Maruyama Park

Welcome to Maruyama Park, the oldest public park in Kyoto and a beloved sanctuary for both locals and travelers. Established in 1886, this park serves as a bridge between the spiritual grounds of Yasaka Shrine and the quiet…

The undeniable centerpiece of Maruyama Park is the 'Gion Shidarezakura,' a grand weeping cherry tree that has become a symbol of Kyoto itself. The current tree is a second-generation specimen, planted in 1949 to replace an…

Walking through Maruyama Park during the spring is to witness 'hanami' in its most exuberant form. The park is filled with blue tarps where friends, families, and coworkers gather to eat, drink, and celebrate the coming of spring. …

In the northern section of the park lies the Gion Pond, a serene body of water that reflects the surrounding trees and the sky. This area was designed to resemble a traditional Japanese garden, with stone bridges and carefully…

Dotted throughout Maruyama Park are several traditional tea houses and restaurants, some of which have been operating for generations. These establishments offer a unique way to experience the park’s beauty while enjoying the…

Maruyama Park serves as a critical junction for one of Kyoto’s most iconic walking routes. From here, you can head south toward the preserved historic streets of Ninen-zaka and Sannen-zaka, eventually reaching the world-famous…

While spring is undoubtedly the most famous time to visit Maruyama Park, it is a place that rewards exploration in every season. In the summer, the dense canopy of the trees provides much-needed shade from the Kyoto heat, and the…

As we conclude our journey through Maruyama Park, take one last look at the great weeping cherry tree and the serene Gion Pond. We have explored the oldest public park in Kyoto, a place that embodies the city’s ability to balance…