Kyoto Gyoen National Garden: A Tranquil Escape in the Imperial Heart of Kyoto
Escape to Kyoto Gyoen National Garden: A historic oasis in the heart of Kyoto, offering tranquility and natural beauty year-round.
Kyoto Gyoen National Garden, a sprawling 160-acre park in central Kyoto, offers a serene escape with historical significance. Formerly the residential area of court nobles during the Edo period, it now encompasses the Kyoto Imperial Palace and provides a green oasis for locals and tourists alike.
A brief summary to Kyoto Gyoen National Garden
- 3 Kyotogyoen, Kyoto, Kyotogyoen, Kamigyo Ward, Kyoto, 602-0881, JP
- +8175-211-6348
- Visit website
- Monday 12 am-12 am
- Tuesday 12 am-12 am
- Wednesday 12 am-12 am
- Thursday 12 am-12 am
- Friday 12 am-12 am
- Saturday 12 am-12 am
- Sunday 12 am-12 am
Local tips
- Wear comfortable shoes, as the garden is vast and requires a good amount of walking.
- Visit during spring (cherry blossoms) or autumn (foliage) for the most stunning scenery.
- Apply in advance for Kyoto Imperial Palace tour tickets online or try for limited walk-in tickets.
- Pack a picnic to enjoy on the garden's lush lawns.
- Be mindful of park rules: no feeding animals, picking plants, or flying drones.
Getting There
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Public Transport
From Kyoto Station, take the Karasuma Subway Line to Marutamachi Station or Imadegawa Station. Imadegawa Station is closer to the garden's entrance. The subway fare is between ¥220-360 for adults, depending on the distance. Alternatively, take Kyoto City Bus No. 4, 17, or 205 from Kyoto Station to Furitsu Idai Byoin-mae Bus Stop, followed by a 7-minute walk. The flat bus fare within the central area is ¥230 for adults.
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Taxi
Taxis are readily available throughout Kyoto. A taxi from Kyoto Station to Kyoto Gyoen costs approximately ¥2,090 for a 5km ride. The base fare is ¥490 for the first 1.5km, with an additional ¥320 per kilometer thereafter. Note that a 20% surcharge applies between 10:00 PM and 5:00 AM.
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Walking
From Karasuma Station on the Hankyu Kyoto Line, transfer to the Karasuma Subway Line and take it to Marutamachi Station, which is approximately a 5-minute walk from Kyoto Gyoen. Alternatively, it's about a 15-minute walk from Jingū-Marutamachi Station. Walking allows you to soak in the atmosphere of Kyoto's streets.
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Car
If driving, use the Nakadachiuri parking lot or the Seiwain parking lot. The parking fee is ¥800 for the first 3 hours, then ¥100 per 30 minutes, with a maximum charge of ¥1,200 per day. Nakadachiuri Parking Lot is open from 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM for cars and 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM for buses, while Seiwain Parking Lot is open from 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM. Special parking systems may apply during festivals like Aoi Matsuri and Jidai Matsuri.
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TOURS IN KYOTO
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Tenshō-ji Temple
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Nijō Castle
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Sanjo Ohashi
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Unmissable attractions to see
Jomei-mon Gate
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Boulevard before Kenreimon Gate
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Seiryoden (Inner Palace)
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Kyoto Imperial Palace
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