Maruyama Park

Maruyama Park is Kyoto’s oldest public park and one of the city’s most beloved green spaces. Located beside Yasaka Shrine in the heart of the Higashiyama district, the park is famous for its traditional Japanese landscape garden, peaceful walking paths, and the magnificent Gion Weeping Cherry Tree.

Throughout the year, visitors come to enjoy seasonal flowers, quiet ponds, and beautiful scenery. In spring, the park becomes one of Kyoto’s most popular cherry blossom destinations, while the surrounding temples and shrines make it an ideal starting point for exploring eastern Kyoto.

History

Before becoming a public park, the area formed part of the grounds of Yasaka Shrine. In 1886, it was officially opened as Kyoto’s first municipal park during Japan’s modernization in the Meiji period.

The park’s landscape was designed by the celebrated garden master Ogawa Jihei VII, also known as Ueji. His elegant strolling garden remains one of the finest examples of modern Japanese landscape design and continues to attract visitors from around the world.

Highlights

Gion Weeping Cherry Tree

Admire Kyoto’s famous weeping cherry tree, beautifully illuminated during the spring blossom season.

Traditional Strolling Garden

Walk through a peaceful Japanese garden featuring ponds, bridges, and carefully designed landscapes.

Kyoto’s Oldest Public Park

Explore the city’s first municipal park, created in the early Meiji era.

Beautiful in Every Season

From cherry blossoms and fresh greenery to vibrant autumn leaves, the park offers year-round natural beauty.

Perfect Base for Higashiyama

The park is within walking distance of Yasaka Shrine, Chion-in, Kōdai-ji, and Choraku-ji, making it an excellent starting point for sightseeing.

Visit Tips

Maruyama Park is at its busiest during the cherry blossom season, when the famous Gion Weeping Cherry Tree is illuminated at night. If you prefer a quieter atmosphere, visit early in the morning to enjoy peaceful walks through the gardens.

The park is ideally located for a full day of sightseeing in Higashiyama. Many visitors begin at Yasaka Shrine before continuing to Chion-in, Kōdai-ji, Nene-no-Michi, Ishibei-koji, and Kiyomizu-dera on foot.