Kyoto Botanical Garden

Established in 1924, Kyoto Botanical Garden covers an area of approximately 240,000㎡ and houses an impressive 12,000 species of plants, making it the oldest and most comprehensive public botanical garden in Japan. Although not in use in 1945, the garden was revived and reopened to the public in 1961. The garden is organized into the following zones: Bamboo Garden; Bonsai Exhibition; Camellia garden; Sakura; European style garden; Flower beds; Garden of hydrangeas; Iris Garden Japan; Japanese native tree; Lotus pond; Nakaragi-no-mori Pond (tree native to the Yamashiro Basin); Peony garden; Perennial and useful garden; Lowland garden; and the Garden of Dreams

With plenty of areas to stroll around, there are maps of the Botanical Garden provided in English, Chinese and Japanese at the entrance. This area has reasonable signposts, so finding the way is quite easy. Of course, you can use the map as a guide. But many people prefer to wander around, letting their feet and eyes guide the way. The feeling of discovery is so much better and so much more enjoyable to see beauty without expectation or anticipation of what you will see.

For example, near the south gate, is a really splendid avenue lined with large camphor trees. There's nothing like walking down this avenue on a quiet, sunny day. The walk down the avenue eventually leads you to the rose garden. The roses themselves are lovely, but what's even more intriguing is the eerie poetry of the rose-like names, which seem to hint at fantasy worlds and faraway lands. Here's a sample of some of the roses you'll find: Carousel, Permanent Wave, Moon Sprite, Ryokko, Tasogare, Ma Perkins, Vogue, Daily Sketch, Surprise, Ehigasa, Seventeen, Pernille Paulsen, Apricot Nectar, Honey Bouquet, Anabell , Nap, Irish Fog, Highlights, Princess Michiko, Nishiki-e, Arabesque, Tropical Sherbet, Tequila, La Vie en Rose, Mona Lisa, Lavender Dream.

Within the botanical garden is a greenhouse, which houses a variety of bromeliads (a family of tropical plants, such as pineapples), dessert and savannah plants, succulents, orchards, plants, and more. tropical alpine animals and more, about 4,500 species in total. The beauty of Kyoto Botanical Garden is that there is always something new and different to discover.

Spring and autumn are clear times to visit, with cherry blossom and autumn colors respectively attracting visitors at these times of year.

Kyoto Botanical Garden might be the best place to enjoy cherry blossoms if you are looking for variety. There are a whopping 100 different varieties among the approximately 500 cherry trees planted in the gardens here, most of which are clustered together in the cherry grove.

However, seasons other than spring and fall are also worthy of attention. For example, during the rainy season around mid-June, you will see the hydrangea garden in full bloom. This garden alone has 2,500 plants of 180 types - who knew there were so many types of hydrangeas in existence?

Another great thing about this place is the abundance of seating. Whenever you find yourself in need of a break, just a short walk you will find a couch or seating area where you can relax and enjoy your surroundings.

This is also a great place for families to visit. Seeing the trees is fun and educational, and there's plenty of open space for kids to explore and play. There is a playground near the south entrance where you will see families and their children playing on weekends.

What would a botanical garden be like without its own flower stall? This shop is located outside the souvenir shop in front of the rose garden, and you can buy potted plants, cacti and herbs quite cheap here.

If you need lunch but don't want to leave the grounds, there's a cafe near the central lawn not far from the rose garden. It's like a canteen in that you buy your meal ticket from the vending machine and bring the meal to your table on a tray. Unfortunately, there is no English for the menu items, so you may have to ask someone nearby for help.

Kyoto Botanical Garden is a delightful place in any season. With an entrance fee of only JPY 200, there's no reason to skip this gem while you're here.

Open door

Garden: 09:00-17:00, latest entry at 16:00

Greenhouse : 09:00 - 16:00, latest entry at 15:00

Closed : December 28 to January 4

Fare

Garden
- Adults: 200
- High school students: 150
- 1st & 2nd grade students: 80

Greenhouse

- Adults: 200
- High school students: 150
- 1st & 2nd grade students: 80