Japanese Local Travel Guide – Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka & Hidden Gems From imperial landscapes to hidden artist residences, explore five Kyoto gardens that reveal a quieter side of the city.
Kyoto is home to countless famous temples and gardens, such as Kinkaku-ji and Ryoan-ji, which attract thousands of visitors every day. While these iconic landmarks are beautiful, they can also be crowded, making it difficult to fully appreciate their atmosphere.
For travelers who wish to experience a quieter and more authentic side of Kyoto, visiting lesser-known gardens is a perfect choice. These off the beaten path spots offer peaceful retreats filled with seasonal beauty, artistic design, and cultural history.
In this guide, I will introduce five Kyoto gardens that are often overlooked by tourists but deeply cherished by locals. From imperial landscapes to hidden artist residences, these gardens reveal a different side of Kyoto that you won’t want to miss.
Murin-an （無鄰菴）
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History
Murin-an was built in 1894 by Yamagata Aritomo, a leading statesman of the Meiji era. The garden was designed by the famous landscape architect Ogawa Jihei VII (Ueji), who created one of the masterpieces of modern Japanese garden design. Using water from the Lake Biwa Canal, the garden features streams, lawns, and borrowed scenery of the Higashiyama mountains.
Highlights
- A masterpiece by Ogawa Jihei VII, blending tradition with modern design
- Flowing water from the Lake Biwa Canal creating a refreshing atmosphere
- Expansive lawn and open space, rare in Japanese gardens
- Seasonal beauty with cherry blossoms, fresh greenery, and autumn leaves
My Experience
Whenever I visit Murin-an, I am impressed by how open and refreshing the garden feels compared to more enclosed temple gardens. Sitting by the stream, listening to the flow of water, and looking at the Higashiyama mountains always makes me feel deeply relaxed. I also enjoy exploring the Western-style villa, which contrasts beautifully with the Japanese garden and shows the Meiji-era blend of cultures.
Access
- Location: 31 Kusakawa-cho, Nanzen-ji, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8437
- Nearest Station: Keage Station (Kyoto Subway Tozai Line)
- How to Get There: 7 minutes on foot from Keage Station
- Opening Hours:
- April – September: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- October – March: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
(Last admission: 30 minutes before closing) - Admission: 600 yen
- TEL & FAX: 075-771-3909
Shisendō （詩仙堂）
History
Shisendō was built in 1641 by Ishikawa Jōzan, a former samurai who retired to a life of poetry and scholarship. He designed the residence as a retreat for writing, calligraphy, and contemplation. The name “Shisendō” means “Hall of the Poetry Immortals,” referring to the portraits of 36 famous Chinese poets displayed inside.
Highlights
- A beautiful kare-sansui (dry landscape) garden framed by sliding doors, offering seasonal views
- Especially famous for autumn foliage, when the garden glows with vibrant red and orange leaves
- A peaceful bamboo grove surrounds the residence, enhancing the sense of retreat
- Unique “shishi-odoshi” (bamboo water clapper) adds a traditional soundscape to the garden
My Experience
When I visited Shisendō in late spring, the garden was filled with vibrant azaleas in full bloom. Their bright colors against the calm greenery created a striking contrast, and I felt as if I was sitting inside a living painting. Listening to the gentle sound of the shishi-odoshi while enjoying the blossoms made the experience truly unforgettable.Access
- Location: 27 Ichijōji Monzen-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8154
- Nearest Station: Ichijōji Station (Eizan Electric Railway)
- How to Get There: About 15 minutes on foot from Ichijōji Station, or 30 minutes by bus from Kyoto Station
- Opening Hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (last entry 4:45 PM)
- Admission: 700 yen
- TEL: 075-781-2954
Heian Jingu Garden （平安神宮神苑）
History
Heian Jingu Shrine was built in 1895 to commemorate the 1,100th anniversary of Kyoto’s founding as Japan’s capital. The vast garden, called Shin’en, covers about 33,000 square meters and surrounds the shrine buildings on all sides. Designed in the modern Japanese style, it is divided into four sections, each representing a different era and featuring ponds, bridges, and seasonal flowers.
Highlights
- A spacious strolling garden with four areas: East, Middle, West, and South Gardens
- Beautiful cherry blossoms in spring, particularly the weeping cherries (shidare-zakura)
- Colorful irises in early summer, lotus flowers in July, and autumn foliage later in the year
- Picturesque stepping stones across the pond, offering iconic photo opportunities
My Experience
When I visited Heian Jingu Garden, I was amazed by its vast scale and seasonal beauty. Walking across the famous stepping stones surrounded by water lilies felt like entering a scene from literature. I was especially drawn to this place because it appears in the works of Nobel Prize-winning author Yasunari Kawabata, who often described Kyoto’s elegance and seasonal beauty in his novels. Experiencing the garden firsthand made me feel connected to his literary world.
Access
- Location: Okazaki Nishitenno-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8341
- Nearest Station: Higashiyama Station (Kyoto Subway Tozai Line)
- How to Get There: About 10 minutes on foot from Higashiyama Station, or 20 minutes by bus from Kyoto Station
- Opening Hours: 8:30 AM – 5:30 PM (varies slightly by season, last entry 30 minutes before closing)
- Admission: 600 yen
- TEL: 075-761-0221
Namikawa Yasuyuki Shippo Memorial Museum
（並河靖之七宝記念館）
History
This museum was once the residence and workshop of Namikawa Yasuyuki (1845–1927), one of Japan’s most celebrated cloisonné (shippo) artists of the Meiji era. His cloisonné enamel works, known for their intricate detail and vivid colors, were exhibited internationally and admired worldwide. Today, the house and its workshop are preserved as a museum, showcasing both his masterpieces and the atmosphere of his creative life.
Highlights
- A beautifully preserved Meiji-era townhouse and workshop
- Masterpieces of cloisonné enamel, admired for their fine craftsmanship
- A stunning Japanese garden designed by Ogawa Jihei VII (Ueji), blending art and nature
- A tranquil and intimate atmosphere compared to larger museums and gardens
My Experience
When I visited the museum, I was fascinated not only by the cloisonné works but also by the serene garden. Sitting by the pond, surrounded by seasonal flowers, I could imagine how Namikawa Yasuyuki might have drawn inspiration from this peaceful environment. Compared to Kyoto’s famous temples, the intimate scale made the experience feel special, like discovering a hidden gem.
Access
- Location: 16 Namikawa-cho, Okazaki, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 605-0038
- Nearest Station: Higashiyama Station (Kyoto Subway Tozai Line)
- How to Get There:
- About 10 minutes on foot from Higashiyama Station
- Or take a Kyoto City Bus and get off at “Higashiyama Sanjo,” then walk 5 minutes
- Around 15 minutes by bus from Kyoto Station
- Opening Hours: 10:00 AM – 4:30 PM (closed Mondays)
- Admission: 1,000 yen
- TEL: 075-752-3277
Shosei-en Garden （渉成園）
History
Shosei-en is the sub-garden of Higashi Hongan-ji Temple, located just a short walk from Kyoto Station. Originally created in the 17th century, the garden was a gift from the Tokugawa Shogunate to the temple. Although located in the city center, it preserves the elegance of a large chisen kaiyū-shiki (pond strolling) garden with a history of more than 350 years.
Highlights
- Expansive strolling garden centered around a large pond (Ingetsu-chi)
- Seasonal flowers such as cherry blossoms, irises, and autumn leaves
- Historic tea houses and bridges scattered throughout the grounds
- Despite its central location, it remains relatively quiet compared to other famous gardens
My Experience
When I first visited Shosei-en, I was surprised by its scale and tranquility given its location near Kyoto Station. Walking around the pond and stopping by the tea houses felt like stepping back in time. It’s a wonderful spot to enjoy nature without leaving the city center.
Access
- Location: Kamichōjamachi, Karasuma-dōri Shichijō-agaru, Shimogyō-ku, Kyoto 600-8190
- Nearest Station: Kyoto Station (JR, Subway, Kintetsu)
- How to Get There: About 10 minutes on foot from Kyoto Station
- Opening Hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (last entry 4:30 PM)
- Admission: 500 yen (may vary depending on temple events)
- TEL: 075-371-9210
Tips for Visitors
- Best Time to Visit: Early mornings or weekdays are the quietest times to enjoy these gardens.
- Seasonal Highlights: Each season offers something unique—cherry blossoms in spring, azaleas and irises in early summer, lush greenery in summer, and vibrant autumn leaves.
- Admission Fees: Most gardens cost between 500–1,000 yen, so it’s easy to visit multiple places in one day.
- Photography Etiquette: Be respectful of other visitors and avoid blocking paths when taking pictures. Tripods may not be allowed in some gardens.
- Combine with Nearby Attractions: Many of these gardens are close to temples, shrines, or museums, so you can create a full day itinerary.
Conclusion
Kyoto is world-famous for its temples and shrines, but its gardens offer an equally rich and peaceful experience. By visiting places like Murin-an, Shisendō, Heian Jingu Garden, the Namikawa Yasuyuki Shippo Memorial Museum, and Shosei-en, you can discover a quieter side of Kyoto that many tourists overlook.
These gardens reveal not only seasonal beauty but also the cultural and historical layers of the city—from Meiji-era villas to artist retreats and temple landscapes. Exploring them allows you to step away from the crowds and enjoy Kyoto at your own pace. For travelers seeking authenticity and tranquility, these off the beaten path gardens are truly unforgettable.
