Towards the north end of Kyoto’s city center in Katagamine (鷹ヶ峰), Shōzan Resort Kyoto (しょうざんリゾート京都) is where the locals would visit for a stylish getaway. The area is also where you can feel the history of Kyoto. The water from the Kamiyagawa River (紙屋川) flowing through the resort was used to make paper for the imperial orders. The Odoi (御土居) in the resort was one of the historical spots related to Toyotomi Hideyoshi. Besides the hotels, restaurants, and dyeing craft museum, the gardens on the scenic north and south end of the resort are less-known spots where locals come for their relaxing stroll.
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Odoi (御土居)
Odori is the earthworks that surrounded Kyoto’s city center, completed in 1591. The embarkment, which only took five months to complete, was one of the many infrastructures that Toyotomi Hideyoshi built to rebuild Kyoto from the damage of the continuous civil wars.
The earthworks served as military defence and flood countermeasures. They were also the borderline that marked the city center.
The Odori had 10 gates. The names of the gates continue to be used as placenames in Kyoto. The Kurama-guchi (鞍馬口) is a good example. Nowadays, only parts of the embarkment in the north are left.
Shōzan Garden (しょうざん庭園)/North Garden (北庭)
During the plum blossom season, the North Garden is the most visited part of the Shōzan Resort Kyoto. A part of the vast garden is a plum grove. The Kamiyagawa River flows through the Japanese garden. Here, you can enjoy seasonal colors with the peaks nearby, Takagamine Sanzan (鷹ヶ峰三山), in the background.
The first half of the garden is a moss-covered area with splendid cedars and garden rocks. The second part has plums and maples planted, making it the most picturesque part of the resort in early spring and autumn.
Tea rooms and villas are also scattered in the Shōzan Garden. There is even a tea room made of sake barrels! Most of them are usually closed to the public except when the 100 red and white plums bloom from early to mid-March and when irises are in full bloom in June.
- The Plum Viewing Party (梅見の宴) is usually held from early to mid-March. It is an event where Maiko performs a tea ceremony in front of the guests and can be followed by a Japanese-style course meal.
- Iris Viewing Part (華しょうぶの会) is usually held in early June.
- The North Garden is open from 9 am to 5 pm.
- The admission fee is 500 yen.
- If you dine in any restaurants in the resort, you can get 300 yen off.
How to Get to Shōzan Resort Kyoto
- Take Kyoto City Bus from Kyoto Subway’s Kitaoji Station (北大路駅) and get off at Kitakonohatachō (北木ノ畑町).
- You can also take a bus from Shijōōmiya (四条大宮) or Kyoto Station.
- Use one of Japan’s Transport Apps to plan your visit.
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!
