Maruyama Park in Kyoto

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Facts & Figures

Maruyama Park or Maruyama Koen is the oldest public park in Kyoto and a nationally-designated Place of Scenic Beauty. The park is located near the Yasaka Shrine within the Higashiyama district at the eastern end of Gion. It covers an area of 86000 square meters and is home to appr. 680 cherry trees (somei-yoshino and yamazakura). The park contains rest houses, stroll gardens, picnic areas, amazing Japanese restaurants and traditional tearooms, small fruit gardens, and much more. During the cherry blossom season (mid-March - mid-April) Maruyama Park is the most famous Hanami party spot for locals and a must-see for every visitor of Kyoto. The park is part of my best cherry blossom spot list in the city. Experience the Ultimate Japanese Hospitality at a Kyoto Ryokan.
 Find Your Perfect Ryokan Now > The centerpiece and main attraction of this beautiful park is a tall over 80-year-old shidarezakura (weeping cherry tree). The famous tree, also called Gion no Yozakura (Night-time Cherry Blossoms of Gion), gets illuminated till 1:00 am. Be aware it can get crowded during the day. Btw in Sapporo (Hokkaido) exists another park with the name Maruyama.

• Maruyama Park:
• Opening Hours - 24 hours, every day of the year
• Admission Fee - free

My tips for local activities

My favourite part of Kyoto is the unique Gion district with its Geisha culture. I highly recommend you to explore the area during a night walk with a local guide. Check out this page > for more details.

History

The Maruyama Park (Maruyama Koen) area was once part of the Yasaka Shrine. It was covered by several temples which were destroyed during a huge fire. The park was created by the 7th Ogawa Jibee (1860-1933), a famous Japanese landscape designer. The construction took almost 3 years. In 1886 the park was opened to the public. Since 1889 the city of Kyoto has been responsible for the park. Later in 1912, Ogawa added a beautiful Japanese garden and pond to the park.

Sightseeing spots

Top:

Shidarezakura (weeping cherry tree) - The tall cherry tree (12m) is over 80 years old and is the main photo attraction during the cherry blossom season. There was another 200-year-old tree at this place, but the cherry tree died in 1947. Its seeds were harvested and replanted in 1949 by tree specialist Sano Toemon XV (born 1928).

Park area - It contains Japanese restaurants, rest houses, small orchards, a large stroll garden, a music hall, and much more.

Statue of Sakamoto Ryoma and Nakaoka Shintaro - Sakamoto Ryoma (1836 - 1867) and Nakaoka Shintaro (1838 - 1867) were samurais from Kochi and important historical figures. Both got assassinated in 1867 in the Omiya Incident, during their fight against the Tokugawa shogunate.

Mizai - The famous 3 Michelin Stars restaurant is located within the park.

Chorakukan Villa - The house, which is now a hotel, is located in the southwest corner of the park. The owner was Murai Kichibee (1864 – 1926), a president of Japan's leading tobacco company.

Open-air cherry blossom-viewing tearooms - Otowa, Ginsui, and Shamisen-jaya give you the chance to enjoy good food and drinks while observing the cherry blossoms.

Yatai Food stalls in the park - I love Japanese food and my highlight there was a portion of takoyaki (octopus balls). You can also try out yakitori (grilled chicken skewers), okonomiyaki (savory pancakes), taiyaki (fish-shaped cake filled with red bean paste), and much more.

Festival & Events (dates can change without notice)

March

Higashiyama Hanatoro Festival (6th - 15th)
This yearly illumination event lasts for 10 days and turns Maruyama Park into a wonderland with thousands of small lanterns placed along the walking paths and temples. The illumination starts around 6:00 pm and ends at 9:30 pm.

April

Cheery Blossom Season (beginning of April)
Maruyama Park can get really crowded during the most beautiful time of the year. Enjoy the illumination of the cherry trees at night and try out the tasty food along your walkway.

Miyako Odori (1st - 31th)
The traditional annual spring dance of the Kyoto district Gion Kobu performed by Geiko and Maiko is a must-see on your Kyoto visit. Don't miss the most popular dances the Miyako Odori "Cherry Blossom Dances" or "Dances of the Old Capital" at the Gion Kobu Kaburenjo Theater (located close to Gion Corner).

May

Aoi Matsuri (15th)
The highlight of this festival is a large parade from the Imperial Palace through the Shimogamo Shrine and ends at the Kamigamo Shrine (Kamigamo-jinja). More than 500 people wearing aristocratic costumes from the Heian Period (794 - 1185). The Aoi Matsuri belongs with the Gion Matsuri and Jidai Matsuri to the three most famous festivals in Kyoto.

July

Gion Matsuri (whole month)
The month of July is full of different events like the Yoiyama - Kyoto's Magical Night (locals in kimonos look at the giant Gion floats the day before the parade) or the famous Yamaboko Junko (float procession on the 17th of July).

October

Jidai Matsuri ("Festival of Ages") (22nd)
People celebrate with a large parade between Imperial Palace to Heian Shrine the anniversary of the foundation of Kyoto. App. 2000 participants wearing historical costumes from different time periods. Enjoy this great festival which lasts around 2 hours.