Kyoto Gyoen National Garden is an expansive green space measuring approximately 700 meters east to west and 1,300 meters north to south. Managed by Japan’s Ministry of the Environment as a National Garden, it surrounds Kyoto Imperial Palace, Kyoto Sento Imperial Palace, Kyoto Omiya Imperial Palace, and Kyoto State Guest House.
Visitors can freely enter from gates on all sides, including Hamaguri-gomon Gate, known for its association with the Kinmon Incident of 1864. With lawns, ume (plum) groves, and other natural features, the garden is an ideal place for a leisurely stroll.
In addition to places to relax, such as rest areas, the Mother and Child Forest, and sports grounds, the garden also retains a number of historic sites and structures. These include the Kan In no Miya Residence Site Exhibition Hall, where visitors can learn about the history and natural environment of Kyoto Gyoen National Garden (closed Mondays and during the New Year holidays; admission free), and Shusui Tei, an Edo-period house for tea gatherings (open Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays except during the New Year holidays; admission ¥300).
In this article
Exhibition facilities
Kan In no Miya Residence Site Exhibition Hall / General Information Center
Closed: Mondays and during the New Year holidays
Provides a wide range of information to help visitors enjoy Kyoto Gyoen National Garden.
At the VR theater, visitors can experience what the garden looked like in the late Edo period, when the surrounding area was occupied by the residences of court nobles.
Kyoto Gyoen Information Center
Closed: New Year holidays
Introduces the history and natural environment of Kyoto Gyoen National Garden and serves as a convenient base for exploring the grounds.
A diorama highlights facilities within the garden as well as seasonal points of interest.
Free rest areas
Seiwa In Rest House
Closed: Wednesdays and during the New Year holidays
This rest area also serves as the reception point for tours of Kyoto State Guest House.
Nearby are Grasshopper Field and the Mother and Child Forest, where visitors can enjoy close contact with nature.
Konoe Residence Site Rest House
Closed: Mondays and during the New Year holidays
Built on the former site of the residence of the Konoe family, one of the five regent houses.
Displays introduce the garden of the former Konoe residence, its weeping cherry trees, and the culture of the court nobility. A café operated by a traditional confectionery shop is also located here.
Nakadachiuri Rest House
Closed: New Year holidays
The rest area closest to the visitor entrance to Kyoto Imperial Palace.
It has a restaurant and a souvenir shop, as well as lockers and wheelchairs for rental.
Tominokoji Rest House
Located in the southeastern part of Kyoto Gyoen National Garden.
It stands next to the tennis courts and sports grounds and also has a café.
Sports Facilities
The sports grounds and tennis courts are available for use with prior reservation and payment of designated fees.
For inquiries, please contact the Kyoto Gyoen National Garden Office of the National Parks Association.
TEL: (+81) 075-211-6364
Basic Information
- Website : Click here
