic couples, picnickers, plant lovers and anyone who just wants to escape the concrete and neon of the city. It’s criss-crossed with wide boulevards and narrower pathways. There’s a plum arbor on the west side of the park that bloom in early March, and a grove of spectacular shidare-zakura (weeping cherry trees) that bloom in late March and early April – when the latter are in mankai (full bloom), they are among the most spectacular cherry trees in the city (and the area doesn’t get as many crowds as other famous cheery blossom spots in the city). Even if you’re not in Kyoto in March or April, it’s well worth visiting the Kyoto Imperial Palace Park.
English address:
Kyoto Gyoen 3, Kamigyo-ku
Japanese address:
上京区京都御苑3
Opening hours:
24 hours everyday
Admission: Free
Non-smoking area: Yes
Nearest Transport:
1min walk from Imadegawa Station, Karasuma subway line.
Telephone:
211-6348
Website:
Official website (English)
Where Is This Place Located?
See these places on our Kyoto Google map:- Open the Kyoto map
- You will see the list of places on the left hand side. (Click the 3-line icon in the top left corner if not). Scroll down or use the map search (the magnifying glass icon) to find the place you want.
- Click the name of the place in the list. Its location pin will be highlighted on the map.
- Map pins are color coded - BLUE: Hotels | VIOLET: Ryokan | PINK: Places to Eat | YELLOW: Things to See and Do
- If you're using the map on your phone, open the map and then search for the name of the place. The map will then zoom in on its location.
Near To Here:
Kyoto Gyoen is located in Central Kyoto. See our complete list of things to do in Central Kyoto, including places to eat, nightlife and places to stay.
Kyoto Vacation Checklist
- For all the essentials in a brief overview, see my First Time In Kyoto guide
- Check Kyoto accommodation availability on Booking.com and Agoda.com - often you can book with no upfront payment and free cancellation
- You can buy shinkansen (bullet train) tickets online from Klook - popular routes include Tokyo to Kyoto, Kyoto to Osaka and Kyoto to Tokyo
- Need tips on where to stay? See my one page guide Where To Stay In Kyoto
- See my comprehensive Packing List For Japan
- You can buy an eSim to activate in Japan or buy a data-only SIM card online for collection when you arrive at Tokyo's Narita or Haneda Airports or Kansai International Airport. You can also rent an unlimited data pocket wifi router
- Compare Japan flight prices and timings to find the best deals
- If you're making frequent train journeys during your visit, you might save money with Japan Rail Pass – see if it's worth it for you
- World Nomads offers simple and flexible travel insurance. Buy at home or while traveling and claim online from anywhere in the world
- Do you want help planning your trip? Chris Rowthorn and his team of Japan experts at Japan Travel Consulting can help
