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Japan/Things to Do in Kyoto, couple trip

Kyoto Botanical Gardens (couple trip)

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How Couple-Friendly is Kyoto Botanical Gardens?

87%Couple-Friendly
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What makes it 87% Couple-Friendly: Couples can stroll under cherry trees, share a picnic basket, and view night illuminations; weekend crowds and few secluded corners take away a little privacy.

Google
Reviews4.4/ 5
(from 6,790 reviews)
Kyoto Botanical Gardens in Japan | Beautiful Plum Blossoms and Scenery [4K]
35 min
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Kyoto Botanical Gardens in Japan | Beautiful Plum Blossoms and Scenery [4K]
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Golden Temple Kyoto | Botanical Garden | Kyoto Walking Tour
18 min
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Golden Temple Kyoto | Botanical Garden | Kyoto Walking Tour
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Positives:

  • Easy Access with Public Transport: Take the Karasuma Subway Line to Kitaōji Station and walk 5 minutes to the main gate.
  • Photography Opportunities: Wide lawns and the glass greenhouse offer varied backdrops from flowers to architecture.
  • On-site Amenities: Restrooms and drinking fountains are available near major garden areas.

Challenges:

  • Weekend Crowds: Main paths fill up on weekends and holidays; visit weekday mornings for a quieter experience.
  • Limited English Signage: Most plant labels are in Japanese; download the free PDF map in English before your visit.
  • Picnic Set Availability: IN THE GREEN picnic sets sell out on busy days; book at least 24 hours in advance.
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🏖️ Explore Kyoto Botanical Gardens with a local guide: GetYourGuide's 10 BEST Activities and Tours around Kyoto Botanical Gardens. Local guides know the hidden gems you'd otherwise miss, read what other travelers experienced, and book easily.

What is Kyoto Botanical Gardens?

  • Kyoto Botanical Gardens opened in 1924 as a prefectural institution in Sakyo Ward, presenting one of Japan’s earliest and most expansive living plant collections
  • The garden cultivates over 12,000 plant species and 120,000 individual specimens across themed outdoor sections and forested areas
  • Its 4,612-square-meter greenhouse shelters some 4,500 tropical and subtropical species beneath a soaring glass dome

What is so special about Kyoto Botanical Gardens for couple trip?

  1. Seasonal blooms and foliage for romantic strolls
  2. Glass-domed greenhouse with exotic tropical plants
  3. Picnic set at IN THE GREEN overlooking the gardens
  4. Evening light show across four themed illumination zones
  5. Easy access and on-site amenities for a comfortable visit

Recommended visit duration: 2-3 hours

Why 2-3 hours visit duration is ideal for couple trip: 2–3 hours lets you see the main outdoor gardens, explore the greenhouse, and relax over a picnic without rushing.

(View Kyoto Botanical Gardens on Map)

Couple-Friendly Activities in Kyoto Botanical Gardens

Cherry Blossom and Maple Leaf Walk:

Stroll beneath 450 cherry trees in spring or vibrant maple trees in autumn.

Tip: Visit mid-April for peak sakura; the central avenue offers the best views.

Observation Greenhouse Visit:

Explore 4,500 tropical species under the 14.8 m-high glass dome.

Tip: Enter early to avoid crowds and use the diffused morning light for photos.

Picnic at IN THE GREEN:

Order a picnic set with pizza, fries, and drinks at the on-site cafe.

Tip: Reserve your picnic set online at least one day ahead to secure terrace seating.

Light Cycles Kyoto Illumination:

Experience four themed light zones after dark from May through March.

Tip: Buy tickets online in advance and bring a jacket; the ground can be damp at night.

How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Kyoto Botanical Gardens

  1. Start Early: Arrive at opening time (9 AM) to enjoy cooler temperatures and empty paths.
  2. Combine Nearby Attractions: After your visit, stroll along the nearby Kamo River for a scenic riverside walk.
  3. Use the Garden Map PDF: Download the official map to navigate 20 themed areas without missing highlights.
🏖️ Tour Kyoto Botanical Gardens like a local: GetYourGuide's Top 10 Activities and Tours in Kyoto Botanical Gardens. Local experts uncover hidden treasures you'd never find alone, browse authentic traveler reviews, and book your perfect adventure hassle-free.

Reviews of Kyoto Botanical Gardens

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Cal Ostertag

Cal Ostertag

Jul 2025

We went here while waiting for our hotel room, but I could have spent all day here! There's biomes represented here you wouldn't even think to put in a botanical garden. Pleasant, quiet, and large enough to not really run into crowds. Conservatory is large and you can spend a couple hours in there, a great rainy day activity.

Phuong Nguyen

Phuong Nguyen

Jun 2025

A lovely place for plants and flowers lovers. Bring your student card (if any) for ticket discount or free entrance depending on the seasons. For people from tropical country, the tropical house was like everything you could see in your home country so if you want something new, maybe this one can be left out, plus you have to pay extra to get into this area. Everything else was good. The flowe...

DanielleWaibz

DanielleWaibz

May 2025

What a beautiful place! I can in late May and the rose garden was absolutely beautiful!! They had so many different types and colors! This botanical garden really has something for everyone. They have manicured garden beds, native plants, a conservatory, a forested area and even the natural forest. There was also a very small shrine that was there which was beautiful and very quiet. I recommend go...

Wei Qian (Sandy)

Wei Qian (Sandy)

May 2025

Admission fee is 500yen for an adult. Which is a crazy price given how big the garden is, and the quality of experience. I have been to quite a few flower parks and gardens in Japan's spring and this has got to be one of my favourites. They also have a massive conservatory (glasshouse) featuring lots of non-native plants. Do take note that within the grounds, not all flowers and fruits may be bloo...

Zainuri Hanif

Zainuri Hanif

Apr 2025

Kyoto Botanical Garden is one of the most peaceful and relaxing places you can visit in Kyoto. Conveniently located near Kitayama Station, it’s easily accessible by public transport. Spanning over 24 hectares, the garden offers an impressive collection of plants, both native to Japan and from around the world. One of the highlights is the large conservatory, which houses a wide variety of tropica...

When is the best time to visit Kyoto Botanical Gardens (Kyoto, Japan)?

In spring (late March–mid April) see cherry blossoms; in autumn (mid November) enjoy red momiji leaves. Bring insect repellent in July–August. Winter visits benefit from the warm greenhouse when it’s chilly outside.

✈️ Ready to go? Check the latest flight deals to Kyoto on Trip.com

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Typical Budget for a Couple (2 Adults)

ItemCost (Approx.)
Admission (2 adults)JPY 1,000
Picnic set (2)JPY 3,800
Illumination tickets (2)JPY 4,600
Total EstimatedJPY 9,400

Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.

Content Notice: This content combines editorial expertise with AI assistance to ensure comprehensive and up-to-date information. Our team regularly curates and reviews all content for accuracy and relevance. Help Us Improve

Map of Kyoto Botanical Gardens

Address: Shimogamo Hangicho, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto, 606-0823, Japan

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About Kyoto Botanical Gardens

Opening Hours

Monday:9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Tuesday:9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Wednesday:9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Thursday:9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday:9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday:9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sunday:9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Hours may vary during holidays, special events, and peak seasons. Please check the official website for the most up-to-date information.

Website

Official Website

Phone Number

+81 75-701-0141

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