Murinan Garden, Settsu Travel Guide

4.4 (1429)

Discover Murin-an Garden in Kyoto: A serene blend of Japanese and Western design, shaped by history and natural beauty.

Home
Travel Guides
Japan
Settsu
Murinan Garden

Murin-an is a Japanese garden in Kyoto, constructed between 1894 and 1898 by Yamagata Aritomo, an influential statesman during the Meiji era. Designed by Ogawa Jihei, it exemplifies a modern strolling garden, incorporating elements of Western design with traditional Japanese aesthetics.

A brief summary to Murinan Garden

Nanzenji Kusakawacho, 31 ３１番地, Kyoto, Nanzenji Kusakawacho, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto, 606-8437, JP
Click to display
Click to display

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

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Murinan Garden.

Visit during the early morning or late afternoon for the best light and fewer crowds.
Take a guided tour to learn more about the garden's history and design (reservations may be required).
Check the Murin-an website for seasonal events, such as evening illuminations.
Combine your visit with a walk along the Philosopher's Path or a visit to Nanzen-ji Temple.
Consider purchasing a four-seasons ticket for year-round access to the garden.

Do you manage this location?

Take control to get all the benefits, like improved information, better appearance, and stronger visibility across AI-powered discovery. Learn more about listing your business on Evendo

Activate your presence

Other nearby places you may find interesting

The closest places of the same kind, if this one is not quite what you had in mind.

Shinkansen Park

Settsukyo Gorge

Settsukyo Park

Tower of the Sun

Ibaraki Shrine

Explore Murinan Garden on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Murinan Garden, mapped for you.

Getting There

Public Transport

From Kyoto Station, take city bus number 5, 57, 32, or 100 to the Dobutsu-en-mae (Kyoto Zoo) bus stop. Walk south, cross the bridge, and turn left (east) onto Niomon-dori Street. Before Niomon-dori makes a right turn, turn right onto the small street where you will find Murin-an's entrance. Alternatively, take the Kyoto City Tozai Subway Line to Keage Station (T09) and walk 7 minutes to Murin-an. Subway fare is ¥220-¥260. A single bus fare is ¥230.
Taxi

From Kyoto Station, a taxi to Murin-an takes approximately 20 minutes. The estimated cost is ¥2,200 - ¥2,700. Note that Murin-an does not have dedicated parking. Taxis can briefly stop on the south side of Murin-an's outer wall for drop-offs.
Walking

From the Philosopher's Path, continue towards Nanzen-ji Temple and the Keage Incline. Murin-an is located a short walk away from these attractions. Follow the signs on Niomon Street to a small entrance down a quiet, narrow lane. Walking from Keage Station takes approximately 7 minutes.

Discover more about Murinan Garden

Murin-an, a nationally designated Place of Scenic Beauty, offers a tranquil escape from Kyoto's bustling streets. Built as a private villa for Yamagata Aritomo, a key figure in the Meiji Restoration, the garden showcases a blend of Japanese and Western influences, reflecting Aritomo's vision for a modernized Japan.The garden's design, crafted by the renowned Ogawa Jihei VII, features a spacious lawn, a meandering stream fed by the Lake Biwa Canal, and a waterfall, all set against the backdrop of the Higashiyama mountains. This use of 'borrowed scenery' (shakkei) creates a sense of depth and harmony. Visitors can explore the main house, a traditional Japanese structure, and a Western-style building that now serves as a museum, displaying information about Aritomo and Jihei. The second floor of the Western-style building houses the room where Aritomo and other political leaders discussed policy before the Russo-Japanese War. A teahouse offers a space to experience a traditional tea ceremony.Murin-an stands out as a unique garden that combines natural beauty with historical significance. Unlike traditional temple gardens, Murin-an faces outward, embracing the surrounding landscape. The garden's design incorporates elements of English landscape gardens, such as the expansive lawn, while maintaining a distinctly Japanese aesthetic.