Umekoji Park in Kyoto

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Facts & Figures

Umekoji Park is a beautiful city park hidden from the well-known tourist paths. This green spot is full of seasonal flowers, trees and a large open meadow, where locals enjoy some sports activities.  Explore Ryokans in Kyoto >
Ryokans are the perfect way to discover old Japanese culture and traditions. Part of Umekoji are Midori-no-kan garden, Inochi-no-Mori garden, a tea house, the Kyoto Railway Museum (largest railway museum in Japan), Kyoto Aquarium and some old trolley cars. These cars are used as souvenir shops and small exhibition spaces. Best time for a visit is the cherry blossom season in the end of March.

• Umekoji Park:
• Open - always, the whole year

My tips for local activities

How about exploring the best parts of my favourite city Kyoto with a local guide? The personalized tour by our partner GetYourGuide can take between 2 - 8 hours. For more details check out this page >

History

Since 1995 Umekoji Park is open for the public. The property was owned by the Japanese Railway company before it was transformed into a park.

Sightseeing spots

Top:

Kyoto Railway Museum - It is the largest railway museum in Japan. On display are 53 railway vehicles, including a Shinkansen of the 500 series. Do not miss a steam locomotive ride at the property and check out the train operating simulator.

Kyoto Aquarium - You will find there 15000 marine animals of appr. 250 different species.

Festival & Events in Kyoto (dates can change without notice)

April

Miyako Odori (1st - 31th)
The traditional annual spring dance of the Kyoto district Gion Kobu performed by Geiko and Maiko is a must-see on your Kyoto visit. Don't miss the most popular dances the Miyako Odori "Cherry Blossom Dances" or "Dances of the Old Capital" at the Gion Kobu Kaburenjo Theater (located close to Gion Corner).

May

Aoi Matsuri (15th)
The highlight of this festival is a large parade from Imperial Palace through Shimogamo Shrine to the Kamo Shrines. More than 500 people wearing aristocratic costumes from the Heian Period (794 - 1185). The Aoi Matsuri belongs with the Gion Matsuri and Jidai Matsuri to the three most famous festivals in Kyoto.

July

Gion Matsuri (whole month)
The month July is full of different events like the Yoiyama - Kyoto's Magical Night (locals in kimonos look at the giant Gion floats the day before the parade) or the famous Yamaboko Junko (float procession on the 17th of July).

October

Jidai Matsuri ("Festival of Ages") (22nd)
People celebrate with a large parade between Imperial Palace to Heian Shrine the anniversary of the foundation of Kyoto. App. 2000 participants wearing historical costumes from different time periods. Enjoy this great festival which last around 2 hours.