A Day Out at Kyoto Gardens London

The Kyoto Garden is a stunning, Japanese garden located in the heart of London’s Holland Park. It’s a fantastic place to enjoy some peace and quiet in an otherwise loud city. Home to woodland trails, manicured gardens, children’s playgrounds, an opera venue, cafes, a Gelateria, an ecological centre, and more, Holland Park is a great day out. My favourite place within Holland Park is the Kyoto Gardens, and if you’re in West London, these are definitely worth a visit.

A Short History of the Kyoto Gardens

The Kyoto Gardens were created in 1991 as a gift from Kyoto to commemorate the long-standing friendship between Japan and Great Britain. The gardens emulate the traditional Japanese landscape, featuring tranquil water features, carefully pruned trees and a variety of beautiful plants. The garden’s centrepiece is a cascading waterfall that flows into a serene pond, inhabited by colourful koi fish, adding to the garden’s enchanting atmosphere.

What to Do in Kyoto Gardens

The main thing to do in the Kyoto Gardens is to walk along the winding path and immerse yourself in the serene, peaceful gardens. The entire area is extremely well manicured and features traditional stone lanterns and a small waterfall. You’re not allowed on the grass, so once you’ve finished walking a lap of the small gardens, you can spend time sitting on one for the garden’ benches.

You’ll also find diverse wildlife to enjoy here. From Peacocks, to Koi Fish, to Herons, this is a great place for wildlife enthusiasts. For the photographers out there, I’d highly recommend coming early in the morning as the park does get quite busy. It’s very small and can be hard to get photos without lots of people around.

Queue Tips and Nearby Facilities

The Kyoto Gardens are a popular destination, especially on weekends and during the warmer months. To avoid the crowds, consider visiting early in the morning or later in the afternoon. Weekdays are generally quieter, making for a more peaceful experience. The Kyoto Gardens are surprisingly small, so if you’re looking to just walk round and take pictures, you can be done in 10 minutes! You are not allowed to stand on the grass here, so there is a path that laps the entire Kyoto Gardens

Holland Park Facilities

Toilets: Public toilets are available within Holland Park, located near the entrance and in the vicinity of the gardens. These are free of charge!
Cafés: There are several cafés within Holland Park where you can enjoy a light meal or a cup of coffee. The Holland Park Café, located near the playground, offers a range of snacks and beverages. There’s also a great ice cream place near the cafe too!
Seating Areas: Numerous benches are scattered throughout the park and the Kyoto Gardens, providing perfect spots to sit and enjoy the surroundings.

Entrance Times and Fees

The Kyoto Gardens are open daily from 7:30 am until 30 minutes before dusk and entry is free!

Explore Holland Park

Once you’ve finished in Kyoto Gardens, be sure to spend time exploring other areas in Holland Park. Holland Park itself is one of London’s most charming green spaces, offering beautiful woodland trails, a large children’s playground, and a stunning orangery. I have added a map of Holland Park (below) so you can plan your time there. There are two children’s parks; one for toddlers and one for older children – I used to LOVE going to the playground here as a kid! There are also a number of woodland trails to enjoy walks and run on. I love coming here to escape the noise of city life.

Holland Park is also home to other pretty, and unique, gardens that are worth checking out. My other favourite one is the Dutch Gardens (pictured below) which has hundreds of colourful flowers when in bloom. Be sure to visit during the spring and summer months to take full advantage of these gardens, when the flowers are out. You’ll find this garden is lined with a number of beaches to sit on and enjoy the surrounding gardens.

Additionally, the park is home to the Holland Park Opera. This has events on throughout the year, with a particular focus on their three-month summer festival. Check out the Holland Park Opera site for what’s on and tickets.

Holland Park’s Surrounding Areas

Just a short walk from the park, you can find the vibrant shopping and dining districts of Kensington High Street and Notting Hill. Kensington High Street offers a mix of high-end boutiques, eateries, popular retail stores and the stunning Kensington Gardens. You’ll also find the Design Museum on Kensington High Street, directly outside Holland Park.

Whilst Notting Hill is famous for its colourful houses, eclectic shops and the renowned Portobello Road Market. Whether you’re in the mood for some retail therapy, a delicious meal, or simply exploring more of London’s charming neighbourhoods, there’s plenty to see and do nearby.