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Kyoto, Japan's ancient capital, is best known for its temples and traditions. But its parks offer something just as meaningful: a quiet space to reconnect with nature. From Zen gardens to cherry blossom groves, Kyoto's parks invite a mindful way to experience the city. In this guide, we highlight six of the best parks in Kyoto for peaceful walks.
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Maruyama Park
Established in 1886, Maruyama Park is the oldest public park in Kyoto. Located just behind Yasaka Shrine and steps from Gion, it offers a peaceful escape in the heart of the city.
The park is best known for its cherry blossoms in the spring, especially the iconic weeping tree that glows softly when lit up at night. Here, winding paths lead past koi ponds, stone lanterns and shaded picnic areas.
Maruyama Park is an idyllic place to stroll through in early April, when the cherry blossoms create a fleeting canopy of pink across the sky.
Haradani-en Garden
Haradani-en is a privately owned garden in the hills above Kinkaku-ji, known for its spectacular spring blooms. Covering over 13,000 square metres, it opens briefly each year during cherry blossom season and remains one of Kyoto’s best-kept secrets. The garden also features a variety of flowering trees and shrubs, including azaleas, rhododendron and dogwood.
For travellers seeking a quiet, photogenic walk among seasonal colour, Haradani-en offers a less busy alternative to Kyoto’s more popular parks.
The garden has an entrance fee of ¥1,500, which helps maintain its care and beauty.
Umekoji Park
Umekoji Park is a spacious 14-hectare green space located just west of Kyoto Station, near To-ji Temple. Opened in 1995, it’s a relaxing spot in the city centre that’s especially welcoming for families with young children.
The park is known for its seasonal beauty, with cherry blossoms in spring and plum blossoms in late winter. Visitors will also find landscaped gardens, small ponds and walking paths lined with native plants.
With plenty of room to move, Umekoji Park is ideal for slow, open-air walks and moments of pause throughout the year.
Kyoto Botanical Gardens
Kyoto Botanical Gardens is a peaceful retreat in the north of the city. Located beside the Kamo River, it stretches across 24 hectares of curated greenery.
Opened in 1924, it is Japan’s oldest public botanical garden and remains one of its most respected. More than 12,000 plant species grow here, including rare and endangered varieties. The grounds are thoughtfully arranged into themed sections such as a bamboo grove, rose garden and a large conservatory filled with tropical and subtropical plants. Each season brings a different mood, from delicate plum and cherry blossoms in spring to brilliant maple leaves in autumn. Benches are also dotted throughout, offering restful places to pause during your walk.
For travellers who prefer a slower rhythm, this is one of the best walks in Kyoto. Tranquil and well-marked, it encourages mindfulness and appreciation of the moment.
Ryoan-ji
Ryoan-ji is a Zen temple set in the northwest of Kyoto. It is most famous for its dry rock garden—an abstract composition of fifteen stones arranged in raked white gravel. Built in the late 15th century, the garden is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
At first glance, its layout appears simple. But like many things in Zen philosophy, it invites deep contemplation. Some see islands floating in the sea. Others imagine tigers crossing water, or mountain peaks rising through the clouds. The space is minimal and deliberately open to interpretation, ideal for slow walks and quiet contemplation.
Beyond the stone garden, Ryoan-ji also features a peaceful walking path around Kyoyo Pond, where ducks glide by and a small shrine sits tucked on an island. Visit early or near closing to avoid the crowds and let the stillness settle in.
Shosei-en Garden
Shosei-en Garden is a hidden gem just a short walk from Kyoto Station. Originally designed during the Heian period, it offers a quiet escape in the middle of the city.
The garden’s layout features reflective ponds, wooden bridges and gently winding paths shaded by maple and pine trees. Intimate and understated, it feels more like a private retreat than a public space. Seasonal blooms and foliage create a shifting landscape, inviting visitors to slow down and take in each scene.
For those seeking a calm, contemplative walk close to the city’s centre, Shosei-en is a quietly beautiful alternative to Kyoto’s better-known parks.
Find Tranquillity Near Garrya Nijo Castle Kyoto
Idyllic parks, gardens and nature trails are just moments from Garrya Nijo Castle Kyoto. These calming spaces are ideal for solo strolls around Kyoto or guided walks that deepen your connection to nature.
After a mindful day outdoors, return to our exclusive hotel and unwind in quiet sophistication. Relax in a Kyoto twin room, surrounded by Japanese-inspired interiors and skilfully crafted walls. As evening falls, savour refined dishes inspired by classic French techniques at Singular, our Kyoto hotel restaurant.
Book your stay early and enjoy the best hotel rate in Kyoto.