Umekoji Park

In short

An urban park covering approximately 13.7 hectares that opened in 1995 (Heisei 7) to commemorate the 1,200th anniversary of the founding of the ancient capital of Heian-kyo. In the late Heian period, it was the site of Nishihachijo-tei, a complex of residences belonging to the Taira clan, led by Taira no Kiyomori. The park also houses Kyoto Aquarium and Kyoto Railway Museum, making it an area where visitors can enjoy spending an entire day.

• ​Suzaku Garden​​: A pond stroll garden created by bringing together the techniques of Kyoto landscaping. The central pond, "Mizukagami," has just 1 centimeter of water spread over black granite, reflecting the surrounding scenery by day and the moon by night. The waterfall, with a drop of about 6 meters, is the largest in Kyoto's city center
• ​Inochi-no-Mori​​: A biotope recreating undulating terrain and watersides in a place that was once a downtown freight station with no grass or trees. To protect the forest, visitors walk along a canopy corridor built up to 3.6 meters high
• ​Lawn Square and Tram Square​​: The lawn square covers 2.3 hectares, and within the park is also a plum grove where 140 trees of 14 varieties bloom. In the Tram Square, four Kyoto City Tram cars built in the Taisho and Showa periods and a platform are installed

History and Highlights

​Umekoji Park​ is an urban park covering approximately 13.7 hectares that opened in 1995 (Heisei 7) to commemorate the 1,200th anniversary of the founding of the ancient capital of Heian-kyo. While situated in the city area about a 15-minute walk west of Kyoto Station, it is cherished as a place to relax amid greenery and flowers, as well as an evacuation site for citizens during disasters.

This area is part of land purchased in 1913 (Taisho 2) as the grounds for the Umekoji Freight Station. Going further back to the late Heian period, it was the site of Nishihachijo-tei, a complex of residences belonging to the Taira clan, led by Taira no Kiyomori, overlapping with the current lawn area and other sections. Archaeological excavations conducted during the park's construction uncovered structural remains believed to be part of the complex, so earth was mounded over them to avoid damaging the remains. Umekoji Park also houses Kyoto Aquarium and Kyoto Railway Museum, making it an area where visitors can enjoy spending an entire day.

Highlights and Activities

• ​Suzaku Garden​​: Created to commemorate the 1,200th anniversary of the founding of the ancient capital of Heian-kyo, this pond stroll garden covers approximately 9,000 square meters, bringing together the techniques of Kyoto landscaping. The central pond, "Mizukagami" (Water Mirror), features just 1 centimeter of water spread over Indian black granite, reflecting the surrounding scenery by day and the moon by night. The waterfall, with a drop of about 6 meters, is the largest in Kyoto's city center, and "nosuji" (gentle streams) starting from above the waterfall flow across the undulating lawn in multiple channels.
• ​Inochi-no-Mori​​: Created in 1996 (Heisei 8), this biotope is integrated with Suzaku Garden. Recreating undulating terrain and watersides in a place that was once a vegetation-free downtown freight station, it attempts the natural regeneration of plants and living creatures while minimizing human intervention. To protect the forest, visitors walk along a canopy corridor built up to 3.6 meters high.
• ​Lawn Square and Tram Square​​: The central lawn area covers 2.3 hectares, and within the park is also a plum grove with 140 trees of 14 varieties. In the Tram Square, four Kyoto City Tram cars built in the Taisho and Showa periods and a platform are installed, conveying the nostalgic atmosphere of the era when streetcars operated.

Tips for Visitors

The park is right outside Umekoji-Kyotonishi Station on the JR Sagano Line, or about a 15-minute walk west from the Central Gate of Kyoto Station along Shiokoji-dori Street. Suzaku Garden and Inochi-no-Mori can be accessed from the second floor of Midori-no-Yakata, located on the west side of the park. About 550 meters to the north, in the former entertainment district of Shimabara, stand the Sumiya Motenashi Cultural Art Museum and Shimabara Omon Gate. Nishi Hongwanji Temple is located about 800 meters to the northeast.