Where Japanese Seasons and Traditions Come to Life
Welcome to Japan's oldest and most distinguished public botanical garden. Since opening in 1924, Kyoto Botanical Gardens has offered a captivating window into the beauty of Japan's distinct seasons
The garden is also a museum of Japanese horticultural heritage, celebrating traditions that date back to the 8th century (Heian period). Visitors can admire the timeless artistry of classical practices such as bonsai. As a place where nature and culture intertwine, the Kyoto Botanical Garden serves as a beloved sanctuary for discovery and relaxation.
Features
Since 1924
The oldest
public botanical garden
in Japan
Plant species
More than
12,000 species
and clutivars
Advanced
cultivation techniques
Around 20 species of plants that first bloomed in Japan.
Spectacular conservatory
About 3,500 species
and/or cultivars
in Japan's largest glass greenhouse
Site Area
About
240,000㎡（24 hectares)
Visitors
Over
900,000 people/year
Highlights
Discover the traditional aesthetics of Japanese gardening.
Our collection of over 12,000 plant species and cultivars creates an ever-changing landscape throughout the year. Highlights include the spectacular bloom of 500 cherry trees in spring and the brilliant autumn colors of our maple and ginkgo groves.
Step inside our spectacular conservatory. At an impressive 4,700 square meters with a maximum height of 14.8 meters, it is one of the largest of its kind in Japan. Here, a 460-meter path guides you on a journey through the world's diverse ecosystems, from lush tropical rain-forests to cool alpine meadows. The conservatory is home to approximately 4,500 species and cultivars, including rare plants making their Japanese debut. Be sure to visit our seasonal exhibits, which showcase various plants at their peak of beauty.
Admission Fees
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Adults: ¥500
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High school students, seniors (65 and over): ¥250
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Junior high school students and younger: Free
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Annual pass
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Adults : ¥2,000
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High school students, seniors (65 and over): ¥1,000
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Tickets can be purchased at the garden gates. (Cash and credit cards accepted).
Information
Address:
Shimogamo Hangi-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-0823
Opening hours:
9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Last admission at 4:00 PM)
Conservatory hours: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
(Last entry at 3:30 PM) *Please note that hours may vary depending on the season.
Closing days: December 28 to January 4
Contact:
Please use the mail form on our website (no public phone number is available).
Access
Kansai International Airport (KIX) to Kyoto city
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By train
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Take the JR limited express "Haruka" from Kansai-airport station to Kyoto station (approx. 80 min).
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By limousine bus
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Take the limousine bus from Kansai international airport to the "Kyoto station hachijo exit" bus stop (approx. 90 min).
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Kyoto station to Kyoto botanical gardens
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By subway
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From Kyoto station, take the Karasuma subway line bound for "Kokusai kaikan" and get off at Kitayama station (approx. 20 min). The garden is located right outside Exit 3.
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By bus
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From the Kyoto station bus terminal, take city bus No.205 and get off at the "Shokubutsuen-mae (Kyoto botanical gardens)" bus stop (approx. 50 min).
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Estimated total travel time
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From Kansai International Airport to Kyoto botanical gardens
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By train: Approx. 1 hour 45 minutes
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By bus: Approx. 2 hours 10 minutes
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Light Cycles Kyoto
At Night
A glowing night walk through nature, light, and sound.
LIGHT CYCLES KYOTO will be held at the Kyoto Botanical Gardens. Against the backdrop of Japan’s oldest public botanical garden, visitors can enjoy seasonal illuminations and an immersive art experience created through light and sound. Produced by world-renowned multimedia studio Moment Factory, the event invites you into a fantastical world that unfolds across the night in Kyoto.
Notes
The botanical garden has different rules from the park
for the purpose of species conservation.
01
No collecting or taking away
Items within the park grounds (including fallen leaves, acorns, insects, etc.) may not be removed.
02
Protect plants
Do not enter areas where plants are protected, such as fenced-in areas or plantings, or damage them.
03
Prohibited Items
Alcoholic beverages, sports equipment, toys, pets, tents, audio equipment, etc., are not permitted.
04
Do not litter
Please take your trash with you.
05
No Smoking
All areas within the botanical garden are non-smoking.