Maruyama Park

Maruyama Park sits beside Yasaka Shrine in Kyoto’s Higashiyama district, near Gion. Paths wind past ponds, bridges and garden plantings, with views toward the eastern mountains. The park is best known for its cherry trees, especially the central Gion Weeping Cherry, which is illuminated in the evening during blossom season. Come for a stroll at any time of year, or join the hanami crowds in spring. Chion-in Temple borders the grounds, so the park also fits naturally into a walk through Kyoto’s temple district.

A garden beside Yasaka Shrine

Maruyama Park is in Kyoto’s Higashiyama district, beside Yasaka Shrine and close to Gion. It became a public park in 1886 and is recognized as a place of scenic beauty. The garden was designed by landscape gardener Jihei Ogawa VII.

The grounds are arranged as a stroll garden, with paths that let you take in the pond garden and views toward the Higashiyama mountains from different angles. Ponds, small streams, bridges and flowering plants give the walk a changing sequence of views. The park’s setting also makes it easy to combine a visit with Yasaka Shrine or Chion-in Temple, which borders the grounds.

Cherry blossoms and the Gion Weeping Cherry

The park has around 680 cherry trees, including weeping, Yoshino and mountain varieties. Their blossoms make Maruyama a major destination for hanami, the custom of gathering to view cherry flowers. The most recognized tree stands near the center of the park and is known as the Gion Weeping Cherry.

During the spring illumination period, the tree is lit after dark. The evening display draws people to the park for blossom viewing, and food stalls and temporary dining areas may add to the seasonal activity. Expect a busier atmosphere at peak bloom; an early morning visit is a better fit if you want more room to walk.