The 12 Most Beautiful Places to Experience Nature in Kyoto

Philosopher’s Walk is a beautiful stone path that follows a cherry-tree lined canal in Kyoto between Ginkaku-ji (The Silver Pavilion) and Nanzen-ji. The path is a vivid green in summer and offers some pleasant relief from the heat of downtown Kyoto. Pink cherry blossoms line the path during spring in Japan, creating a truly spectacular experience.

The Kyoto Botanical Gardens is the oldest and most comprehensive public botanical garden in Japan. The ever-changing garden can be enjoyed all year round with seasonal plants and deciduous trees. It is the perfect place for a stroll in nature, a picnic, or cherry blossom viewing. Cacti in the glasshouse at Kyoto Botanical Gardens. Beautiful tulips during springtime at the Kyoto Botanical Gardens.

Ine-cho was once a sleepy fishing village along Ine Bay in northern Kyoto Prefecture, but is now an off-the-beaten-track tourist destination that appears to be floating on the sea, giving it the nickname of the “Venice of Japan.” Traditional Japanese houses line the bay at Ine no Funaya, also known as “Kyoto by the Sea.”

Located on a hill to the northeast of Kyoto city, Shugakuin Imperial Palace is likely the most picturesque of Kyoto’s many imperial residences. From its vantage point it overlooks the city. Built along the natural incline of a hill, the palace’s beautiful grounds are full of maple trees that turn red in the autumn, along with many other trees in the surroundings. You can only enter the palace and gardens on a guided tour, so check their website for more information regarding the tours, as you need to make a reservation. Recommended by Elizabeth Lee.

One of Kyoto’s best-kept secrets, Murin-an Villa is a gorgeous garden perfect for strolling and admiring the landscape. The villa of 19th century Japanese Prime Minister Aritomo Yamagata, Murin-an Villa also uses shakkei to borrow the Higashiyama Hills as a background, and the streams, ponds and waterfalls in the garden are fed by Lake Biwa, Japan’s largest lake. This Japanese garden has Western elements to it, such as the open lawn in front of the villa. This hidden garden is located at the end of a narrow alleyway, near the Kyoto Municipal Zoo. Recommended by Elizabeth Lee.

This secret garden is one of the loveliest in Japan, offering an escape from the hustle and bustle of the metropolis. The grounds of the Zen Buddhist Saiho-ji Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, are famous for the moss garden. Over a hundred species of moss grow in the garden, covering the rocks, ground and even some other plants, giving the garden a magical atmosphere. This is one of Kyoto’s most tranquil gardens, and you must book months in advance to enter. Recommended by Elizabeth Lee.

One of the best places to see cherry blossoms in Kyoto, Haradani-en Garden is famous for its shidare sakura trees, also called ‘weeping cherry blossoms’ as the flowers hang downwards from the branches. This 13,000m2, privately owned garden is located on the steep Okitayama Hills. You can spend a day there, as many Japanese families and couples do, picnicking, taking photos, and simply enjoying the spring, one of the most beautiful seasons in Kyoto. If you happen to be visiting outside of cherry blossom season, the garden has many other trees and plants, that make it a great place to be close to nature. Recommended by Elizabeth Lee.