Ever hoped to travel to Japan but haven’t had the chance yet?
Then you should head to this tucked‑away garden in London that gives you the feeling of being there.
The West London garden is well‑known among locals, though many tend to keep it to themselves — and it’s easy to see why.
Kyoto Garden features a renowned waterfall, an abundance of thriving trees and plants, and a pond filled with lively Japanese koi carp.
The hidden Japanese garden in London
Kyoto Garden sits within Kensington’s Holland Park and was opened more than 30 years ago in 1992.
This serene area was a gift from the city of Kyoto, marking the long‑standing friendship between Great Britain and Japan, as well as celebrating the Japan Festival in London at the time.
Created in the ‘kaiyushiki’ (stroll garden) style, the garden’s central focus is its striking waterfall and pond.
Kyoto Garden was designed to showcase plenty of foliage, such as weeping acer trees, dahlias, and the much‑loved cherry blossom tree.
Each year, thousands make their way to Japan for cherry blossom season when the blooms turn pink, but now you can enjoy these stunning trees in London during Spring.
The hidden garden also includes stone lanterns to admire, a marble bridge over the pond, and peaceful spots where visitors can sit and unwind.
Kyoto Gardens are open daily from 7.30am until 30 minutes before dusk.
On TripAdvisor, the gardens hold a 4.5/5 rating, with one visitor saying: “Holland Park, and the Kyoto Garden within, are truly wonderful, quiet and relaxing.
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“Worth a visit when you’re around Notting Hill.”
Another commented: “Kyoto Garden within Holland Park is lovely because it is quite secluded.
“There aren’t many people.
“There are some beautiful resident peacocks, a lovely waterfall, a koi pond, and more.”
Have you visited Kyoto Garden? Let us know what you thought of it in the comments.
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