Maruyama Park (Kyoto)

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Maruyama Park (Kyoto)

The Gion weeping cherry trees that stand by the pond are one of the best photo spots in Kyoto.

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The oldest park in Kyoto, built on land once owned by temples and shrines. It is located across the Shijo Ohashi Bridge from Kawaramachi and straight down the Gion shopping street on Shijo Dori Street. From the Shijo Ohashi Bridge, pass the Keihan Gion-Shijo Station and continue along the shopping street, and you will see Yasaka Shrine in front of you.

The area to the east of here is Maruyama Park, a circular garden lined with restaurants and teahouses. The Gion weeping cherry tree, which is arguably the most famous cherry tree in Kyoto, was seeded from the first weeping cherry tree and has stood here since 1949 (the second generation). It is especially known for its beautiful nighttime cherry blossoms, which are illuminated at night, attracting a large number of cherry blossom-viewing visitors who come to catch a glimpse of them.

The "Hyotan Pond" and the stone bridge across the street are also symbolic of Maruyama Park. There are also famous temples such as Chion-in Temple, Choraku-ji Temple, and Anyo-ji Temple near the park, so visitors should take time to visit them and enjoy themselves.

Beyond the great bell tower of Chion-in Temple, known for its unique bell ringing, a trekking route extends to the east, taking 20 to 30 minutes to the top of the mountain, where you can enjoy a great view.

Highlights

  • The oldest park in Kyoto, where anyone can admire the magnificent Japanese garden free of charge.
  • Visitors should take ample time to visit shrines and temples, including Chion-in Temple and Yasaka Shrine, located near the park.
  • Another highlight is the lighting up of the Gion weeping cherry trees at night, which takes place from late March through April.
  • If you have time, a hiking course from the park to the top of Mt. Higashiyama, which rises behind the park, is also recommended.

Photos

  • Illuminated Gion weeping cherry blossoms
Photo Credit: iStock

    Illuminated Gion weeping cherry blossoms Photo Credit: iStock

  • Hyotan Pond in autumn with beautiful autumn leaves
©kyoto media support center

    Hyotan Pond in autumn with beautiful autumn leaves ©kyoto media support center

  • An arched bridge over the Hyotan Pond
Photo Credit: iStock

    An arched bridge over the Hyotan Pond Photo Credit: iStock

  • You will find an atmospheric waterfall up the slope from the Gion weeping cherry tree to Benten-do.
Photo Credit: iStock

    You will find an atmospheric waterfall up the slope from the Gion weeping cherry tree to Benten-do. Photo Credit: iStock

  • Statues of Sakamoto Ryoma and Nakaoka Shintaro in the park
Photo Credit: iStock

    Statues of Sakamoto Ryoma and Nakaoka Shintaro in the park Photo Credit: iStock

Reviews

8

Some reviews are translated by AI.

  • There are lots of historical sites and cultural spots inside Maruyama Park, like Chion-in Temple and Yasaka Shrine. It's a great place to really get a sense of Kyoto's history and culture.

  • Whether it's cherry blossom season or autumn leaves, Maruyama Park is a paradise for photography lovers.

  • The cherry blossom season here is lively and beautiful. Sitting under the trees and enjoying the flowers is so relaxing.

  • Since it's not cherry blossom season yet, there aren't many people here. It's just a simple park.

  • The most popular thing at Maruyama Park is the weeping cherry trees. During cherry blossom season, the park gets super crowded with people coming to see them.

Details

Name in Japanese
円山公園
Postal Code
605-0071
Address
Maruyamacho, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto City, Kyoto
Telephone
075-561-1350 (Kyoto Association of Urban Greenery)
Hours
Walk anytime
Admission
Free
Directions
1) 10 minutes walk from Exit 7 of Keihan Gion-Shijo Station
2) 14 minutes walk from Exit 1A of Hankyu Kawaramachi Station
3) 15 minutes walk from Exit 1 of Higashiyama Subway Station
4) 20 minutes from JR Kyoto Station by bus No. 100 or 206, and a short walk from the Gion bus stop.
Official Website
Official Website (Japanese)