20 Parks in Kyoto worth your time

A scenic riverside park in Kyoto featuring imperial mounds, historical monuments, and views of the iconic Togetsukyo Bridge.

What it is

• A public park spanning the Ukyo and Nishikyo wards along the Hozu and Oi rivers.
• The grounds consist of three distinct areas known as Kameyama, Nakanoshima, and Rinsenji districts.
• Kameyama district contains the cremation mounds of three former Japanese emperors.
• Nakanoshima district serves as a scenic island within the Katsura River.

What to see

• The famous Togetsukyo Bridge located immediately adjacent to the park grounds.
• A statue of Suminokura Ryoi situated within the Kameyama district.
• A stone monument inscribed with a poem by the Chinese leader Zhou Enlai.
• Views of the surrounding river landscape from the various walking paths.

When to go

• The Arashiyama Wakaayu Festival is held on the grounds during the spring season.

Getting there

• A five minute walk from the Hankyu Arashiyama Station.
• A fifteen minute walk from the Saga-Arashiyama Station.

Read more about Kyoto Prefectural Arashiyama Park

Umekoji Park is a large urban park in Kyoto with museums and historic streetcars, worth visiting for families.

What it is

• A municipal urban park in Kyoto, Japan.
• Opened on April 29, 1995.
• Built on the former site of Umekoji Station.
• Operated by the Kyoto City Greening Association.

What to see

• Lawn plaza, central plaza, and Suzaku-no-niwa garden.
• Preserved Kyoto City streetcars operate.
• Kyoto Aquarium is located northeast.
• Kyoto Railway Museum is located west.
• Suzaku-Yume Plaza and Streetcar Plaza.
• Viva Square Kyoto.

When to go

• Streetcars operate on weekends and holidays.
• The park hosts various events.

Getting there

• 15-minute walk west from Kyoto Station.

Official site

www.kyoto-ga.jp

Read more about Umekōji Park

Uji Park offers scenic beauty, historic landmarks, and seasonal events in Kyoto.

What it is

• A prefectural park in Uji City, Kyoto Prefecture.
• Designated as a scenic park in 1949.
• Established as an urban park in 1958.
• Includes Nakanoshima district and Yorimichi Park.

What to see

• Tō-no-shima has the Thirteen-tiered Stone Pagoda.
• The pagoda is a National Important Cultural Property.
• The pagoda was built in the Kamakura period.
• Bridges connect both banks of the river.
• Surrounded by National Treasures and World Heritage Sites.

When to go

• A cherry blossom viewing spot in spring.
• Cormorant fishing can be seen in summer.
• A famous spot for autumn leaves.

Official site

www.pref.kyoto.jp

Read more about Kyoto Prefectural Uji Park

Takaragaike Park offers a large green space with a pond, boating, and a children's play area.

What it is

• A large park in Kyoto, 62.7 hectares are currently open.
• It was an artificial pond for agriculture in the Edo period.
• The pond was expanded to its current size in 1855.

What to see

• A promenade and boating facilities on the pond.
• Kodomo no Rakuen, a children's play area.
• A 1,500m jogging course around the pond.
• The Kitasono area near Kokusai Kaikan Station.

Getting there

• Adjacent to Kyoto International Conference Center.
• Adjacent to The Prince Kyoto Takaragaike.
• Kitasono area is near Kokusai Kaikan Station.

Official site

www.city.kyoto.lg.jp

Read more about Takaragaike Park

Kamo River Delta is a scenic river confluence in Kyoto, known for unique stepping stones and as a filming location.

What it is

• A triangular area in Kyoto, Japan.
• Formed by the Kamo River and Takano River.
• Formerly known as Tadasugawara, site of sumo and sarugaku.
• Used for filming by Shochiku Kyoto Studio after 1923.

What to see

• Turtle-shaped stepping stones installed in 1993.
• Chidori, boat, and triangular onigiri stepping stones.
• Most of the delta is Kyoto Prefectural Kamo River Park.
• Kamo Ohashi bridge spans the south side.
• Demachi Masugata Shopping Street on the west side.
• Shimogamo Shrine and Tadasu no Mori forest to the north.

Read more about Kamo River Delta

Botanical garden in Uji City with a unique flower tapestry and diverse plant collections.

What it is

• A botanical garden in Uji City, Kyoto Prefecture.
• Opened in October 1996.
• Exhibits approximately 1,400 species and 3,200 plants.
• Total area is about 10 hectares.

What to see

• A tapestry of flowers and water, 62m wide and 18m high.
• The tapestry uses 3600 planters.
• About 140 types of herbs are exhibited.
• Three original tea trees from Uji City.
• Plants related to The Tale of Genji.
• Plants from sister cities.

When to go

• About 20 plant exhibitions are held annually.

Address

〒611-0031　京都府宇治市広野町八軒屋谷25-1 Map

Official site

uji-citypark.jp

Read more about Uji City Botanical Park

Kameoka Sports Park offers various sports facilities and a cosmos garden, making it a good stop for active travelers.

What it is

• A sports park owned by Kameoka City.
• Managed by Hikari Seisakusho Co., Ltd.

What to see

• Cosmos garden.
• Stadium with a 400m x 6 lane track.
• Stadium with natural grass field and 6,000 seats.
• Baseball field with six night lights.
• Nine tennis courts.
• Gymnasium with two basketball courts.

When to go

• Cosmos garden is open from September to October.
• Kameoka New Year's Day Road Race is held here.
• Japan Women's Football League official games are hosted.

Read more about Kameoka Sports Park

Amanohashidate View Land offers an amusement park with stunning views of Amanohashidate.

What it is

• An amusement park.
• Located in Miyazu City, Kyoto Prefecture.
• Operated by Amanohashidate Sogo Jigyo Co. Ltd.
• Sits on the summit of Monju Mountain.

What to see

• Observation deck overlooking Amanohashidate.
• Restaurant with views of Amanohashidate.
• Ferris wheel and go-karts.
• Hiryukan view from the observation deck.

When to go

• No closing days.

Getting there

• 5-minute walk from Amanohashidate Station.
• Access by monorail or lift.

Official site

www.viewland.jp

Read more about Amanohashidate View Land

Visit Kyoto Gyoen National Garden to see imperial palaces and a magnificent garden.

What it is

• National Garden surrounding the Imperial Palace.
• Site of the Kyoto Imperial Palace since 1331.
• Includes residences for retired emperors and imperial family.

What to see

• Shishin-den, the most prestigious palace building.
• Omiya Imperial Palace, current imperial family residence.
• Sento Imperial Palace teahouse.
• Sento Imperial Palace magnificent garden with a large pond.
• Kyoto State Guest House.

When to go

• Open to the public and free of charge.

Official site

fng.or.jp

Read more about Kyoto Gyoen National Garden

Japan's second oldest zoo, renovated in 2015, offers a compact animal experience and a unique observation wheel.

What it is

• Opened in April 1903 as Kyoto City Memorial Zoo.
• Second oldest zoo in Japan.
• Also known as Okazaki Zoo.
• Underwent a full renovation completed in November 2015.

What to see

• Animals including lions and gorillas.
• Observation wheel designated as a tangible cultural property.
• Library Cafe accessible without zoo admission.

Getting there

• Located in Okazaki Park, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto City.
• Near Heian Jingu Shrine and Nanzen-ji Temple.

Official site

www5.city.kyoto.jp

Read more about Kyoto City Zoo

Sanga Town Joyo is a football training ground with public futsal courts.

What it is

• A sports facility in Joyo City, Kyoto Prefecture.
• Also known as Sanga Town Joyo.
• Training ground for Kyoto Sanga F.C.
• Opened in January 1998.

What to see

• Two natural grass grounds.
• Artificial turf ground for youth academy.
• Three futsal courts with night lighting.
• Clubhouse and goods shop.

When to go

• Hosts Kansai Step-Up League matches.

Getting there

• 15-minute taxi ride from Okubo Station.

Read more about Kyoto Sanga F.C. Higashi-Jōyō Ground

See and feed 120 wild Japanese macaques and enjoy a commanding view of Kyoto city.

What it is

• Home to a troop of 120 wild Japanese macaques.
• Opened in 1957.
• Kyoto University primatologists helped open the facility.

What to see

• Wild Japanese macaques.
• Visitor center at 160 meters elevation.
• Cherry and Japanese maple trees.
• Commanding view of Kyoto city.
• Deer, badgers, and masked palm civets.

When to go

• Daylight hours to see monkeys lounging.
• Feeding hours to see monkeys congregate.

Address

〒616-0004 京都府京都市西京区嵐山中尾下町６１ Map

Official site

www.monkeypark.jp

Read more about Iwatayama Monkey Park

Coastal national park showcasing dramatic geological formations and diverse natural beauty.

What it is

• National park established July 15, 1963.
• Spans Kyoto, Hyogo, and Tottori prefectures.
• Covers 75km coastline along the Sea of Japan.
• Core of the San'in Kaigan Geopark.

What to see

• Tottori Sand Dunes are located within the park.
• Uradome Coast is a scenic spot.
• Tajima Mihonoura is a national scenic and natural monument.
• Kasumi Coast is a national scenic spot.
• Genbudo Park is a national natural monument.

Official site

www.env.go.jp

Read more about Sanin Kaigan National Park

Okazaki Park is a large urban park in Kyoto with museums, a library, and monuments.

What it is

• An urban park in Kyoto, Japan.
• Opened on the site of the 1895 National Industrial Exhibition.
• Established on July 8, 1904.
• Contains cultural facilities like museums and a zoo.

What to see

• Kyoto Prefectural Library, built in 1909.
• A large torii gate, added in 1929.
• Kyoto City Museum of Art, opened in 1933.
• Biwako Canal waterways along the park's edges.
• Monuments, including one for Gottfried Wagner.

Official site

www.city.kyoto.lg.jp

Read more about Okazaki Park

Japan's first 100% artificial seawater aquarium, showcasing diverse marine life in Kyoto.

What it is

• An inland aquarium in Umekoji Park, Kyoto.
• Opened on March 14, 2012.
• Japan's first to use 100% artificial seawater.
• One of Japan's largest inland aquariums.

What to see

• Approximately 250 species and 15,000 animals.
• Water tanks with a 3,000-ton capacity.
• A building with three floors and one tower floor.

Getting there

• A 15-minute walk from Kyoto Station.

Official site

www.kyoto-aquarium.com

Read more about Kyoto Aquarium

Kyoto's first urban park, famous for cherry blossoms and scenic beauty.

What it is

• Kyoto's first urban park, established in 1886.
• Designated as a National Place of Scenic Beauty.
• Adjoins Yasaka Shrine and Chion-in Temple.

What to see

• A famous weeping cherry tree.
• A Japanese garden created in 1912.
• Statues of Ryoma Sakamoto and Shintaro Nakaoka.
• Maruyama Park Music Hall, opened in 1927.

When to go

• Spring for cherry blossom viewing.

Address

京都市東山区円山町 Map

Official site

kyoto.travel

Read more about Maruyama Park

A large athletic park in Kyoto with sports facilities, opened in 2007.

What it is

• A large athletic park in Kyoto, Japan.
• Opened on April 1, 2007.
• Covers approximately 91,000 square meters.

What to see

• A baseball ground with grass seating.
• A multi-purpose ground.
• A management building.

Getting there

• About 1km west of Kintetsu Tambabashi Station.
• About 1km southwest of Momoyama Station.
• Parking lot available on the premises.

Official site

www.kyoto-taiikukan.com

Read more about Fushimi Momoyama Castle Athletic Park

Yokoōji Sports Park is a large urban sports facility with various fields and a gymnasium.

What it is

• An urban park and sports park.
• Owned by Kyoto City.
• Managed by Kyoto City Sports Association.

What to see

• A gymnasium.
• A baseball field and athletic field.
• An archery range.
• A gateball field.
• A cricket golf course.

Getting there

• From Yodo Station by Kyoto City Bus or Keihan Bus.
• From Chūshojima Station by Kyoto City Bus or Keihan Bus.

Read more about Yokoōji Sports Park

Yakuno Basalt Park showcases ancient columnar basalt formations, a unique natural monument worth seeing.

What it is

• A park in Fukuchiyama City, Kyoto Prefecture.
• Features columnar basalt joints formed 380,000-300,000 years ago.
• Designated a Kyoto Prefecture natural monument.
• Registered as a Kyoto Prefecture Landscape Heritage.

What to see

• Columnar basalt joints, 15m high and 150m wide.
• Basalt from the first eruption of Ogura lava.
• Artificial waterfall, about 18m high.

Address

京都府福知山市夜久野町小倉8098-1 Map

Read more about Yakuno Genbugan Park

Step into Japan's cinematic past at this unique movie theme park.

What it is

• A movie theme park in Kyoto, Japan.
• Opened on November 1, 1975.
• Created from a part of Toei Kyoto Studio.
• Covers an area of 29,000 square meters.

What to see

• Jidaigeki (period drama) sword fight shows.
• Character shows from Super Sentai and Kamen Rider.
• Open set used for filming movies and TV shows.
• Visitors can transform into period drama characters.

Official site

www.toei-eigamura.com

Read more about Toei Kyoto Studio Park