Maruyama Park, the iconic Garden of Kyoto

Located in the Higashiyama district, at the foot of Mount Yoshida and just a short walk from the famous Yasaka Shrine, Maruyama Park covers approximately 86,600 square meters, making it one of the oldest and most renowned public parks in Kyoto. Opened in 1886, it is a masterpiece of Japanese landscape design from the late Meiji period, where harmony between natural elements and architecture is orchestrated with meticulous precision. Its strategic location connects some of the city’s most visited sacred sites, including Kiyomizu-dera and Chion-in, making it an essential stop for those seeking to understand the aesthetic and spiritual essence of Kyoto.



At the heart of the park stands the iconic Maruyama weeping cherry tree, Shidarezakura, whose bloom marks the peak of the hanami season. This tree, a direct descendant of a specimen planted over a century ago, has become a living symbol of renewal and the transience of natural beauty. At night, a discreet but carefully calibrated lighting system highlights the delicacy of the petals and creates a visual spectacle of rare intensity. Surrounding the main cherry tree are ponds, stone bridges, traditional lanterns, and winding pathways designed to encourage dynamic contemplation, perfectly aligned with the principles of Japanese landscape gardens.



Beyond its extraordinary natural beauty, Maruyama Park is also a living cultural laboratory. In the spring months, it comes alive with events linked to the traditional calendar, including tea ceremonies and performances of gagaku music, held in the adjacent pavilions. Its landscape design, initially curated by the garden architect Ogawa Jihei VII, reflects the philosophy of shakkei, or the use of borrowed scenery, visually integrating the surrounding mountains into the park’s design. Today, the site is protected as a place of scenic beauty by the Japanese government, preserving its authenticity through targeted restorations and maintenance practices that faithfully follow traditional techniques. Official website: Maruyama Park

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