Park · Gion / Higashiyama
Maruyama Park 円山公園
Kyoto's oldest public park, behind Yasaka Shrine, centred on a giant illuminated weeping cherry and the city's liveliest hanami parties.
About
Maruyama Koen was created in 1886 on land taken from surrounding temples, and its landscape garden was redesigned by Ogawa Jihei in the early 20th century, with a pond, streams and lawns climbing toward the Higashiyama hills. Its symbol is the Gion Shidarezakura, a huge weeping cherry, the second generation of a famous tree, lit up at night in early April when the park fills with hanami picnics and food stalls; it is the most festive cherry-blossom scene in Kyoto. The rest of the year it is a relaxed green space linking Yasaka Shrine, Chion-in and the Nene-no-michi to Kodai-ji, with historic teahouse restaurants and a statue of the Bakumatsu heroes Sakamoto Ryoma and Nakaoka Shintaro.
Highlights
- Gion weeping cherry illuminated at night
- Hanami parties and food stalls in early April
- Ogawa Jihei pond garden
- Statue of Sakamoto Ryoma and Nakaoka Shintaro
- Gateway to Chion-in, Yasaka and Kodai-ji
Tips
- Hanami spots fill from early morning; locals stake out blue tarps.
- The weeping cherry peaks a few days earlier than most Somei-yoshino.
- Public toilets and the convenient Yasaka Shrine passage make it a good walking hub.
- Free and open all hours.
Open in Google Maps · Info checked 2026-10-09
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