If it is your first time visiting Kyoto, Arashiyama is probably on your itinerary. While the main streets in the area are packed, the great news is there is a less-known stunning spot that isn’t flooded with tourists. The park has a small plum blossom spot close to the bamboo forest. Over 10 plum blossoms here usually start to bloom in Kameyama Park (亀山公園) in mid-January. The plum blossom season usually peaks between late February to early March. The gorgeous 300 cherry blossoms decorate the park from late March to early April. Moreover, the scenery of the Hozugawa River from the park’s observation is breathtaking. It is the perfect spot to head to after you get off theHozugawa River Boat or Sagano Romantic Train!
Table of Contents
- About Kameyama Park
- The Plum Blossoms and Hozukyō Observation Deck at Kameyama Park
- How to Get to Kameyama Park
About Kameyama Park
Kameyama Park, west of Tenryū-ji Temple’s Sogenchi Garden (龍寺曹源池庭園), is a 10.6-hectare scenic park that stretches halfway up Mt. Kameyama (亀山) to Katsura River (桂川). Its formal name is Arashiyama Park Kameyama Area (嵐山公園 亀山地区). Although it is close to the most-visited spots in Arashiyama, tourists often overlook the park. The park was originally a part of Tenryū-ji but was separated from the temple by the government after the Meiji Restoration.
Thanks to the efforts of the locals, the area was developed as a park in 1910. The park’s administration was later transferred to Kyoto Prefecture.
The Plum Blossoms and Hozukyō Observation Deck at Kameyama Park
A relatively large number of plum trees can be seen on the slope in the southeastern part of Kameyama Park. The plum grove is around the top of the stairs from the Katsura River entrance. What blooms at the same time as the plum blossoms is the Japanese Andromeda. The collaboration between the crimson red plum blossoms and the white Japanese Andromeda can be seen in various parts of the park. If you plan to visit Kameyama Park from Togetsukyō Bridge (渡月橋), the stairs to the park is around 150 meters from the bridge. Soon after you enter the park, you will notice the plum’s nice scent.
You won’t find plum blossoms near the Hozukyō Observation Deck (保津峡展望台) on the west. Instead, you will find a panoramic view of the Hozugawa Gorge.
At this part of Kameyama Park, there are three observation decks, each offering a view of the Hozugawa Gorge from a different angle. The Hozugawa River Boat and the Sagano Romantic Train would appear so small that they look like miniature toys!
Note there is a bit of a hike to the observation deck. It is recommended that you come with a pair of comfortable walking shoes.
How to Get to Kameyama Park
- Kameyama Park is a 15-minute walk from Keifuku Electric Railroad’s Arashiyama Station (嵐山駅).
- From JR Saga Arashiyama Station (嵯峨嵐山駅) or Hankyu’s Arashiyama Station, the park is a 20-minute walk.
- If you plan to take Kyoto City Bus (市バス), get off at Arashiyama (嵐山). Kameyama Park is then a 5-minute walk.
- If you plan to take the Sagano Romantic Train, Kameyama Park is a 10-minute walk from Torokko Arashiyama Station (トロッコ嵐山駅).
Discover Other Plum Blossom Spots in Kyoto
Regardless the overtourism problem, Kyoto is undoubtably Japan’s most popular tourist destination. If you plan to visit Kyoto in early spring, there are several spots for you to add to your itinerary to enjoy the seasonal flower, plum blossoms! While the view created by the plum flowers may be less awe-inspiring than the cherry blossoms due to the volumes, the elegant fragrance will make your visit more pleasant.
For more information, refer to our article on The Plum Blossom Spots in Kyoto!
