Kyoto Botanical Garden

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

Address
Neighborhood: 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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See what travelers are saying

  • 道中双六
    Osaka Prefecture, Japan1,433 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Various kinds of roses are now in full bloom at Kyoto Botanical Garden
    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.
    Visited May 2024
    Traveled solo
    Written May 9, 2024
  • ganimede2015
    8 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Relax among the flowers.
    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.
    Visited April 2024
    Traveled solo
    Written May 11, 2024
  • お遍路さんアキラ
    Kyoto, Japan25,120 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Centennial this year
    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.
    Visited August 2024
    Traveled with friends
    Written August 15, 2024
  • お遍路さん京都市
    27,962 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    It is the only place where citizens of the prefecture can receive services over a certain age for high municipal tax consideration
    It was my first visit in a while, but it was a wonderful place to be mesmerized by the greenery of the trees, even though the flower season has passed. The unusually hot weather is still going on in mid-September, but the blue of the trees makes this park feel refreshing. On weekdays, there were few people around and I could enjoy walking slowly. Citizens of Kyoto Prefecture can enter the park for free if they are over 70. Visitors can enter at any time and from any entrance as many times as they want, provided they have proof of age, such as a bed or driver's license. It is the only service in Kyoto Prefecture, which is one of the few in the city. I used to be over 60, but I've raised it to 70 without any consensus. There are so many other ways to save money. Why can't the red tape be so inflexible and ingenious?
    Visited September 2024
    Traveled solo
    Written September 13, 2024
  • RAJIV B
    10 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    A work of living art
    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!
    Visited September 2024
    Traveled as a couple
    Written September 26, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Popular mentions

4.5
4.5 of 5 bubbles398 reviews
Excellent
193
Very good
168
Average
35
Poor
2
Terrible
0

These reviews have been automatically translated from their original language.
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bokuboku29
Otaru, Japan4,108 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Nov 2023 • Couples
Although it was mid-November, colorful flowers were in bloom. The wild garden, which stands out as you enter from the Kitayamaguchi entrance, is full of flowers in unusual shapes. In the rose garden, there are still many roses in full bloom, even though they are past their peak. Canna flowers were still in bloom. A chrysanthemum exhibition was being held next to the lawn square. The large greenhouse is open until 4pm and costs an additional 200 yen, but it is well worth seeing.
The rows of camphor trees were beautiful, and I was impressed as I walked through the still lush greenery.
I imagine it must be difficult to manage such a large botanical garden, but admission is only 200 yen! Free for those over 70 years old. If you come to Kyoto, I recommend this as one of your sightseeing spots.
Google
Written November 19, 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.

Hiroshi317
Yokohama, Japan332 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Nov 2022 • Couples
Now best season for red and yellow leaves.
We visited special night tour.
It’s only 200yen per person and green house is free.
Light up is excellent and not so cloud.
Walk around the pond side beautiful trees and it’s reflected on the surface of water.
In addition green house looks real jungle in the night. It’s worth to visit.
After night garden we went Toyo tei restaurant opposite side of garden, there is famous for local residents.
Written November 24, 2022
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, France313 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Sep 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 January 3, 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, UK1,011 contributions
3.0 of 5 bubbles
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

Written July 19, 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.

Emma C
Godalming, UK3,043 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
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.
Written January 13, 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.

JeffLeong
Singapore, Singapore3,687 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
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.
Written July 6, 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
5.0 of 5 bubbles
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!
Written May 21, 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
5.0 of 5 bubbles
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.
Written August 13, 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.

Momofan
Brisbane, Australia56 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Oct 2016 • Solo
I don't know why more tourists don't come here as it is quite amazing. It is easy to access being immediately off Kitayama subway station. Entrance fee for adults is 200yen and an extra 200 yen to enter the Conservatory. The grounds are large with a diverse array of plants. There are many peaceful secluded corners where you can sit hidden amongst the forest with the sound of running water. The Conservatory (greenhouse) is well worth a visit for their large array of tropical, desert, alpine and carnivorous plants. There is a central cafe which opens from 9-4 and a cafe at the Kitayama entrance which didn't seem to open until about 12ish. Very peaceful and not crowded at all! A good place to recharge after rushing through the mad crush on the temple tours!
Written October 13, 2016
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.

Ina A
Saint Louis, MO845 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Apr 2016 • Friends
Tips for foreigners: cash only, cabs can go in until the entrance gate, parking lots available

This place wowed us so much. Vibrant colors, green vegetations, well mapped walking paths, picnic places, sooo beautiful and breathtaking! I wish i can take home some of it.
Written April 5, 2016
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.

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