Kyoto · Central Kyoto · Japan

Kyoto Gyoen National Garden

parkimperialwalkinggoogle verified

easy

9/10

best: spring, morning, anytime

open, relaxed, local, seasonal

A local would say...

Kyoto's Imperial Palace is walled off and reserved — but the vast park surrounding it belongs entirely to you.

A spacious, open public park surrounding the Imperial Palace, functioning as Kyoto's equivalent of Central Park. Free to enter, ideal for picnics, strolls, cycling, and spontaneous sports. The pond at the park's southern end is home to gaping carp. Most beautiful during plum and cherry blossom seasons in early March and early April.