If you are in Kyoto in spring, be sure to check out the city's oldest and most beautiful Maruyama Park. It is very popular with both tourists and the local population. It is the best place to admire the cherry blossoms. Almost 700 trees in one square is a worthwhile sight.



There were temples here, but fires ruthlessly destroyed them. This space was converted into a recreation area in 1871 but didn't officially open until 1886. Maruyama Park has become a place in Japan that wonderfully combines European and traditional styles.



The main attraction is the 70-year-old sakura tree, which is located in the center of the park. Every evening the tree is illuminated, so you can admire the beauty of the blossoming perennial tree even after sunset.



The tradition of watching cherry blossoms has been around for more than a thousand years. In April, when flowers appear on the trees, many people in Japan turn into philosophers.

Maruyama Park is a silent witness of Kyoto's history. If it had appeared 15 years earlier, it might have become a favorite place of famous Japanese samurai Sakamoto Ryoma and Nakaoka Shintaro. They participated in the movement against the Tokugawa shogunate but were killed by the enemy in 1867. One version is that the samurai were killed by a detachment of the Kyoto police, who remained loyal to the shogunate. In memory of the national heroes, a statue of Ryoma and Shintaro was erected in Maruyama Park.

The oldest part of the park, Tisen Kaiyu Garden, has a tragic history. It was founded in the 14th century in honor of the Empress Kenreimon-in, born Taira no Tokuko. She lost her entire family in political wars. Her son died in front of her. After all the troubles that came upon the empress, she took the veil. The ceremony was conducted by a servant of the Kyoto monastery of Terakuji. Some of its buildings have survived to this day and are located in the depths of the park.

In memory of Kenreimon-in, a beautiful thirteen-tiered stone pagoda was built next to the main temple hall and Tisen Kaiyu Garden was laid out. The garden is filled with peace and tranquility which the empress lacked. Here you can walk along the paved paths and listen to the sound of waterfalls.

One of the shortest routes to Maruyama Park is from Kyoto bus station. Here, take bus number 100 or 206 and go to the Gion bus stop. It takes about 20 minutes. From there, you can walk to Yasaka Shrine, next to which the park is located.