Maruyama Park (Kyoto) (with kids)
How Kids-Friendly is Maruyama Park (Kyoto)?
Children can run on lawns, feed carp, and ride a rickshaw, but there is no playground and hanami crowds demand closer supervision; toilets are basic, so plan off-peak or prepare accordingly.
Positives:
- Free entry: Park access costs nothing, so you can allocate budget to rides and snacks.
- Open lawns: Wide grassy areas let kids run and play safely.
Challenges:
- Crowds in spring: Cherry blossom season brings large crowds that can slow stroller or kids’ pace.
- No playground: Park has no dedicated play structures, only open spaces.
What is so special about Maruyama Park (Kyoto) for with kids?
- Free park entry lets you spend on family activities.
- Kids love the 30-minute rickshaw ride through cherry blossoms.
- Central pond invites carp feeding and pigeon chasing.
- Vendor stalls offer snacks perfect for a picnic.
- Hands-on dumpling grilling adds a fun family moment.
- Evening cherry illumination thrills the whole family.
Recommended visit duration: 2-3 hours
Why 2-3 hours visit duration is ideal for with kids: Enough time for a rickshaw ride, pond play, and snacks without rushing.
Kids-Friendly Activities in Maruyama Park (Kyoto)
Rickshaw ride:
Take a 30-minute rickshaw pulled by a local guide through the park paths.
Tip: Book at the Ebisuya stand near Yasaka Shrine; rides seat two.
Pigeon-chasing and carp-feeding:
Let kids chase pigeons on the lawns or feed carp at the central pond with peas.
Tip: Bring a small bag of dried peas; feeding is free.
Picnic or snack break:
Spread a blanket under trees and sample takoyaki or taiyaki from vendor stalls.
Tip: Visit stalls near the central plaza; snacks cost around ¥300–¥600 each.
Bake-your-own dumplings:
At Gion Yasaka Café, press and grill sweet or savory dumplings together.
Tip: Reserve in advance; one set costs ¥1,350 and is shareable.
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Typical Budget for a Family of 4 (2 Adults + 2 Kids)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Rickshaw ride | JPY 10,000 |
| Snacks | JPY 1,200 |
| Dumpling set | JPY 1,350 |
| Total Estimated | JPY 12,550 |
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)?
In spring, visit at dusk to see the 200-year-old weeping cherry lit up. Arrive before 6 PM to beat crowds. In summer, check the outdoor music hall schedule for free Saturday concerts.
How to Maximize Your Visit to Maruyama Park (Kyoto)
- Arrive early: Get to the park by 4 PM in spring to secure a spot near the weeping cherry.
- Map your route: Start at south gate for rickshaw, loop by the pond, then head to snack stalls.
- Bring small change: Vendors and rickshaw operators prefer exact yen notes or coins.
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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