Kyoto is a garden lover’s paradise. It is the best place in all of Japan to immerse yourself in the wonders of the Japanese garden. Here are my favorite gardens in Kyoto, organized by type.
Many of the best Japanese gardens can be found inside temples, and with over 1600 temples, it’s no surprise that Kyoto is chock-a-block with fantastic gardens. Indeed, Kyoto has the thickest concentration of good gardens in all of Japan. Every type of Japanese garden is represented in Kyoto, from austere karesansui (“Zen gardens”) to flamboyant stroll gardens of the Shoguns and Emperors.
Of course, with so many gardens on offer, it can be hard to choose the ones to see during a visit to Kyoto. To help you decide, I’ve put together a very subjective list of the best gardens in Kyoto. Please remember that this should only serve as a starting point. Sample some of these beauties and then dig deeper to find your own favorite garden in one of Kyoto’s myriad temples.
Tofuku-ji Garden
Best Overall Gardens In Kyoto:
- Karesansui (dry landscape or “zen” garden) at Ryoan-ji Temple
- Stroll garden at Ginkaku-ji Temple
- Hojo Garden at Tofuku-ji Temple
- Stroll garden at Okochi-Sanso Villa
- Garden at Taizo-in Subtemple at Myoshin-ji Temple
- All the subtemples of Daitoku-ji Temple (especially Koto-in)
Okochi Sanso: shikema / Shutterstock.com
Best Karesansui Gardens
(dry landscape gardens, often called “Zen gardens”)
- Ryoan-ji Temple
- Tofuku-ji Temple
- Kennin-ji Temple
- The subtemples of Daitoku-ji Temple
Ryoan-ji Temple zen rock garden
Best Gardens For Strolling:
If you want to find more places to wander while you’re in Kyoto, see my rundown of the city’s best green spaces.
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
- A prepaid Welcome Suica card makes travelling around Kyoto easy – here's how
- 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
