Sep. 06, 2023 UPDATE

Summer is the time to go for a picnic! The 5 best places in Kyoto for a picnic!

As the refreshing mild summer winds blow, it’s time to head out for a picnic and enjoy the nature of Kyoto!
Vanessa

Summer is finally here in Kyoto! The weather is still not too hot for a picnic, so it’s time to head outside. When talking about having a picnic in Kyoto, I’m sure you’re all already thinking of the Kamo River! And you’re not wrong; the Kamo River is the most popular place for a picnic in Kyoto. But besides the Kamo River, there are also many other places in Kyoto which are great for a bit of relaxing and chatting by a picnic basket. So buy some bread and have a pleasurable picnic by the Kamo River!


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1Kamo River

Kamo RiverNo matter whether you talk of tourists from Japan or abroad, everyone loves the Kamo River and likes to spend some time by its banks. The river is especially beautiful in summer when you can see the yuka-riverside dining terraces, and in spring when you get to see the colorful cherry blossoms

picnicSo, start by buying some bread for our picnic by the Kamo River! You don’t need to pay anything for the privilege of getting to have a picnic here, but you do need to be careful of the crows and pigeons. 



2Kyoto Botanical Gardens

Kyoto Botanical GardensAt the Kyoto Botanical Gardens in Kitayama you can see different seasonal flowers every time you visit it, so every visit is a new experience. 

The gardens The gardens here are very spacious, and it’s easy to find your very own spot to have a picnic. You get two feasts here: one is the picnic, and the other is a feast for your eyes, as everything around you is filled with beautiful flowers! Just remember to buy something to eat before you enter the gardens! 



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3Kyoto Imperial Palace

Kyoto Imperial PalaceTake just one step inside the Kyoto Imperial Palace, and you will immediately notice the stately atmosphere. Tall trees surround the path on both sides, and there’s even a little river you can listen to; how beautiful is this! 

many families having picnicsIf the weather is nice, you can see many families having picnics in the garden. So sit down by a tree, and enjoy the nice weather with your family. 



4Togetsu-kyo Bridge in Arashiyama

Togetsu-kyo BridgeArashiyama is one of the three most-often visited sightseeing spots in Kyoto. Most people will head straight to the bamboo grove and the temples, but as you head to them from Hankyu Arashiyama Station, you can also take a moment to rest by the riverside and enjoy the view of the Togetsu-kyo Bridge.

croquette The best way to enjoy this area is to buy something small to eat from the food stalls and have a mini-picnic by the river. So how about getting a cup of coffee from % Arabica Kyoto, and a Japanese croquette from a food stall?



5Maruyama Park

Maruyama ParkThe beginning of summer can easily be seen at Maruyama Park, as everything around you is turning into vivid shades of green. This contrasts beautifully with the bright blue sky, and there is something very comforting in this sight. There is a small Japanese bridge and pond at the park, making the atmosphere feel even more Japanese.

some snacksYou can see some tables by the pond, and also a bit farther up the road. So you could buy some snacks from the food stalls and have a nice picnic surrounded by the brilliant green color of the fresh leaves! 



Request Private & Custom tour of these spots from Sharing Kyoto local guide


Vanessa[ Sharing Kyoto Staff ]
There are countless great restaurants in Kyoto, but sometimes you just want to relax and enjoy the nature by having a picnic. So get something yummy to eat, and start your very own Kyoto-picnic! It’s a completely different, but equally nice way of enjoying this ancient capital city!
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All Things To Do All Kyoto Area
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