Kyoto Gyoen | Review by wendy

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Kyoto Gyoen

The park is centered around the palace where emperors have lived for more than 500 years.

22 Sep 2026 See More

Centered around the Kyoto Imperial Palace, this was where generations of emperors lived for more than 500 years. Today, it is a vast park in central Kyoto filled with a sense of history.

What I liked most when I first entered Kyoto Gyoen was how open and peaceful it felt. Walking among the tall trees, wide stretches of greenery, and old imperial buildings naturally made me slow down. The weather was so nice on the day I visited, with blue skies, white clouds, and greenery everywhere. The whole park looked especially beautiful and relaxing!

I didn't plan any particular itinerary and just took my time walking around and looking at everything. That actually made it easier to experience Kyoto's more leisurely side. Besides Kyoto's busy attractions, I also recommend setting aside some time to stroll through Kyoto Gyoen and experience Kyoto's history and tranquility.

Other Reviews by wendy

Kyoto Aquarium

A large-scale inland aquarium that opened in March 2012 in Umekoji Park near Kyoto Station. It is divided into 10 areas and houses approximately 15,000 creatures from 250 different species, including the giant salamander, a national special natural treasure that lives in the Kamo River, Cape penguins, Largha seals, fish, and jellyfish. The “Kyoto Penguin Correlation Chart,” which shows the relationships among the penguins currently on display, has become the talk of the town because the penguins’ complex relationships resemble those of humans.
- Kyoto Station, Shijo Kawaramachi, Kyoto Imperial Palace
- Zoos & Aquariums
22 Sep 2026 See More

Kyoto Aquarium is an inland aquarium located in the city. Although it isn't very large, it's a place where you can have fun while learning about marine life.

The aquarium is clean, bright, and colorful, making it quite comfortable to explore. What impressed me most was the wide variety of jellyfish. Watching all kinds of jellyfish slowly drifting under the lights was truly beautiful and soothing. Anyone who likes jellyfish should really enjoy it!

There is also a display area similar to a “jellyfish laboratory,” where you can learn about jellyfish up close. This kind of experience is less common at other aquariums.

Another distinctive feature of Kyoto Aquarium is its salamanders, including the popular star, the “giant salamander.” Seeing it for the first time was truly strange and fascinating!

The aquarium also places a strong emphasis on energy use, with exhibits explaining some interesting design concepts. The shows focus more on information and explanations, so international visitors may find them a little less interactive and relatable.

Overall, although the aquarium isn't very large and the admission price feels slightly high compared with the variety of species on display, it's still a good place to include in your plans if you're visiting Kyoto with children.
Nijo-jo Castle

After winning the Battle of Sekigahara in 1600 and unifying the country, Tokugawa Ieyasu had Nijo-jo Castle built as his base in Kyoto. It is a historical monument with a history of over 410 years as a castle in the heart of the capital. It was designated a UNESCO world heritage site as a part of the “Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto” in 1994.
- Kyoto Station, Shijo Kawaramachi, Kyoto Imperial Palace
- Shrines & Temples
22 Sep 2026 See More

Kyoto has many temples and shrines, but Nijo-jo Castle has a completely different atmosphere. It was an important historical stage left behind in Kyoto by Tokugawa Ieyasu. Once inside, the main attraction is Ninomaru Palace, a National Treasure that has been preserved to this day. Its magnificent architecture and gardens are filled with traces of history from the Edo period.

The weather was very nice that day. The blue sky, sunshine, and lush green gardens, combined with the old castle walls and buildings, made the entire scene especially beautiful. Taking my time to walk around and look at everything without rushing made it easier to appreciate the charm of Nijo-jo Castle.

Admission: JPY 1,300. If you like Japanese history and historic architecture, Nijo-jo Castle is definitely worth adding to your Kyoto itinerary. Rather than just rushing through to take photos and check it off your list, I recommend setting aside some time to walk around and take in the historic atmosphere of this old castle.
Kyoto Tower (Nidec The Kyoto Tower)

It is located right in front of Kyoto Station. It was designed in the shape of a lighthouse to illuminate Kyoto, and is the tallest building in Kyoto at 131 meters. It has been visited by over 32 million people since it opened in 1964.
- Kyoto Station, Shijo Kawaramachi, Kyoto Imperial Palace
- Observatories
22 Sep 2026 See More

Kyoto Tower looks especially refreshing during the day against the bright blue sky and white clouds. Its white tower and distinctive observation deck make it easy to recognize from a distance. Around Kyoto Station, you can appreciate the unique atmosphere created by the tower blending into the Kyoto cityscape. During the day, it has a sleek, fresh appearance;

at night, once the lights come on, it transforms into another captivating view. The same Kyoto Tower has a different kind of beauty by day and by night.

One of Kyoto's attractions, it's great for taking photos and enjoying the city views during the day, while at night you can enjoy the romantic atmosphere after the tower lights up.