Kyoto Botanical Gardens
Opened in 1924 as “Taiten Kyoto Botanical Garden”, the oldest prefectural botanical garden in Japan with about 100 years of history. This garden was once used to grow vegetables during World WarⅡ and condemned by the Allied Forces after the war, passing through such a tough time, restarted as a botanical garden in 1961. The facilities and contents have been fulfilled based on the concept of “The most interesting and relaxing botanical garden in Japan” since 2009.
Kyoto Botanical Gardens is right by the subway’s Kitayama Station, and if you use the one-day subway pass you can get a discount! There are also discounts for seniors, little kids, and students.
I went before February 2026, and there were already plum blossoms and camellias. Seeing the blooming trees with light snow falling was truly unforgettable.
The greenhouse area was especially impressive—one highlight after another. I loved it. It’s absolutely a place you’ll want to visit again and again, and it’s great in every season.
After visiting in person, I totally understand why Yasunari Kawabata mentioned the botanical garden in The Old Capital. It’s quiet and calming, and it really helps you slow down and collect your thoughts. Every visit feels a little different. Even as times change, the atmosphere in the wooded areas is still so soothing.
They also have a nighttime light-up through the end of March 2026, so if you want a different kind of visual experience, it’s worth checking out.
Overall—so awesome!!!