Kyoto Botanical Gardens, Botanical garden in Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, Japan
The Kyoto Botanical Gardens are a 24-hectare (59-acre) site in Sakyō-ku that displays approximately 12,000 plant species from Japan and around the globe. Plants grow in specialized greenhouses and outdoor areas, allowing visitors to explore diverse flora in one location.
The gardens first opened to the public in 1923 as a pioneering facility for plant research and education in western Japan. Since then, it has developed into an important place for understanding plants and their relationships.
The place hosts traditional seasonal celebrations throughout the year, particularly spring cherry blossom viewings and autumn chrysanthemum displays that draw many visitors. These events reflect long-standing customs that remain central to how locals experience the changing seasons.
Visiting early in the morning or late afternoon often means fewer crowds and a more relaxed pace. The Kyoto City Subway stops at Kitayama Station, from which the grounds are easily accessible on foot.
The grounds maintain a dedicated section for night-blooming plants, using modified lighting to study and display species that flower only after dark. Visitors can discover this hidden area and observe how plants thrive in darkness.
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