Maruyama Park

Maruyama Park is a popular hanami (flower viewing) during the cherry blossom season. It is a public park located next to the Yasaka Shrine in the south eastern part of Kyoto. In the center of the park is a 70 year old weeping cherry blossom tree (shidarezakura) that is said to have grown from a 300 year old tree. At night during the cherry blossom season the shidarezakura is illuminated for everyone to enjoy. During the night illumination patrons at the park drink sake and beer under the falling petals.

Maruyama Park used to be occupied by several temples, but was destroyed by the numerous fires in Kyoto. During the early years of the Meiji Period the area was turned into a park. It was then officially made a public park in 1886 and has remained that way. The layout is similar to a Chinese style where there are walkways, bridges, and ponds throughout the area. There are even large statues of Sakamoto Ryoma and Nakaoka Shintaro, famous samurai activists from Kochi, located within the park. As you stroll around the grounds you can find small shops where you can buy snacks and drinks.