Kyoto Gyoen National Garden

Kyoto Gyoen National Garden is a park in central Kyoto that refers to the green grounds surrounding the Kyoto Imperial Palace. This vast site measures about 700 meters east to west and 1,300 meters north to south and contains the Kyoto Imperial Palace, Kyoto Sento Imperial Palace, Kyoto Omiya Imperial Palace, and the Kyoto State Guest House, and it is managed by the Ministry of the Environment. The Kyoto Imperial Palace was the residence of Japan’s emperors and the center of government from the Heian period through the Meiji era, but after the capital moved to Tokyo in the Meiji period, the area temporarily fell into decline. Preservation projects were then launched, the former aristocratic residential quarter was cleared of buildings, trees were planted, and the area was transformed into a public park, reborn as Kyoto Gyoen National Garden. Facilities such as rest areas, children’s playgrounds, and sports facilities have been developed within the grounds, aiming to create a park open to the public. Seasonal highlights include red and white plum blossoms in the grove in February, peach blossoms in March, beautiful weeping cherry blossoms at the former Konoe Residence site in April, fresh greenery, and autumn foliage, making it enjoyable throughout the year. Rest facilities that include restaurants and souvenir shops are also provided. It is also just a short walk from either Marutamachi Subway Station or Imadegawa Subway Station.