As the city where history serves as its core, Kyoto sees the Imperial Palace complex as one of its main attractions. The former residential area for the imperial family is surrounded by many other important buildings including Sento Palace, Kaninnomiya Mansion, and Itsukushima Shrine—all sitting within a spacious park that is worth a visit itself: the Kyoto Imperial Palace Park.
Originally built as a town, Kyoto Imperial Palace Park or Kyoto Gyoen National Garden used to be the place where 200 court noble houses stood. It is not until the Meiji Era, when the Emperor gave orders for the place to be reconstructed after its deterioration due to the capital movement to Tokyo. Today, the park that is stretching 1300 meter long on the north of Kyoto Station, has become the city’s natural haven with many points of interest for tourists and locals alike.
It houses many green spaces, gravel paths, lawns and groves with over 50.000 trees, making it especially beautiful during fall and spring. And talking about spring, there are groups of separated weeping cherry trees here, that can offer promising views from late March to mid April every year—some grow beside the Kanoe Pond on the northwestern corner of the park, and some can be found on the west wing of the garden, near Shirakumo Shrine. Meanwhile in November, the vermilion foliage will make great autumn canopy for all walkers and joggers throughout the park. It may not be Kyoto’s best cherry blossom or autumn leaves viewing spot, but if you’re planning to get away from the crowds in the city’s major gardens during those times of year, Kyoto Imperial Palace Park can surely be an option.
The palace itself, of course, stands as the park’s main highlight. Lies majestically in the northern half of the park, Kyoto Imperial Palace offers a friendlier atmosphere than its sister-palace in the capital. Unlike Tokyo’s Imperial Palace which seems highly exclusive, Kyoto Imperial Palace is not separated by moats that people can actually get near to the palace ground. Additionally, starting from July 2016, the old regulations of having a reservation prior entering the palace was abolished—yes, anyone can now enter the palace ground and see a clearer view of the palace buildings.
Aside from its history and traditional touch, Kyoto Imperial Park has always been famous for its promenades, resting checkpoints, and venue for sports as well as people-watching. Obviously this is a perfect place for you to come in early morning, to just have a peaceful walk accross the graveled grounds lined with trees, or to sit and hear the birds chirping. This is just the place for everyone who wants to connect with nature, in the midst of a big city’s madness.
