Maruyama Park Kyoto

Maruyama Park Kyoto

Kyoto, the nature lovers’ paradise, is home to some of Japan’s most exotic parks and gardens. These parks are however not merely a source of greenery; neither they are just an irresistible temptation to escape from the din and bustle of the city. These countless but majestic parks also propagate Zen Buddhist Philosophy. Therefore, philosophy wrapped in greenery and aestheticism is what best describes the parks. Spread throughout Kyoto, the cultural citadel of Japan, some of the most frequented parks are Imperial Park, Byodoin Garden, The Philosophers Park and the list goes on. The Maruyama Park, Kyoto is however one of the most visited parks in the entire city. Flocked by the locals and tourists alike, it is a great place to indulge oneself into the scenic beauty of Maruyama Park.

Maruyama Park, Kyoto is located adjacent to the Yasaka Shrine in the Higashiyama district. This beautiful park is bordered on one end by the Yasaka Shrine and Mt. Maruyama, on the other end. The park, at first impression, may not seem big enough. However a walk east towards the Higashiyama hills will bring one at the foothills of this mountain. A trek through the rugged and steep mountainous path will lead one to the summit. A westward descend from the summit takes one back to the Maruyama Park, encountering a small zoo in the middle.

Beautiful throughout the year, the Maruyama Park, Kyoto however looks best during autumn as the April month sees the cherry tress in full bloom. During this time of the year, the park becomes the venue for Japan’s one of the most celebrated festivals- the Hanami (cherry blossom viewing parties) festival. The park has some small restaurants, take away food joints and proper toilet facilities. At New Year, the park gets transformed into a party place. Occupying every nook and corner of this park, people eat, drink and enjoy a quality time with their near and dear ones. The park contains a few small man made water bodies and to see some white majestic swans floating is a really pleasurable experience.

The Maruyama Park in Kyoto is bordered by Mt Maruyama and a stroll to its summit leads one to a beautiful shrine. The main attraction though is the bird’s eye view of the magnificent Kyoto city which adequately compensates the time and the tired muscles of the summit winner. The centre of attraction of this park is however a tall cherry tree, known in Japan as Shidarezakura (the Japanese synonym for weeping cherry tree). The night time adds elegance to this tree with lights all turned on.
Located at a mere 20 minutes bus ride from the Kyoto station, the park is a must visit for anyone visiting Kyoto.

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