Welcome to Kyoto’s Central Park – with a thousand years of history and seasonally rich with nature.

The Kyoto Imperial Palace had been the home of the Emperor and a capital of Japan for more than one thousand years from the Heian era (794 – 1192) up to the Meiji era (1868-1912). In the last years of the Edo Period (1603 – 1868), residences of court nobles were located surrounding the Kyoto Imperial Palace. Then according to the transfer of the capital of Japan from Kyoto to Tokyo during the Meiji Restoration, the court nobles as well as the Emperor moved to Tokyo.

Although the area was changed during the migration, Ouchi Preservation Business was set up by Meiji Emperor, and “Kyoto Gyoen” was produced by removing the residences of the court noblest, and by planting more trees. Enthronement Ceremonies for the Taisho Emperor and the Showa Emperor were held in Kyoto Gyoen. After World WarⅡ to make Kyoto Gyoen more open to public, rest houses and children’s parks and sports grounds were established. Now having about 100 ha, 9 gates and 5 exits alongside the Kyoto Imperial Palace, the Kyoto Omiya・Kyoto Sento Imperial Palaces, and the Kyoto State Guest House, Kyoto Gyoen has retained its fame as a friendly and relaxing place for Kyoto residents, and for visitors from all over the world.