Kyoto Garden in Holland Park, London
A tranquil Japanese garden in London’s Holland Park, celebrating UK-Japan friendship with authentic design, seasonal beauty, and peaceful koi ponds.
Kyoto Garden is a serene Japanese garden nestled within Holland Park in London, gifted by the city of Kyoto in 1991 to celebrate the friendship between Japan and the UK. Featuring a tiered waterfall, stone lanterns, a koi-filled pond, and vibrant cherry and maple trees, it offers a tranquil escape with authentic Japanese landscaping and seasonal beauty, especially during spring and autumn.
A brief summary to Kyoto Garden
- Holland Park, Holland Park Ave, London, W11 4UA, GB
- Visit website
- Duration: 0.5 to 2 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
- Monday 7:30 am-8 pm
- Tuesday 7:30 am-8 pm
- Wednesday 7:30 am-8 pm
- Thursday 7:30 am-8 pm
- Friday 7:30 am-8 pm
- Saturday 7:30 am-8 pm
- Sunday 7:30 am-8 pm
Local tips
- Visit in spring to see cherry blossoms or in autumn for vibrant maple foliage.
- Arrive early to enjoy the garden’s tranquility before it gets busy.
- Take your time walking through the garden to appreciate its detailed landscape design.
- Watch the koi carp being fed near the waterfall for a lively natural display.
- Explore the nearby Fukushima Memorial Garden for a complementary cultural experience.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
- Trash Bins
Getting There
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Underground
Take the Central Line to Holland Park Station, approximately a 10 to 15-minute walk on mostly flat terrain to the garden entrance. The station has step-free access, making it suitable for wheelchair users. No ticket surcharge applies beyond standard London Underground fares.
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Bus
Bus routes 27, 28, and 31 serve stops within a 10 to 15-minute walk of Holland Park. Buses run frequently during the day with fares payable by Oyster or contactless payment cards. The area is well served by accessible buses.
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Taxi or Rideshare
A taxi or rideshare from central London to Holland Park typically takes 20 to 30 minutes depending on traffic. Drop-off is available near the park entrance on Holland Park Avenue. Expect fares to range from £10 to £20.
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Walking
If staying nearby, walking to Kyoto Garden is pleasant and takes 15 to 25 minutes depending on your starting point. The paths are paved but may include some uneven surfaces near the waterfall area, so sturdy footwear is recommended.
Kyoto Garden location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about Kyoto Garden
A Gift of Friendship and Cultural Exchange
Kyoto Garden was created as a lasting symbol of the warm relations between Japan and the United Kingdom. Officially opened in 1991 by HRH Prince Charles and the Crown Prince of Japan, it was a gift from the Kyoto Chamber of Commerce to commemorate the Japan Festival held in London in 1992. The garden was designed by Shoji Nakahara, a renowned Japanese garden designer, in collaboration with the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea. This small but exquisitely crafted garden reflects centuries of Japanese horticultural tradition and aesthetic principles.Authentic Japanese Design and Features
The garden is a carefully curated 'stroll garden' that invites visitors to walk slowly and absorb its peaceful vistas. It features a tiered rock waterfall cascading into a large pond teeming with colourful koi carp. Stone lanterns, traditional Japanese maples, and cherry blossom trees enhance the garden’s authenticity. The bridge crossing the pond is designed without a straight route, reflecting traditional beliefs to ward off evil spirits. Many plants and materials were sourced from Japan, while the stones came from the Scottish Highlands, blending natural elements harmoniously.Seasonal Beauty and Wildlife
Kyoto Garden is especially enchanting in spring when the cherry blossoms bloom in soft pink hues, and in autumn when the Japanese maples turn vivid shades of red, orange, and gold. The garden is also home to peacocks that roam freely, adding to the tranquil yet lively atmosphere. The pond’s koi carp are often fed by garden staff, providing a captivating spectacle of colour and movement.Context Within Holland Park’s Historic Landscape
Holland Park itself spans 22 acres and is steeped in history, once the grounds of the grand Holland House, a Jacobean mansion largely destroyed during World War II. Today, the park blends historic ruins, landscaped gardens, and recreational spaces. Kyoto Garden stands out as one of its most distinctive features, offering a peaceful retreat from the bustling city. Nearby is the Fukushima Memorial Garden, opened in 2012 to honor British support after the 2011 earthquake and tsunami in Japan.Visitor Experience and Atmosphere
Though compact, Kyoto Garden demands a slow pace to appreciate its details fully. Visitors often find it a place of calm reflection and natural beauty amidst urban London. The garden’s design emphasizes simplicity and meditation, hallmarks of Japanese garden philosophy. It is a popular spot for photography, especially around the waterfall and during seasonal changes. Despite its popularity, the garden maintains a serene ambience, enhanced by the gentle sounds of water and rustling leaves.Preservation and Cultural Significance
Kyoto Garden remains a cherished cultural landmark, maintained through cooperation between Japanese and British organizations. It represents not only a horticultural achievement but also an enduring symbol of international friendship and cultural appreciation. The garden’s presence in London highlights the city’s global connections and its embrace of diverse traditions within its green spaces.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
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For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Tranquil
- Scenic
- Relaxing
- Unique
- Casual
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Minimalist Designs
- Rustic Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Parks & Gardens
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
- Sunset Spots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
- Aesthetic Corners
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Locally Managed
- Leave-No-Trace Critical
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Mindfulness
- Meditation Spot
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
- Weekend Getaway
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- LGBT Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Pet Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
