Maruyama Park is a public park that becomes
a
popular spot for cherry blossom hanami (flower viewing)
in
April. It is located next to the Yasaka Shrine in the south
eastern part of Kyoto.
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.
Please see below for tours
that include cherry blossoms at Maruyama Park:
