Kyoto Botanical Garden: The Historic Garden of the Historic Capital
- Published on : 13/06/2026
- by : Joshua
- Youtube
Kyoto Botanical Garden
@Tatters on Flickr, CC BY-SA 2.0
Located in northern Kyoto, the Kyoto Botanical Garden is one of the city’s most peaceful green spaces and one of the finest botanical gardens in Japan. Opened in 1924, it is the oldest botanical garden in the country and was built on land donated by the Mitsui family to commemorate the enthronement of Emperor Taisho.
Spread across 240,000 square meters, the garden is home to more than 120,000 plants from around 12,000 species. It is a favorite place for both Kyoto residents and visitors to stroll, relax, and enjoy the changing seasons, especially during cherry blossom season in spring and autumn foliage season in fall.
Layout of the Kyoto Botanical Garden
The Kyoto Botanical Garden is divided into a wide variety of themed areas, allowing visitors to explore different landscapes and plant collections in one visit.
- Bamboo Garden
- Bonsai Exhibit
- Camellia Garden
- European-Style Garden
- Flower Bed
- Hydrangea Garden
- Japanese Iris Garden
- Japanese Native Plants section
- Lotus Pond
- Peony Garden
- Perennial and Useful Plants Garden
- Sunken Garden
- Uma Grove
- Nakaragi-no-mori Pond, featuring trees native to the Yamashiro Basin
Kyoto Botanical Garden Fountain
@Japan Visitor
The garden is especially beautiful in spring, when around 500 cherry trees of different varieties bloom across the grounds. In autumn, the garden becomes a quiet place to enjoy colorful leaves away from some of Kyoto’s busier sightseeing areas. Regular evening light-ups also attract visitors during seasonal events.
Although the garden fell into disuse after World War II, it was revived in the 1960s and has since remained one of Kyoto’s most beloved public gardens.
Kyoto Botanical Garden Conservatory
One of the garden’s main highlights is its large conservatory, revered across the country.
Opened in 1992, the greenhouse covers 4,612 square meters and reaches a height of 48 meters.
Inside, visitors can see around 25,000 specimens from approximately 4,500 species, making it one of the most prolific conservatories in all of Japan.
Kyoto Botanical Garden
@Japan Visitor
Cherry Blossoms at Kyoto Botanical Garden
@Japan Visitor
Kyoto Botanical Garden
@Japan Visitor
The conservatory was designed to reflect the atmosphere of nearby Kinkakuji Temple and the mountains of Kitayama. It is divided into several zones, including tropical, highland, lowland, and alpine environments.
- Ananas Room
- Aquatic and Carnivorous Plants
- Bromeliads Room
- Desert and Savanna Plants
- Forest Succulent Plants
- Jungle Zone
- Orchids
- Potted Plants
- Tropical Alpine Plants
- Tropical Produce
The conservatory is especially enjoyable in winter, offering a warm and colorful escape when the outdoor gardens are quieter.
Seasonal flowers and events
Throughout the year, the Kyoto Botanical Garden hosts exhibitions and seasonal events dedicated to flowers and plants. Popular displays include chrysanthemums in autumn, moss exhibitions, and hanging basket competitions. The garden’s wide variety of plant collections means there is something to enjoy in every season, from cherry blossoms and hydrangeas to irises, lotuses, camellias, and autumn leaves.
Kyoto Botanical Garden
@KimonBerlin on Wikimedia, CC BY-SA 2.0
Take a look at some of our favorite activities to do in Kyoto!
Access to Kyoto Botanical Garden
The Kyoto Botanical Garden is located in Kitayama, close to Kyoto Concert Hall, the Kamo River, Kyoto Prefectural University, and Notre Dame Women’s University. The easiest way to get there is by taking the Kyoto Subway Karasuma Line to Kitayama Station. The garden can also be reached by Kyoto City Bus routes #1, #4, and 北8.
Kyoto Botanical Garden
Hangi-cho, Shimogamo, Sakyo-ku
Kyoto, 606-0823
Tel: 075-701-0141
The garden is generally open daily from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, with last entry at 4:00 pm. It is closed from December 28 to January 4. Admission is 200 yen for adults, with a separate fee for the conservatory. A combined ticket is also available.
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