Shinsen-en: Kyoto's Serene Sacred Spring Garden
Discover Kyoto's hidden gem: a historic garden with serene ponds, vibrant shrines, and connections to ancient legends.
Shinsen-en is a historic garden and Buddhist temple in central Kyoto, originally a private imperial garden in 794. Today, it offers a tranquil escape with a large pond, vermillion bridge, shrines, and connections to notable historical figures.
A brief summary to Shinsen-en
- 166 Monzencho, Kyoto, Monzencho, Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto, 604-8306, JP
- +8175-821-1466
- Visit website
- Monday 6:30 am-8 pm
- Tuesday 6:30 am-8 pm
- Wednesday 6:30 am-8 pm
- Thursday 6:30 am-8 pm
- Friday 6:30 am-8 pm
- Saturday 6:30 am-8 pm
- Sunday 6:30 am-8 pm
Local tips
- Visit during winter to see the beautiful Sasanqua camellias in bloom, offering a unique and tranquil garden experience.
- Take a leisurely stroll after visiting nearby Nijo Castle to experience the serene atmosphere of Shinsen-en.
- Purchase fish food for ¥100 to feed the koi and ducks in the pond.
Getting There
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Walking
Shinsen-en is located a short walk from several points of interest. From Nijo Castle, exit the castle grounds and walk south for approximately 5 minutes. The temple entrance will be on your left. From Nijojo-mae Station on the Tozai Subway Line, walk south for about 5 minutes. There are no specific costs associated with walking.
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Public Transport
To reach Shinsen-en via public transport, take the Kyoto Municipal Subway Tozai Line to Nijojo-mae Station. From Kyoto Station, transfer to the Karasuma Line, then the Tozai Line at Karasuma Oike Station. Exit Nijojo-mae Station and walk south for approximately 5 minutes. The current cost for a single subway fare in Kyoto ranges from ¥220 to ¥360 depending on the distance traveled. Alternatively, take Kyoto City Bus number 9, 50 and get off at Horikawa Oike bus stop. From there, it's a 5-minute walk to Shinsen-en. The flat fare for a city bus is ¥230 for adults.
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Taxi
Taxis are readily available throughout Kyoto. From Kyoto Station, a taxi ride to Shinsen-en takes approximately 11 minutes. The base fare for a taxi in Kyoto is ¥490 for the first 1.5km, with an additional ¥320 for each subsequent kilometer. A 5km ride in Kyoto costs about ¥2090. Please note that these are estimates, and the final fare may vary depending on traffic conditions and the specific route taken.
Discover more about Shinsen-en
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
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