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Exploring Kyoto Garden: An Amazing Journey to Japan in London

amomentwithfranca · 12 May 2023 · 46 Comments

As someone who has already experienced the serene beauty of Kyoto Garden, I couldn’t resist going back for another visit. It’s quickly become a favourite spot for my family and me, with its peaceful atmosphere and vibrant flora and fauna providing a welcome escape from the hustle and bustle of city life.

Exploring Kyoto Garden: A Journey to Japan in London

Table of Contents

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  • Exploring Kyoto Garden: A Journey to Japan in London
    • 1. About Kyoto Garden
      • What is the history of Kyoto Garden?
    • 2. Features of Kyoto Garden
      • Waterfalls
      • Flora and Fauna
      • Stone lanterns
    • 3. Useful Information for Visitors
      • Is Kyoto Garden free to enter?
      • What is the best time to visit Kyoto Garden?
      • How long does it take to walk around Kyoto Garden?
    • 4. Other Attractions in the area
    • 5. Personal Reflection and Recommendations
    • 6. Conclusion

This time around, I want to share my thoughts and experiences about our latest visit to Kyoto Garden in Holland Park, Kensington. Join me as I take you on a journey through this tranquil oasis in the heart of London.

Exploring Kyoto Garden: A Journey to Japan in London

1. About Kyoto Garden

What is the history of Kyoto Garden?

Kyoto Garden, located in the heart of Holland Park in Kensington, London, is a gift from the city of Kyoto to commemorate the long friendship between Japan and Great Britain. The garden was opened in 1991 and has since become a popular attraction for both locals and tourists.

The design of the garden is based on the classic principles of Japanese garden art, which aim to create a harmonious and serene space that brings the natural world closer to the human experience. Every element of the garden, from the waterfalls and ponds to the carefully placed stones and lanterns, is designed to create a sense of balance and tranquillity.

Kyoto Garden - Sienna in front of the Waterfalls

2. Features of Kyoto Garden

Kyoto Garden is a true oasis of peace and tranquillity in the bustling city of London. It’s a beautiful Japanese garden with an array of traditional features that reflect the culture of Japan. Let’s take a closer look at some of the most striking features of this serene garden.

  • Waterfalls

The tiered waterfalls create a sense of calm and serenity, making it the perfect place to relax and unwind. The sound of the cascading water is soothing and provides a peaceful background ambience.

  • Flora and Fauna

The garden is full of vibrant plants, including Japanese maple trees, cherry blossoms, and a variety of colourful flowers that add to the garden’s charm and beauty. The pond in the garden is home to an abundance of beautiful koi carp, which are a symbol of good luck in Japanese culture.

  • Stone lanterns

As you walk through the garden, you’ll notice traditional Japanese stone lanterns scattered throughout. These lanterns are made from granite or stone and are intricately carved with beautiful patterns and designs.

Overall, the garden is a stunning and serene oasis that offers visitors a glimpse into Japanese culture and traditions. It’s beautiful features and tranquil atmosphere make it a must-visit location for anyone looking to escape the hustle and bustle of London.

3. Useful Information for Visitors

Is Kyoto Garden free to enter?

The garden is a free-to-enter destination, which makes it accessible to everyone. It’s located in Holland Park in Kensington, London, and it’s easily accessible by public transport. The nearest tube stations are Holland Park (Central Line), Kensington High Street (Circle and District Lines), and Notting Hill Gate (Circle, District and Central Lines).

The garden is open daily from 7:30 am until 8 pm, so there’s plenty of time to explore and enjoy its beauty. There are plenty of photo opportunities, so don’t forget to bring your camera or smartphone!

There are some rules to follow when visiting, such as no littering, no feeding the wildlife, and no swimming or paddling in the pond. It’s also important to be respectful of the garden and other visitors by keeping noise levels low and not damaging any of the plants or structures.

What is the best time to visit Kyoto Garden?

A great time to visit is in spring, in May when the cherry trees are in full bloom.

How long does it take to walk around Kyoto Garden?

The garden is not that big so doesn’t take that long to walk around. It really depends on how much time you want to spend enjoying the surroundings.

Kyoto Garden - Family Photo

4. Other Attractions in the area

If you’re planning to visit, you might also want to consider exploring the rest of Holland Park. This 54-acre park offers a variety of activities for visitors, from strolling through the tranquil Kyoto Garden to playing sports, having a picnic in the open spaces or visiting the opera.

Additionally, there are several museums and attractions nearby, such as the Design Museum, Leighton House Museum, and the Science Museum. If you have time, I would highly recommend checking them out to further immerse yourself in the culture and history of the area.

For an enriching London experience, venture beyond Holland Park to explore the city’s museums and landmarks. Opt for cheap car hire Heathrow for convenient travel options. Visit Buckingham Palace for the Changing of the Guard or explore the Tower of London for a historic adventure.

Kyoto Garden - Franca in front of Waterfalls

5. Personal Reflection and Recommendations

The peaceful atmosphere of the garden is truly remarkable. It’s hard to believe that such a serene space exists in the heart of London. Every time I visit, I feel like I’m transported to a different world, one that’s free from the stresses and worries of everyday life.

One of my favourite things about Kyoto Garden is the pond full of beautiful koi carp. Watching these elegant fish swim around is incredibly calming, and it’s easy to lose track of time as you sit and watch them.

Another highlight of the garden is the tiered waterfalls. The sound of the water cascading down the rocks creates a soothing background noise that adds to the overall peaceful atmosphere.

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A post shared by Franca❤️London | Family Travel (@amomentwithfranca)

6. Conclusion

In conclusion, our visit to Kyoto Garden was a truly serene and peaceful experience, transporting us to the heart of Japan right in the middle of London. We highly recommend visiting this beautiful garden, especially for those looking for a relaxing and meditative experience.

Don’t forget to share this post with your friends and family who might be interested in visiting, and be sure to tag us in your own photos!

Have you visited Kyoto Garden before? What was your favourite feature of the garden? Let us know in the comments below!

Thanks for stopping by,

Love you all ❤️

Franca  💋

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Filed Under: Days Out, Family, Guide, London, Review, Reviews, Tips, Travel

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. claire woods says

    21 May 2023 at

    I’ve not been here but looks amazing. Going to add it to my list. My son Samuel loves anything to do with Japan. We’ve been to a Japanese garden in Cornwall.

    Reply
  2. Michelle Ferguson says

    21 May 2023 at

    Never heard of this before but looks stunning, maybe I will get to visit one day

    Reply
  3. Natalie Burgess says

    21 May 2023 at

    Wow it’s so so beautiful, I need to bring the kids here xx

    Reply
  4. Jo Hutchings says

    21 May 2023 at

    I had no idea this place existed. It sounds absolutely lovely.

    Reply
  5. Joanne Darnell says

    21 May 2023 at

    looks amazing

    Reply
  6. Rebecca Smith says

    21 May 2023 at

    What an amazing experience. It looks lovely!

    Reply
  7. Chelsey Hollings says

    21 May 2023 at

    Wow looks like a fantastic place

    Reply
  8. Amber says

    21 May 2023 at

    Beautiful place.

    Reply
  9. Annabel Greaves says

    21 May 2023 at

    This place looks absolutely beautiful

    Reply
  10. Lucy says

    21 May 2023 at

    This looks like such a lovely day!

    Reply
  11. Natalie Crossan says

    21 May 2023 at

    No I’ve never been before but it looks really beautiful!

    Reply
  12. Aileen Russell says

    22 May 2023 at

    What a beautiful place

    Reply
  13. Ursula Hunt says

    22 May 2023 at

    Will certainly visit here when I am next in London

    Reply
  14. Geri Gregg says

    22 May 2023 at

    The garden sounds very nice, would be a pleasant day out

    Reply
  15. Miss G says

    22 May 2023 at

    Wow great article

    Reply
  16. shellyg says

    22 May 2023 at

    would love to visit next time I’m in the area

    Reply
  17. Tammie says

    22 May 2023 at

    Never heard of this before, but it looks stunning. Will hopefully have time to visit on our next London trip.

    Reply
  18. A.E. Adkins says

    22 May 2023 at

    Always wanted to go to Japan, this may look the nearest I get, it looks lovely tho’!

    Reply
  19. Charlotte isobelle says

    22 May 2023 at

    This looks like a lovely place to visit

    Reply
  20. Claire Lawrenson says

    22 May 2023 at

    I adore Japanese gardens. They are so tranquil & elegant.

    Reply
  21. Troy Easton says

    14 July 2023 at

    Cool would love see Japan like this so much to see.

    Reply
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HI THERE, I’M FRANCA!

Hi, I'm Franca. Blogger for 9 yrs, exploring lifestyle, family, travel. Ex-lawyer turned full-time digital creator. Love testing and reviewing new products, services, and destinations. Read More…

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