Kyoto Botanical Garden
Kyoto Botanical Garden
4.5
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
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The area
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Neighbourhood: Northern Kyoto
Hot springs and historic temples characterize the leafy landscapes of Northern Kyoto. Acres of tranquil residential streets are interrupted by some of Kyoto's most gorgeous architectural gems, including the majestic Golden Pavilion of Kinkakuji, the serene artistry of the Ryoanji Temple rock gardens, and the bold red paint across the structures of Enryakuji Temple. Once a religious core of the city, the district now boasts some of its most remote and peaceful hot springs, as well as a few of its best family-run mom-and-pop restaurants. A blend of extremely local at its outskirts, and highly peopled at its tourist centers, Northern Kyoto nonetheless retains a halcyon air in harmony with nature.
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4.5
398 reviews
Excellent
194
Very good
167
Average
35
Poor
2
Terrible
0
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お遍路さんアキラ
Kyoto, Japan24,112 contributions
Aug 2024 • Friends
It's a botanical garden near my house. I went there for the first time in about 30 years. The entrance fee is 200 yen and the greenhouse entrance fee is 200 yen, which is very reasonable. I visited because the shokudai konnyaku in the greenhouse had bloomed, but the flowers had wilted. But inside the greenhouse, there are rare plants that you can't get enough of. It is also called Hangi-jinja Shrine. There is also an unusual shrine and it is famous for attracting the faith of the textile industry. Finally, this is also the centenary year.
Automatically translated
Written 15 August 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
道中双六
Osaka Prefecture, Japan1,354 contributions
May 2024 • Solo
On May 9, 2024, a clear May day, the shade of the trees was cool and comfortable, making it the perfect day for an outing. A large crowd of people of all ages, from groups of kindergarteners to lonely elderly people, had gathered. Some were having lunch in the shade of the trees. It was a peaceful and beautiful scene.
The highlight of the day was the rose garden, where roses were in full bloom, giving off a variety of fragrances, from strong to subtle. Other eye-catching flowers included German irises and peonies. The wind was so strong that it was a bit unsuitable for photography, and the ground swayed a lot when I tried to take a picture.
The highlight of the day was the rose garden, where roses were in full bloom, giving off a variety of fragrances, from strong to subtle. Other eye-catching flowers included German irises and peonies. The wind was so strong that it was a bit unsuitable for photography, and the ground swayed a lot when I tried to take a picture.
Written 9 May 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Oystein F
Gardonne, France317 contributions
Sept 2019
Tired of walking around in a city center? When I needed a rest from walking around in the Kyoto, I realized that the Botanical Garden probably would be just the place to rest - and I was right. It is big, but you do not feel the size of it because there is so much to see and enjoy. The greenhouse was really a treat with plants you, as a European, probably never had experienced. When you need to rest your feet and feed your mind, try a botanical garden, especially in Kyoto.
Written 3 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Emma C
Godalming, UK3,052 contributions
Nov 2019 • Solo
I have wanted to come here every time I've visited Kyoto (7 times) but had never made it before. I was looking for somewhere less crowded and to spend some time in nature. That is exactly what I got. I especially liked the Japanese garden area, the bonsai section and just the general feel of the place. I will definitely be back!
Easily reached by metro or bus and really cheap to enter...you can't go wrong.
Easily reached by metro or bus and really cheap to enter...you can't go wrong.
Written 13 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Gardengel-IoW
West Sussex, UK1,014 contributions
May 2023 • Couples
Big, colourful, but not top notch. Have to pay extra for glass house but nothing special apart from actual building.
Collection of Bonsai and a couple of water features
That, said it is a pleasant area, just didnt wow me as a botanic garden
Collection of Bonsai and a couple of water features
That, said it is a pleasant area, just didnt wow me as a botanic garden
Written 19 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ganimede2015
8 contributions
Apr 2024 • Solo
Vast and varied botanical park, a little neglected (perhaps they have the alibi of strong winds at other times of the year). Don't miss the peonies and the greenhouse. Bonsai collection. Here too, captions in Western languages are absent. Bring a hat. It's nice to return to the centre, at least for a few kilometres, walking along the river: a bucolic landscape.
Written 11 May 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
RAJIV B
Los Altos, United States10 contributions
Sept 2024 • Couples
The garden is beautiful. Wide variety of garden styles, diverse plants.
The conservatory was the highlight of our visit: breathtakingly beautiful and an amazing variety of plants. It's spotlessly clean, well maintained and thoughtfully arranged.
A work of art!
The conservatory was the highlight of our visit: breathtakingly beautiful and an amazing variety of plants. It's spotlessly clean, well maintained and thoughtfully arranged.
A work of art!
Written 27 September 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
JeffLeong
Singapore, Singapore3,656 contributions
Apr 2012 • Couples
Weather in April was cool and perfect for a leisurely garden stroll. My wife and I got off the train at Kitayama Station which was located besides one entrance to the garden. Access was very convenient.
Unlike carefully manicured botanical gardens in other countries, Kyoto Botanical Garden has a certain "wildness" where trees, shrubs and undergrowth are allowed to grow naturally. Walking along some pathways was like trekking through a small nature reserve. And it was nice!
Of course, there are landscaped areas which draw crowds for photo-taking.
At the time of our visit, sections of the garden were beautifully planted with tulips. The tulips were literally in all shapes, sizes and colours. As we examined and photographed the beds of tulips, we were amazed at their beauty and intensity of colours. When you plan to visit the garden during spring, do enquire about the tulips first and plan accordingly. You will not be disappointed!
Even without the tulips, the garden makes a nice visit, especially if you have enough time to explore Kyoto. And if you don't have the time, visit it the next time you are back in Kyoto, as we did.
Unlike carefully manicured botanical gardens in other countries, Kyoto Botanical Garden has a certain "wildness" where trees, shrubs and undergrowth are allowed to grow naturally. Walking along some pathways was like trekking through a small nature reserve. And it was nice!
Of course, there are landscaped areas which draw crowds for photo-taking.
At the time of our visit, sections of the garden were beautifully planted with tulips. The tulips were literally in all shapes, sizes and colours. As we examined and photographed the beds of tulips, we were amazed at their beauty and intensity of colours. When you plan to visit the garden during spring, do enquire about the tulips first and plan accordingly. You will not be disappointed!
Even without the tulips, the garden makes a nice visit, especially if you have enough time to explore Kyoto. And if you don't have the time, visit it the next time you are back in Kyoto, as we did.
Written 6 July 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
omae
Osaka143 contributions
Apr 2017 • Solo
I've lived in the Kansai area for over 15 years and have visited Kyoto many times. I wanted once last chance to see the cherry trees this year and, as I'd heard the trees bloom late here, I headed off on a Friday afternoon.
What impressed me most was the size of the place and almost "jungly" feel in some areas. You could still hear the outside traffic in places but I was not aware quite how vast the garden was. I was expecting something more staid and scientific rather than something so natural. And only 200 yen for adults.
It wasn't so busy either. I'd imagine outside of a the cherry season, it would be rather quiet and peaceful on a weekday.
The cherries were really lovely, so lovely that several wedding photos were being taken (Japanese couples, not Chinese tourists!) Actually, the photographers were a bit annoying as they hog the best bits for a fair while and then act like they have more of a right to be there than you. I paid my 200 yen as well, you know!
What impressed me most was the size of the place and almost "jungly" feel in some areas. You could still hear the outside traffic in places but I was not aware quite how vast the garden was. I was expecting something more staid and scientific rather than something so natural. And only 200 yen for adults.
It wasn't so busy either. I'd imagine outside of a the cherry season, it would be rather quiet and peaceful on a weekday.
The cherries were really lovely, so lovely that several wedding photos were being taken (Japanese couples, not Chinese tourists!) Actually, the photographers were a bit annoying as they hog the best bits for a fair while and then act like they have more of a right to be there than you. I paid my 200 yen as well, you know!
Written 21 May 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kris C
Kyoto, Japan4 contributions
Nov 2010 • Friends
Though most people would think that the spring is the time for flower viewing (and in Kyoto of all places, they would certainly be right!), the botanical gardens offer a nice surprise regardless of the time of year you might find yourself there.
The Kyoto Botanical Garden is easily one of my favorite places to spend an afternoon. At only 200yen for entry fee, it's hard to beat, and a nice change of scenery from seeing all the shrines and temples. There is a separate, domed conservatory that costs an additional 400yen entry fee, and has a year-round display of tropical plants, as well as a seasonal display depending on the time of year.
Located between Kitaoji and Kitayama streets, there are two ways of getting there. The easiest of the two is to ride the subway to Kitayama station (250yen from the Kyoto Central Station) and follow the signs from there. This will take you from the north to south end of the park. Alternatively, you can take the subway or any number of buses to Kitaoji terminal. From here, exit the terminal at the south end and turn left. It's about a ten to fifteen minute walk, but you have the opportunity to cross Kamogawa, which is also gorgeous year-round. The botanical gardens will be at the end of a path following the first immediate left past Kamogawa.
You'll come across a lot of people taking photos or drawing pictures of flowers, feeding ducks and koi in various ponds, and many just relaxing and enjoying the afternoon. If you find yourself there in the spring, don't be surprised to find the ground beneath the cherry trees absolutely swarmed with people taking in the view. In the fall, the sights are equally as enjoyable, with the leaves turning to that soft autumn hue that makes Kyoto attractive year-round. And if you're here for New Years? Stop in around Christmas to take in the illumination and holiday lights in an after-hours tour. Still only 200yen, it doesn't cover the full expanse of the park, but it's a lovely sight in and of itself.
The Kyoto Botanical Garden is easily one of my favorite places to spend an afternoon. At only 200yen for entry fee, it's hard to beat, and a nice change of scenery from seeing all the shrines and temples. There is a separate, domed conservatory that costs an additional 400yen entry fee, and has a year-round display of tropical plants, as well as a seasonal display depending on the time of year.
Located between Kitaoji and Kitayama streets, there are two ways of getting there. The easiest of the two is to ride the subway to Kitayama station (250yen from the Kyoto Central Station) and follow the signs from there. This will take you from the north to south end of the park. Alternatively, you can take the subway or any number of buses to Kitaoji terminal. From here, exit the terminal at the south end and turn left. It's about a ten to fifteen minute walk, but you have the opportunity to cross Kamogawa, which is also gorgeous year-round. The botanical gardens will be at the end of a path following the first immediate left past Kamogawa.
You'll come across a lot of people taking photos or drawing pictures of flowers, feeding ducks and koi in various ponds, and many just relaxing and enjoying the afternoon. If you find yourself there in the spring, don't be surprised to find the ground beneath the cherry trees absolutely swarmed with people taking in the view. In the fall, the sights are equally as enjoyable, with the leaves turning to that soft autumn hue that makes Kyoto attractive year-round. And if you're here for New Years? Stop in around Christmas to take in the illumination and holiday lights in an after-hours tour. Still only 200yen, it doesn't cover the full expanse of the park, but it's a lovely sight in and of itself.
Written 13 August 2011
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
It depends whether you are a nature lover or not. Anyway I am not but still minimum you could spend an hour and a half to two as were photography takes time.
Written 23 June 2019
Is there an entrance fee for this? I didn't see anything on the website.
Written 13 September 2018
Entrance fee to Kyoto Botanical Garden is 200 Yen while separate charge of another 200 Yen is required for entering the Conservatory.
Written 15 September 2018
bi6688
Hualien, Taiwan
If I visit there on 2018/04/13 can I see the cherry blossoms?
Written 5 April 2018
Hi all I would like to know if May is a good time to visit Kyoto botanical garden. What flowers will be in bloom? Thank you
Written 28 July 2017
We visited in April and cannot give you a definitive answer except to tell you that you will be several weeks late for the cherry blossoms.
Written 29 July 2017
SJtoNY
San Jose, California
Hello -
We will be in Kyoto July 4-9.
We heard you have beautiful flowers AND FIREFLIES! Are we too late to see fireflies too?
Debbie
Written 26 June 2016
I would agree with Susandevon that for the bonzai trees alone the botanical garden is worth a visit but there is a lot more to see as well. I think around July you might just see fireflies but I can't be sure either.
Written 26 June 2016
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