Maruyama Park (Kyoto) 円山公園（京都）

Sitting right in the heart of the Gion district , the expansive Maruyama Park offers a casual refuge from the hustle and bustle of Kyoto's tourist districts.

Bus routes connect Maruyama Park to Kyoto Station .

From Kyoto Station , buses 100 or 206 will take you to the Gion stop in about 20 minutes. Maruyama Park is a short walk from there. You can also access the park walking through Yasaka Shrine , which faces Shijo Street.

During the first half of April each year, the park is flooded by locals and guests who come to view the stunning cherry trees that blossom in the park. One of the most popular hanami (flower watching) parks in Kyoto , springtime here sees Maruyama Park swathed in shades of pink.

Arguably the park's most famous feature is the towering shidarezakura (weeping cherry tree), which is illuminated in the evenings.

The park, constructed by Ueji VII (who also designed the garden of Murin-an in the Higashiyama area) makes the perfect stop to enjoy a bento box lunch between visits to nearby temples like Chion-in or Shoren-in.

On days that are not suitable for picnicking, there are several Japanese restaurants dotted around, including one establishment with three Michelin Stars.

Each year in March, the Higashiyama Hanatoro Festival transforms Maruyama Park and its surroundings into an illuminated wonderland. Dotted with thousands of lanterns, the festival makes for a stunning walk and an ideal way to explore the park and the surrounding area.