Umekōji Park (梅小路公園) was opened in 1995 to commemorate the 1200th anniversary of the founding of Kyoto as the capital in the Heian period. Another main reason for the park’s creation is to add green space in Kyoto’s city center so that locals can rest. Unlike other attractions in the city center, it isn’t crowded and is a good spot for some quietness. The park is also a hidden gem for plum and cherry blossoms and autumn colors.
Table of Contents
- About Umekōji Park
- The Plum Blossoms at Umekōji Park
- Umekōji Park’s Fall Foliage
- Umekōji Park’s Opening Hours, Admission Fee, and Access Information
Refer to HERE for the Umekōji Park Map.
About Umekōji Park
The 1.28-hectare urban park is divided into several zones, with the Japanese garden, Suzaku-no-Niwa (朱雀の庭), being the most scenic spot. In the fall, the beautiful reflection of the autumn leaves on the strolling garden’s pond attracts many visitors. If you visit the park with young children, visit Suzaku Yume Hiroba (すざくゆめ広場). They will love the large playground equipment there, especially the 14-meter-long slide.
Moreover, on the 1st Saturday of each month (except January and May), Umekōji Park Handmade Market (梅小路公園手づくり市) is held from 9 am to 4 pm. It is a great event to hunt for things to bring home!
The Plum Blossoms at Umekōji Park
As its name suggests, Umekōji Park is a renowned plum blossom spot. The plum grove, Ume Komichi (梅こみち), on the southeastern part of the park, has around 140 plums of 14 varieties planted. Including the early and late bloomers, the plum blossom season at Umekōji Park is long, from mid-January to March. The season peaks from mid-February to early March.
The Plum Blossom Festival in Umekōji Park (梅まつりin梅小路公園) is held between late February and early March each year.
Tip: Umekōji Park is adjacent to a rail track. Check the Timetable of the steam locomotive SL Steam (SLスチーム号) for a photo of the blooming plums and the steam locomotive. The train departs from the Kyoto Railway Museum nearby.
The Cherry Blossoms at Umekōji Park
While not as famous as the plum blossoms, you can also find cherry blossoms at Umekōji Park. The park has around 170 cherry trees of 30 varieties. While the cherry blossom season changes each year, the season usually peaks at the beginning of April.
The best spot to admire the cherry blossoms at Umekōji Park is at the east end of the park. The weeping cherry trees look just like pink spectacular waterfalls. You will also find a cherry blossom tunnel there!
The Suzaku-no-Niwa garden is another must-visit spot at Umekōji Park for cherry blossom. The pink flowers contrast the strolling water garden amazingly, making it the perfect spot for a stroll in spring.
Umekōji Park’s Fall Foliage
The fall foliage at Umekōji is also recommended. From mid to late November, the 150 maple trees decorate the park with vivid colors. The Japanese garden, Suzaku-no-Niwa (朱雀の庭), is extra stunning during the autumn foliage season when the nighttime illumination is held.
- Umekōji Park Autumn Festival (梅小路公園 紅葉まつり) was held from the 10th to the 26th of November from 5 pm to 9 pm.
- The last admission to Suzaku-no-Niwa was 8:30 pm.
- The admission fee to enter Su
- 600 yen for adults
- 300 yen for elementary school students
Umekōji Park’s Opening Hours, Admission Fee, and Access Information
- The Japanese garden, Suzaku-no-Niwa, in Umekōji Park is open from 9 am to 5 pm from Tuesday to Sunday.
- The last admission is at 4:30 pm.
- If Monday is a public holiday, it closes the next business day.
- The garden is also closed from the 28th of December to the 4th of January.
- The admission fee to Suzaku-no-Niwa and the forest zone, Inochi-no Mori (いのちの森), is 200 yen for elementary school students and above.
- Umekōji Park is next to JR Umekōji-Kyōtonishi Station (梅小路京都西駅). From Kyoto Station (京都駅), it is a 15-minute walk.
