Kyoto Botanical Gardens Cherry Blossoms – A Peaceful Hanami Spot in Kyoto
#Kyoto #Family
Kyoto Botanical Gardens (京都府立植物園) is one of the best places in Kyoto to enjoy cherry blossoms in spring. With over 450 varieties of sakura trees, the blooming season here lasts longer than at many other spots. I visited on March 30, 2025, and was delighted to see early-blooming trees alongside colorful tulips.
If you’re visiting Kyoto in early April or even late March, this is a perfect spot to enjoy the gentle beginning of spring. In this post, I’ll share what we saw, how to get there, and some practical info from our visit.
A Colorful Mix: Cherry Blossoms and Tulips
Kyoto Botanical Gardens is home to around 12,000 species of plants across a spacious and beautifully designed area. In spring, it’s all about the 450+ cherry trees, each with its own blooming schedule. This means you can enjoy hanami (flower viewing) over several weeks instead of just one peak day.
Today, we saw delicate pink petals starting to bloom on some trees, while others were still in bud. This natural timing makes the scenery feel alive and always changing.
Next to the sakura, the tulips were already in full bloom—a joyful mix of red, yellow, white, and even purple. My child loved picking their favorite colors and watching bees buzz around the flowers.
Easy Access and a Family-Friendly Space
The gardens are very easy to reach—just take the Karasuma Subway Line to Kitayama Station. From Exit 3, the entrance is only a few steps away. The area is flat and easy to walk in, with wide paths perfect for strollers or wheelchairs.
We saw many families relaxing, kids running in open grassy areas, and plenty of benches for quiet breaks. The atmosphere was calm and welcoming.
Updated Visitor Info (as of 2025)
•🕘 Hours: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM (last entry at 8:00 PM)
•🏛 Conservatory: Open 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
•💰 Admission:
Adults: 500 yen, Seniors (65+): 250 yen, High school students: 250 yen
•Free for junior high students and younger, as well as visitors with a disability certificate
•Annual Passes are also available (e.g., 2,000 yen for adults)
Café Break: A Hidden Gem Inside the Gardens
There’s a small café located near the center of the garden, making it a great stop during your walk. The menu is simple—think udon noodles, curry rice, and soft-serve ice cream. Also, the prices were very reasonable and the staff were super friendly.
Just one tip: you’ll need to purchase a meal ticket (食券 / shokken) from a vending machine before ordering. If you don’t read Japanese, using the Google Translate camera function is very helpful!
Kyoto Botanical Gardens is one of those rare places that balances nature, culture, and comfort. Whether you’re a tourist looking for hanami away from the crowds or a local wanting a calm afternoon with your kids, this garden is a perfect choice.
Quick Recap:
•🌸 Great for early and late-blooming cherry blossoms
•🌷 Tulips in full color right now
•🚆 Easy subway access (Kitayama Station, Exit 3)
•🧒 Family- and stroller-friendly
•☕ Cozy café with affordable meals
If the weather is nice, you might want to bring your bento (lunch box) and a picnic sheet. There are spacious grassy areas perfect for relaxing under the cherry blossoms while enjoying a homemade meal. It’s a peaceful way to enjoy lunch surrounded by nature, and kids love it too!
Yamato
