Kyoto Botanical Gardens: A Green Oasis in the City
Discover a diverse collection of plants and tranquil landscapes at Japan's oldest botanical garden in the heart of Kyoto.
Escape the urban bustle at the Kyoto Botanical Gardens, Japan's oldest public botanical garden. Established in 1924, this verdant sanctuary showcases 12,000 plant species across diverse themed gardens and a large conservatory, offering a peaceful retreat in every season.
A brief summary to Kyoto Botanical Gardens
- Shimogamo Hangicho, Kyoto, Shimogamo Hangicho, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto, 606-0823, JP
- +8175-701-0141
- Visit website
- Monday 9 am-5 pm
- Tuesday 9 am-5 pm
- Wednesday 9 am-5 pm
- Thursday 9 am-5 pm
- Friday 9 am-5 pm
- Saturday 9 am-5 pm
- Sunday 9 am-5 pm
Local tips
- Visit during cherry blossom season (spring) or autumn for the most spectacular displays of color.
- Explore the conservatory to see tropical and subtropical plants, regardless of the season.
- Pick up a map at the entrance to help navigate the various themed gardens.
- Consider purchasing an annual pass if you plan to visit multiple times throughout the year.
Getting There
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Public Transport
The Kyoto Botanical Gardens are easily accessible by public transport. From Kyoto Station, take the Kyoto City Subway Karasuma Line to Kitayama Station (approximately 15 minutes, ¥260). Exit at Gate 3, and the gardens are a short walk away. Alternatively, take Kyoto City Bus #1 or any Kyoto Bus bound for "Shizuhara" or "Ichihara" and get off at "Shokubutsuen-mae". A flat fare of ¥230 applies within the central area.
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Taxi
Taxis are readily available throughout Kyoto. A taxi from Kyoto Station to the Kyoto Botanical Gardens takes approximately 20 minutes and costs between ¥1,900 and ¥2,400. Taxi fare starts at ¥490 for the first 1 km, with an additional ¥320 for every km thereafter. Note that these rates may vary depending on the taxi company and time of day.
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Walking
For those who enjoy walking, the Kyoto Botanical Gardens are approximately 3.8 km from Kyoto. The walk takes around 45 minutes. From central Kyoto, head north along the Kamo River. Follow the river until you reach the gardens.
Discover more about Kyoto Botanical Gardens
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Kamogawa Park
0.9 km
Escape to Kyoto's tranquil Kamogawa Park: a scenic riverside oasis offering relaxation, recreation, and a touch of local culture.
Kamogawa Delta
2.2 km
Where the Kamo and Takano Rivers meet in Kyoto, offering scenic relaxation, unique stepping stones, and a tranquil escape in the city.
TOURS IN KYOTO
2.4 km
Discover Kyoto's rich cultural heritage through immersive guided tours of its iconic landmarks and hidden gems.
Kyoto Imperial Palace
2.5 km
Discover the serene beauty and rich history of Kyoto Imperial Palace, a royal landmark surrounded by stunning gardens and traditional architecture.
Kyoto Gyoen National Garden
2.8 km
Experience the breathtaking beauty of Kyoto Gyoen National Garden, a serene national park perfect for leisurely walks and cultural exploration amidst stunning landscapes.
Stepping Stones at Kojin
3.1 km
Explore the tranquil beauty of the Stepping Stones at Kojin in Kyoto, where nature and art converge in a stunning setting.
Kinkaku-ji
3.2 km
Experience the breathtaking beauty of Kinkaku-ji, the Golden Pavilion, a stunning Buddhist temple surrounded by serene gardens in Kyoto, Japan.
Shugakuin Imperial Villa
3.4 km
Experience the captivating beauty and rich history of Shugakuin Imperial Villa, a serene gem in Kyoto's lush landscapes.
Face House
3.8 km
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The Ritz-Carlton, Kyoto
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Higashiyama Jisho-ji
4.0 km
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Heian Shrine
4.0 km
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Heian-jingū Shrine
4.0 km
Discover the beauty and serenity of Heian-jingū Shrine, a stunning Shinto shrine in Kyoto renowned for its breathtaking architecture and tranquil gardens.
Heian Jingu
4.0 km
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Nijō Castle
4.1 km
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Unmissable attractions to see
Jozenji
1.1 km
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Ōta Shrine
1.3 km
Discover the tranquility and cultural richness of Ōta Shrine, a serene Shinto haven in Kyoto, perfect for spiritual reflection and exploration.
Kamigoryō Shrine
1.4 km
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Outbreak Site of Ōnin War
1.4 km
Explore the Outbreak Site of the Ōnin War in Kyoto, a historical landmark that reflects the tumultuous past of Japan and its cultural evolution.
Shimogamo Shrine
1.4 km
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Shichiku Kifune-jinja Shrine
1.5 km
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Myōkaku-ji Temple
1.6 km
Myōkaku-ji Temple in Kyoto offers a serene escape with stunning architecture and tranquil gardens, perfect for reflection and cultural exploration.
Tadasu-no-Mori Forest
1.6 km
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Kamigamo Shrine
1.6 km
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Daitoku-ji Temple
1.6 km
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Daisen-in Temple
1.6 km
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Daitoku-ji Somon (Main Gate)
1.6 km
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Sawata Shrine
1.7 km
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Daitoku-ji Butsuden (Buddha Hall)
1.7 km
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Daitoku-ji Hoshun-in
1.7 km
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Essential places to dine
菜食ペッティロッソ 京都 Pettirosso Kyoto
1.0 km
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Kichisen
1.6 km
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Omi-ya
1.7 km
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Nakau - Karasuma Imadegawa
1.9 km
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Steak Ichiro
2.2 km
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cafe kozora
2.2 km
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Kyoto cuisine Teramachi Yoshikura
2.3 km
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Restaurant Higakisaryo
2.6 km
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Nakaso Tango
3.2 km
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Tategami
3.6 km
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Saishuan Shiraki
3.6 km
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Hafuu
3.7 km
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Arash's Kitchen
3.7 km
Experience authentic Asian cuisine at Arash's Kitchen in Kyoto—a culinary delight for every traveler seeking unique flavors.
Cenci
3.8 km
Discover Cenci in Kyoto - where exquisite Italian cuisine meets Japanese culinary artistry for an unforgettable dining experience.
Antonio
3.9 km
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Bando Kinran - Co., Ltd. Bando Store
2.4 km
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Kyoto Handicraft Center
3.8 km
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Daikichi
4.0 km
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D_MALL京都
4.3 km
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京都・うつわ・食器 / Gallery Nisui 而水
4.3 km
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Kyo-komono Kinugasa
4.3 km
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Rōji Tempo
4.3 km
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Furugiya KINJI Kyototen
4.4 km
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Sanjo Meiten-gai Shopping Arcade
4.5 km
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GOHOBI - Kyoto Sanjo-Teramachi
4.5 km
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musubi -kyoto-
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Media Shop
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MoMA Design Store Kyoto
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Pan-no-Tajima Shinkyogoku
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
House of KI NO BI
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Bar K6
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Bar Fishbowl
4.3 km
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Caamm bar
4.4 km
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Pig & Whistle
4.5 km
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Lounge & Bar 1867 (ダーワ・悠洛 京都 by バンヤン・グループ)
4.5 km
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Bar Cordon Noir
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bar K-ya main building
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Macho Bar
4.6 km
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Concrete Bar
4.6 km
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cafe&bar Miltons Kyoto
4.6 km
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UNDERBAR-KYOTO
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Kyoto Star Bar
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