Daitoku-ji

One of the most prominent Zen temples in Kyoto, Daitoku-ji is a large complex with numerous sub-temples on its property, several of which are famous for their gardens.  Kōtō-in is composed largely of maple trees and contains a small tea garden as well as a particularly popular fall scene.  Daisen-in’s claim to fame is a karesansui garden desiged to look like a classical Chinese painting, and also offers green tea and sweets on site.  Ryōgen-in actually contains five different gardens surrounding its main hall, one of which is said to be the smallest Zen garden in the country.  Zuihō-in also features a karesansui garden as well as the Garden of the Cross, with a link to the Hidden Christian movement.  Depending on how much time you want to spend, Daitoku-ji offers an abundance of choices when it comes to gardens!

Toraya

Take a break from walking to stop by the Toraya tea room near the Imperial Palace to enjoy some green tea and a traditional Japanese confection‒ or anything else you might like from their delicious menu. 

Guests have the option of sitting outside or by the window to take in their garden while you eat.  Though you’ll see many historical gardens today, why not take a seat and relax in this tea room where you can enjoy the changing of the seasons?

Note: The menu may change depending on the season.

Sento Gosho

The Sento Imperial Palace and Omiya Palace once served as palaces for emperors and dowagers, with gardens designed by the age’s leading landscape architect, Kobori Enshu- and what remains is still a beautiful reminder of those periods in time.  Now tour groups who make reservations or those who manage to secure same-day tickets can take an hour long walk through the gorgeous strolling pond garden, enjoying seasonal features like maple leaves and wisteria.  The tour is conducted only in Japanese, but an audio guide and pamphlet is available at no cost for English speakers.  Make sure to check the Imperial Household Agency's official website here for more information.

Shinsen-en

A small garden containing both Buddhist and Shinto sites of worship is all that remains of Emperor Kanmu’s pleasure garden, the expansive grounds of which were created when Kyoto was first designated the capital back in 794.  Though only a small amount of the Shinsen-en remains, it’s a glimpse into the landscape Heian Period nobility were used to when they enjoyed a leisurely culture of refinement, using their gardens for tea ceremonies, moon viewing, music, and boating.  The distinctive dragon boat on the pond and its arched vermilion bridge are the figureheads for this garden, as are its seasonal flower offerings.

Kōdai-ji Light-up (Not Available in Winter)

Kōdai-ji is famous for its illuminations, and in spring and fall you have the chance to enjoy this gorgeous temple and its gardens after dark.  The dry landscape garden attached to the Abbot’s Quarters is colorfully lit-up with modern art and projection mapping, and the more traditionally lit outer garden features teahouses, a pond, stone formations, and even a bamboo grove.  Since this will take you to the Higashiyama area, take the chance to find a delicious local restaurant while you’re there before you head on home!