{"id":1300,"date":"2026-06-02T08:59:09","date_gmt":"2026-06-01T23:59:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/mktaxi-japan.com\/kyoto\/?post_type=article&p=1300"},"modified":"2026-06-02T08:59:09","modified_gmt":"2026-06-01T23:59:09","slug":"recommended-spots-to-see-japanese-irises-in-kyoto","status":"publish","type":"article","link":"https:\/\/mktaxi-japan.com\/kyoto\/articles\/recommended-spots-to-see-japanese-irises-in-kyoto\/","title":{"rendered":"Recommended Spots to See Japanese Irises in Kyoto"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

 Japanese irises reach their best viewing season in June. Their vibrant flowers come in many colors, including purple, pink, white, and yellow. In Kyoto, Japanese irises usually reach full bloom around the middle of June.
With their wide variety of shapes and appearances, Japanese irises represent the beauty and refinement of Japan\u2019s world-famous gardening culture.
Kyoto has many beautiful spots to enjoy these flowers, and here we introduce the top 5 locations ranked by the number of iris plants.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What Is a Japanese Iris?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The Most Popular Flower in the Iris Family<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Various Flowers of the Iris Family<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Someone once said, \u201cRed flowers suit sunny days, while blue flowers suit rainy days.\u201d This saying perfectly matches hydrangeas and Japanese irises that bloom in endless rain.
Japanese irises, in particular, show an elegant beauty even in gloomy rainy weather.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Japanese irises belong to the iris family and the iris genus.
They are in the same genus as iris, rabbit-ear iris, yellow iris, blackberry lily, fringed iris, and German iris.
They are sometimes simply called \u201cshobu,\u201d but to distinguish them from a completely different plant also called \u201cshobu,\u201d they are generally known as \u201chanashobu\u201d or Japanese iris.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Top 5 Japanese Iris Spots by Number of Plants + Bonus Recommendation<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\u2460 Kyoto Botanical Gardens \u201cHanashobu Garden\u201d [10,000 Plants]<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Kyoto Botanical Gardens, Japan\u2019s Largest Public Botanical Garden
Ranked number one for the number of Japanese iris plants in Kyoto is the Kyoto Botanical Gardens, the most visited public botanical garden in Japan, with 900,000 visitors in fiscal year 2025.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Opened in 1924, the Kyoto Botanical Gardens is one of Japan\u2019s most famous botanical gardens. It is a popular seasonal outing spot for Kyoto residents throughout the year.
At the same time as the Japanese irises bloom, hydrangeas and roses also reach their best viewing season.
Compared with spring and autumn, there are fewer visitors during this period, making it a hidden gem for flower viewing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Hanashobu Garden with 150 Varieties and 10,000 Plants<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

The Hanashobu Garden, surrounding the large weeping cherry tree in the center of the park, is filled with 10,000 Japanese iris plants from 150 varieties. Purple, white, yellow, and pink flowers beautifully cover the pond area.
Early-blooming varieties start flowering in mid-May, and the entire garden reaches its peak from early to late June. Late-blooming varieties continue flowering until early July.
In most years, the flowers reach their peak around the middle of June.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Hanashobu Garden at Kyoto Botanical Gardens is outstanding not only for its large number of flowers, but also for its wide variety of species, beautifully synchronized blooms, and well-maintained viewing environment.
In terms of quality, scale, and scenery, it clearly stands above every other Japanese iris spot in Kyoto, truly deserving the title of \u201cKyoto\u2019s Number One.\u201d
If there is one Japanese iris destination you should visit most in Kyoto, it is Kyoto Botanical Gardens. With its breathtaking scale and beauty, this is a truly unique place where visitors can experience the real charm of Japanese irises.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Visitor Information<\/strong>
Opening Hours: 9:00 AM \u2013 5:00 PM (Last admission at 4:00 PM)
Admission Fee:
Adults: 500 yen
High School Students \/ Ages 65 and over: 250 yen
Junior High School Students and younger: Free<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tel: 075-701-0141
Address: Shimogamo Hangicho, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto
Access: Right next to Kitayama Station on the subway<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\u2461 Umenomiya Taisha Shrine Garden [8,000 Plants]<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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A Shrine Garden Filled with Iris and Hydrangea Blooms<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

This shrine garden covers about 3,000 tsubo and is divided into three areas: the East Garden, North Garden, and West Garden. Each area has its own unique atmosphere, offering beautiful seasonal scenery throughout the year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

From spring to summer, traditional Japanese flowers such as plum blossoms, rabbit-ear irises, azaleas, hydrangeas, and camellias bloom one after another, delighting visitors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Among them, the Japanese irises that reach their peak in June are especially beautiful. Purple, white, and pale blue flowers spread across the garden, creating a breathtaking view.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

At the same time, around 500 hydrangea plants also come into full bloom. In contrast to the delicate elegance of the irises, the soft round clusters of hydrangeas shine beautifully in the rain, showing a completely different charm.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Colorful hydrangeas bloom throughout the shrine grounds, making the entire garden look like a picture scroll of the rainy season. Surrounded by wet moss and lush greenery, visitors can enjoy both irises and hydrangeas together, a special pleasure unique to this season.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Whether on sunny or rainy days, this shrine garden reveals different kinds of beauty and offers a classic view of Japan during the rainy season.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Visitor Information<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Opening Hours: 9:00 AM \u2013 5:00 PM<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Admission Fee:
Adults: 600 yen
Children: 400 yen<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tel: 075-861-2730<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Address:
30 Umezu Fukenokawa-cho, Ukyo Ward, Kyoto City<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Access:
15-minute walk from Hankyu \u201cMatsuo Taisha Station\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2462 Shozan \u201cJapanese Garden\u201d [3,000 Plants]<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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A Corner of the Vast Shozan Resort<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Shozan Resort stretches across a large area along the Kamiya River (Tenjin River). The resort is based on a grand garden created on a vast 35,000-tsubo property by Masao Shozan, who built his fortune in Kyoto\u2019s Nishijin district.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The resort includes a Japanese garden, wedding venues, restaurants, and other facilities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A Japanese Garden Hosting the \u201cHanashobu Gathering\u201d<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Traditional houses and tea rooms relocated from different regions are scattered throughout the garden, while maple trees and Kitayama cedars can be seen everywhere. From the blooming irises of early summer to the colorful autumn leaves, the garden offers beautiful scenery throughout the seasons. This vast Japanese garden skillfully combines trees, flowers, water features, and borrowed scenery, creating views that visitors never tire of enjoying.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Visitor Information<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Opening Hours: 9:00 AM \u2013 5:00 PM (Last admission at 4:30 PM)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Admission Fee: 500 yen<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tel: 075-491-5101<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Address:
47 Kinugasa Kagamiishi-cho, Kita Ward, Kyoto City<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Access:
3-minute walk from the City Bus \u201cKitakinobatacho\u201d stop
10-minute walk from the City Bus \u201cKinkakuji-michi\u201d stop<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2463 Heian Shrine \u201cWest Garden\u201d [2,000 Plants]<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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A Shrine Garden Filled with Colorful Waterside Flowers<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Heian Shrine is famous as a cherry blossom spot, and novelist Junichiro Tanizaki praised it in The Makioka Sisters<\/em> as \u201ca symbol of Kyoto\u2019s spring.\u201d However, the scenery in early summer is equally special.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

During this season, waterside flowers such as rabbit-ear irises, Japanese irises, and water lilies bloom one after another, adding beautiful colors to the shrine garden.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In particular, around 2,000 Japanese irises from 200 varieties bloom together at Byakko Pond in the West Garden during June. Purple, white, and blue flowers line the edge of the pond in a brilliant display.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

At the same time, water lilies quietly open across the water. Their shining petals and broad leaves floating on the mirror-like pond create a truly dreamlike scene.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Compared with the bright elegance of the irises, the water lilies show a quieter yet graceful and dignified beauty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Admission to the Heian Shrine garden normally requires an entrance fee, but every year in early June, when the Japanese irises are at their best, the garden is opened to the public free of charge for one day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In 2026, the free admission day will be held on Friday, June 5.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The garden is opened for free only twice a year, including September 19, the anniversary of the completion of the South Garden. Since the free admission day is scheduled during the peak blooming season of the irises, it is highly recommended to visit on that special day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Visitor Information<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Opening Hours:
8:30 AM \u2013 5:30 PM (March 15 \u2013 September 30)
8:30 AM \u2013 5:00 PM (March 1 \u2013 14, October 1 \u2013 31)
8:30 AM \u2013 4:30 PM (November 1 \u2013 February 28)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Admission Fee:
Adults: 600 yen
Children: 300 yen<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tel: 075-761-0221<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Address:
97 Okazaki Nishitennocho, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto City<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Access:
10-minute walk from Subway \u201cHigashiyama Station\u201d
About 20 minutes by taxi from JR \u201cMukomachi Station\u201d or Hankyu \u201cHigashi-Muko\u201d \/ \u201cNagaoka Tenjin\u201d stations<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2464 Nagaoka Tenmangu Shrine \u201cHachijo-ga-ike Pond\u201d [1,800 Plants]<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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One of the Most Famous Tourist Spots in Nagaokakyo City<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Located in Nagaokakyo, southwest of Kyoto.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It is said that Sugawara no Michizane stopped here to bid farewell to Kyoto when he was exiled to Dazaifu.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In late April, over 100-year-old Kirishima azaleas bloom brilliantly, creating a spectacular view.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hachijo-ga-ike Pond Filled with Blooming Waterside Flowers<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

As May begins, the waterside plants around Hachijo-ga-ike Pond start coming to life all at once. First, rabbit-ear irises, yellow irises, and cow lilies with their yellow flowers blooming on the water announce the arrival of early summer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Then in June, the Japanese irises, the stars of the season, reach their peak bloom, coloring the entire area in shades of purple and white.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The best place to enjoy the irises is along the central approach path, especially on the southern side. Carefully maintained irises line the planting areas beside the pond, showing their elegant beauty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There is also an area on the western side called the \u201cKakitsubata Garden,\u201d but despite the name, most of the flowers there are actually Japanese irises. Regardless of the name, it is a wonderful place to fully enjoy the colorful scenery of early summer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Visitor Information<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Opening Hours: Open freely during daytime<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Admission Fee: Free entry to the shrine grounds<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tel: 075-951-1025<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Address:
2-15-13 Tenjin, Nagaokakyo City, Kyoto Prefecture<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Access:
10-minute walk from Hankyu \u201cNagaoka Tenjin Station\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Conclusion<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The most beautiful season for stroll-style pond gardens is undoubtedly early summer, when the Japanese irises bloom in full glory. The colorful flowers fill the gardens, and their harmony with the carefully arranged waterways and bridges further highlights the beauty of the garden design.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Although Kyoto\u2019s peak tourist seasons are usually during cherry blossom and autumn leaves periods, the iris season is just as impressive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In addition, tourist crowds are generally lighter at this time, and there are many pleasant sunny days despite the rainy season, making it a surprisingly comfortable season for sightseeing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, since the iris blooming season overlaps with Japan\u2019s rainy season, choosing the right transportation is important. Walking or using public transportation can become inconvenient on rainy days, and many famous iris spots are located in suburban areas or far from train stations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For this reason, MK sightseeing charter taxis are highly recommended.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

With an MK sightseeing charter taxi, you can travel smoothly regardless of the weather. It also allows you to efficiently visit several iris viewing spots without worrying about transportation or schedules, so you can fully enjoy your trip.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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For sightseeing in Kyoto, leave it to MK\u2019s chartered sightseeing taxi.<\/strong>
Your private driver is a Kyoto expert who handles both transport and guiding.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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