Maruyama Park (Kyoto) (couple trip)
How Couple-Friendly is Maruyama Park (Kyoto)?
Couples enjoy illuminated night-time cherry trees, rickshaw rides, and secluded ponds, all free to enter; the romantic scenery and snack stalls create an easy date spot near Gion.
Positives:
- Free park entry: Entry is free any time, letting you spend more on food and activities.
- Central location: Next to Yasaka Shrine and Gion, you can explore nearby streets after visiting.
Challenges:
- Crowds during cherry season: The weeping cherry area fills up quickly in early April; arrive early.
- Limited seating: Benches are scarce; bring a blanket for picnics on the grass.
What is so special about Maruyama Park (Kyoto) for couple trip?
- Experience illuminated hanami under a 200-year-old weeping cherry
- Taste local snacks at park food stalls
- Enjoy a romantic rickshaw tour with local insights
- Join a traditional matcha tea ceremony overlooking the park
- Learn to make dumplings together at Gion Yasaka Café
Recommended visit duration: 2-3 hours
Why 2-3 hours visit duration is ideal for couple trip: Covers hanami, street-food, tea ceremony and a rickshaw ride without rushing.
Couple-Friendly Activities in Maruyama Park (Kyoto)
Evening hanami by the weeping cherry:
Walk under the illuminated 200-year-old weeping cherry at dusk.
Tip: Arrive 30 minutes before sunset to secure a quiet spot; carry a small flashlight.
Street-food picnic:
Sample takoyaki, okonomiyaki and taiyaki from park stalls.
Tip: Buy snacks near the central pond; bring a picnic mat for the grass.
Rickshaw ride:
Take a 30-minute two-person rickshaw tour with a local guide.
Tip: Book at the Ebisuya stand by Yasaka Shrine; reserve early on weekends.
Matcha tea ceremony:
Enjoy a 45-minute matcha ceremony at Camellia Teahouse with seasonal sweets.
Tip: Reserve at least one day in advance; request a window seat overlooking the park.
Dumpling workshop:
Make your own sweet or savory dumplings at Gion Yasaka Café.
Tip: Visit before 5 PM; one set is shareable for two.
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Typical Budget for a Couple (2 Adults)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Street-food snacks (4 pieces) | JPY 2,000 |
| Rickshaw ride (30 min) | JPY 10,000 |
| Matcha tea ceremony for two | JPY 7,000 |
| Dumpling workshop | JPY 1,350 |
| Total Estimated | JPY 20,350 |
Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
When is the best time to visit Maruyama Park (Kyoto)?
Spring: see the weeping cherry lit at night in early April. Summer: enjoy Saturday concerts at the outdoor music hall. Autumn: stroll under red and gold maple leaves by the pond in late November. Winter: take a peaceful, crisp walk with fewer vendors.
How to Maximize Your Visit to Maruyama Park (Kyoto)
- Weekday mornings: Visit on weekday mornings for quieter paths and fewer crowds.
- Combine local sights: Pair your park visit with Yasaka Shrine and Gion for a full day plan.
- Use public transport: Take Kyoto City Bus #100 or #206 to Gion-Shijo station to skip parking hassles.
Map of Maruyama Park (Kyoto)
Address: Maruyamacho, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, 605-0071, Japan
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Reviews of Maruyama Park (Kyoto)
Billy Antonio
A beautiful park beside Yasaka Shrine you can stroll here while waiting for the night to see the beautiful lanterns of Yasaka Shrine. There is also a lake here that helps you relax. There are also benches within the park so you can rest if you get tired. The best day to go here is at spring as the park will be full of cherry blossoms ❤️
Silvy Agustina
The place is so nice even though it is crowded. Nice place, unfortunately when we came here it was too crowded. So we cannot really enjoyed the view. Hopefully i can come here again during low season or early morning when people hasn’t come yet. Don’t forget to bring cash to buy food and drinks here.
Burak Kayabaşı
**Kyoto’s Hidden Evening Charm** At night, this place transforms—quieter, calmer, and utterly peaceful. If you’ve got a good camera, the soft glow of lanterns and shadowy alleyways make for stunning shots. And if you’re staying in Kyoto’s historic district? Getting here is a breeze. No matter where you start, every main road seems to lead you right to it.
Jon Testa
Behind Yasaka Shrine and well worth a hour or two of anyone's time. The park was created for people of the area to get away from city life and it has been done very well. Cherry blossoms around the river, large lanterns sitting along a few paths. We'll maintained walkways.
Unun Qoriah
Make sure to come here during spring because all the sakura trees are in bloom. It's incredibly beautiful in this garden with all the sakura blossoms. There are many great photo spots. One hour was not enough time for me to explore this place. There are also many food vendors here, but the prices are quite steep, in my opinion. In Indonesia, fried ubi (sweet potato) costs 5,000 rupiah and can fi...
About Maruyama Park (Kyoto)
Opening Hours
Hours may vary during holidays, special events, and peak seasons. Please check the official website for the most up-to-date information.
Website
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