🗺️ Kyoto Prefectural Botanical Garden京都府立植物園

The Kyoto Prefectural Botanical Garden opened in 1924 under the name "Daiten Memorial Kyoto Botanical Garden" and is the oldest public comprehensive botanical garden in Japan, with a history of 100 years. It endured hardships during the war, being reduced to a vegetable garden and later taken over by the United Nations forces, but it was revitalized in 1961. Since 2009, it has been enhanced under the concept of being "Japan's most interesting and therapeutic botanical garden," a development that continues to this day. Covering a vast area of 24 hectares, the garden showcases approximately 12,000 species of plants. From the seasonal flowerbeds at the main entrance, visitors can continue 200 meters forward to explore the camphor trees, rose garden, cherry blossom grove, plant ecology garden, and viewing greenhouse, among many other attractions. The viewing greenhouse is the largest in Japan, featuring around 4,500 species of plants, including many rare plants that are being exhibited or flowering for the first time in Japan. Tropical plants can be observed throughout the year, and exhibitions of tuberous begonias, orchids, and carnivorous plants are frequently held. The garden is stunning in both spring with cherry blossoms and autumn with colorful leaves, particularly renowned for its cherry blossom season. There are about 170 varieties and 500 cherry trees, including Somei Yoshino, Yaezakura, and Gyoiko, allowing visitors to enjoy over a month of blooming. Additionally, the competition between cherry blossoms and tulips creates a vibrant spectacle, making it a quintessential spring scene and one of the garden's most representative landscapes. Furthermore, the Kyoto Prefectural Botanical Garden hosts over 50 various exhibitions throughout the year, along with related workshops, observation events, and horticultural consultations. The garden is widely open to the public as a place for relaxation and education through plants, and it is greatly loved by the local community.

In Japan's largest migratory viewing greenhouse, approximately 4,500 species of plants can be observed. Rare plants that are being displayed and blooming for the first time in Japan can also be seen. In spring, visitors can enjoy the beautiful sight of cherry blossoms and tulips competing with each other.