10 Gardens in Northern Kyoto That You Shouldn't Miss

October 6, 2021 Malia Yoakum

The shrines and temples of Kyoto offer a rare link between modern life in the city and its very ancient past. The Shimogamo Shrine dates to the 6th century and seems suspended in time, its serenity and spiritual power still palpable. Visit Fushimi Inari Shrine, then see the life-sized Thousand Armed Kannon statues of Sanjūsangen-dō. Enjoy traditional geisha performances, then savor a tranquil meal at a restaurant overlooking the Kamo River.
Restaurants in Kyoto

1. Ryogen-in Temple

82-1 Daitokuji-cho Murasakino Kita-ku, Kyoto 603-8231 Kyoto Prefecture +81 75-491-7635
Excellent
55%
Good
39%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
2%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 49 reviews

Ryogen-in Temple

This temple is home to the most famous Zen rock garden in Japan, which has been in existence since the 15th century.

2. Shugakuin Imperial Villa

1-3 Shugakuin-Yabusoe, Sakyo-Ku, Kyoto 602-8611 Kyoto Prefecture +81 75-781-5203 http://sankan.kunaicho.go.jp/guide/shugakuin.html
Excellent
68%
Good
25%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 399 reviews

Shugakuin Imperial Villa

Created as an imperial summer retreat, the garden complex is a fine example of Japanese landscape design.

Reviewed By boabin - Seoul, South Korea

A lot of the reviews do agree that you can get access if you are already in Kyoto, sometimes they have free slots in other tours. This can be fine during low seasons but I think during the cherry blossom and fall it would be best to secure a ticket in advance, just in case. It is free, which is brilliant for anyone wanting to rein in their spending whilst visiting the city. The tour itself is in Japanese, you can pick up a free headset in English at reception to understand the grounds and villa. Each site is numbered, follow those numbers to listen to each track. The views are spectacular and worth seeing. There is a lot of culture artistically embedded throughout the buildings and garden. Truly a national wonder. Obviously the pond is the main highlight and most photographed but don't neglect to look carefully at the doors inside the buildings or the hidden waterfalls.

3. Kyoto Botanical Garden

Shimogamohangicho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-0823 Kyoto Prefecture +81 75-701-0141 http://www.pref.kyoto.jp/plant/
Excellent
48%
Good
42%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 381 reviews

Kyoto Botanical Garden

Reviewed By YTCHENG - Hong Kong, China

We purposely came here to view momiji by late Nov. and there were quite a number of photo-takers took this chance as well. We were happy to see the colors around the ponds and more than three couples came to take their wedding photos at sunset period. Quite enjoyable but the best timing would be limited to several days only.

4. Haradanien

36 Okitayamaharadaniinuicho, Kita-ku, Kyoto 603-8487 Kyoto Prefecture +81 75-461-2924 http://www.haradanien.com/
Excellent
65%
Good
27%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 104 reviews

Haradanien

5. Hakuryuen Garden

106 Kurama-ninosecho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 601-1113 Kyoto Prefecture +81 75-311-8988 http://hakuryuen.com/
Excellent
60%
Good
20%
Satisfactory
16%
Poor
0%
Terrible
4%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 25 reviews

Hakuryuen Garden

6. Daitoku-ji Temple

53 Murasakino Daitoku-Ji-Cho, Kita-Ku, Kyoto 603-8231 Kyoto Prefecture +81 75-491-0019 http://www.rinnou.net/cont_03/07daitoku/
Excellent
45%
Good
41%
Satisfactory
11%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 360 reviews

Daitoku-ji Temple

The Daitoku-ji complex of Zen Buddhism consists of 24 temples,including Daisen-in and Ryogen-in.

Reviewed By johnandlizb - Leamington Spa, United Kingdom

There are beautiful walkways and buildings here and some are open to the public. We went into one and had a look at the 5 little gardens. Mostly raked gravel with some lovely moss and plants. I find them peaceful and pretty and it was relatively quiet too. Really enjoyed it. It was quite small but well worth the visit.

7. Garden of Fine Arts

Shimogamo Hankicho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-0823 Kyoto Prefecture +81 75-724-2188 http://kyoto-toban-hp.or.jp/
Excellent
39%
Good
46%
Satisfactory
16%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 57 reviews

Garden of Fine Arts

8. Zuihoin Garden

Murasakino Daitokujicho, Kita-ku, Kyoto 603-8231 Kyoto Prefecture +81 75-491-1454
Excellent
35%
Good
50%
Satisfactory
15%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 40 reviews

Zuihoin Garden

9. Garden Museum Hiei

4 Shugakuin Shakuragatanishi Megadake, Kyoto 606-0000 Kyoto Prefecture +81 75-707-7733 http://www.garden-museum-hiei.co.jp
Excellent
33%
Good
44%
Satisfactory
19%
Poor
2%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 48 reviews

Garden Museum Hiei

10. Shozan Resort Garden

47 Kinugasa Kagamiishicho, Kita-ku inside Shozan Resort yoto, Kyoto 603-8451 Kyoto Prefecture +81 75-491-5101 http://www.shozan.co.jp/index.html
Excellent
23%
Good
62%
Satisfactory
15%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 13 reviews

Shozan Resort Garden

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