Nestled in Kyoto’s historic Higashiyama district, Maruyama Park is the city’s most famous cherry blossom viewing spot. Every spring, locals and tourists gather under the park’s 680 cherry trees, with the Gion Shidare Zakura, a stunning weeping cherry tree, as its centerpiece. The park comes alive with hanami picnics, nighttime illuminations, and festive food stalls, offering an unforgettable sakura experience.

Why Visit Maruyama Park

• Kyoto’s Most Famous Hanami Spot – With over 600 cherry trees, Maruyama Park is Kyoto’s top location for enjoying cherry blossoms.
• Iconic Gion Shidare Zakura – This 87-year-old weeping cherry tree stands 40 feet tall and is illuminated at night, creating a magical scene.
• Lively Hanami Atmosphere – The park is filled with hanami picnics, food stalls, and traditional performances during sakura season.
• Scenic Viewing Points – The park’s central lawn, pond area, and walking paths offer picturesque cherry blossom views.
• Convenient Location – Easily accessible from Kyoto’s Gion district, making it a perfect stop during a day of sightseeing.

Maruyama Park Cherry Blossoms

Maruyama Park is home to a variety of cherry blossoms, each contributing to the park’s breathtaking spring scenery. The most famous tree, the Gion Shidare Zakura, stands as the park’s centerpiece, captivating visitors with its gracefully cascading branches covered in pale pink blossoms. Blooming from mid-March to early April, this tree becomes a focal point, especially during the evening illuminations. Alongside it, the park also features Somei Yoshino trees, known for their delicate pale pink or white flowers that bloom slightly later. The park’s overall landscape is further enhanced by additional cherry blossom species, ensuring a vibrant and diverse floral display throughout the season.

Visitors can enjoy cherry blossoms from multiple scenic spots within the park. The Central Lawn Area, where the weeping cherry tree stands, attracts large crowds, particularly in the evenings when the tree is illuminated. The Pond Garden, designed by landscape architect Jihei Ogawa, creates a serene setting where the cherry blossoms reflect beautifully in the water. Other prime viewing locations include the east area and the west entrance, where Someiyoshino trees line the pathways, offering picturesque views and tranquil walks.

Maruyama Park Facilities & Amenities

Maruyama Park is well-equipped with facilities to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable visit. Open areas and rest spots are scattered throughout the park, making it easy for visitors to settle in for hanami picnics. Traditional tea houses offer an authentic Japanese cultural experience, where guests can enjoy a peaceful moment with matcha and seasonal sweets while surrounded by cherry blossoms. The park is accessible for visitors arriving by car, with a municipal parking lot available for up to 130 cars, though parking fees apply at 260 yen per 30 minutes. Public toilets are conveniently located within the park, and nearby shops provide refreshments and hanami essentials. Whether visiting for a daytime picnic or an evening stroll, Maruyama Park offers a pleasant and accommodating environment for enjoying Kyoto’s cherry blossoms.

Dining Options

Maruyama Park offers a variety of food options, both within the park and in the surrounding Gion district. One of the most notable dining spots inside the park is Maruyama Park Kyoryori Shigure, a historic Kyoto restaurant serving a range of dishes from casual Shigure Bento to elaborate kaiseki multi-course meals, all with beautiful views of the park’s cherry blossoms. During sakura season, yatai food stalls line the park, providing a vibrant street food experience with classic festival treats such as takoyaki (octopus balls), yakitori (grilled chicken skewers), and sakura-flavored sweets. For those looking for a more formal dining experience, the nearby Gion district offers a variety of options, from traditional kaiseki restaurants to modern izakayas and cafés. Whether enjoying a quick snack under the cherry trees or indulging in a refined Kyoto-style meal, visitors have plenty of choices to complement their hanami experience.

Travel Tips

• Best Time to Visit – Late March to early April for peak bloom.
• Avoiding Crowds – Visit early in the morning on weekdays for a quieter experience.
• Nighttime Visit – The illuminated cherry trees create a stunning atmosphere.
• Check the Forecast – Blooming dates vary depending on weather conditions.

How to Get to Maruyama Park

• By Bus – From Kyoto Station, take Bus No. 206 to Gion stop (3-minute walk).
• By Train:
  • Keihan Electric Railway – Get off at Gion Shijo Station (9-minute walk).
  • Hankyu Railway – Get off at Kyoto Kawaramachi Station (10-minute walk).
  • Subway – 15-minute walk from Higashiyama Station (Tōzai Line).
• On Foot – A short walk from Kiyomizudera Temple and other Higashiyama landmarks.

Nearby Attractions

• Yasaka Shrine – A historic Shinto shrine adjacent to the park, famous for its vermillion gates and Gion Matsuri festival.
• Gion District – Kyoto’s famous geisha district, known for its traditional tea houses and atmospheric streets.
• Kiyomizudera Temple – A UNESCO World Heritage site offering panoramic views of Kyoto, especially beautiful during sakura season.

Nearby Cherry Blossom Spots

• Heian Shrine – Features a stunning weeping cherry tree garden.
• Philosopher’s Path – A peaceful canal-side walkway lined with hundreds of cherry trees.
• Nijo Castle – A historic site with beautiful sakura gardens and seasonal light-up events.