Look, I get it; sometimes this city is simply too much. Whether you’re overwhelmed by the sheer number of people, the crammed Tube carriages, or the expectations of work, it’s important to find time to relax in London. But what if you don’t have time to head out for a vacation or take a day-trip to a charming nearby village? Well, all you need to do is mosey on over to West London for a visit to the tranquil Kyoto Garden.
Nestled within Holland Park, you’ll find the charming, hyper-Instagrammable oasis of calm. It’s the kind of place you can stumble across if you’re unaware of it, thanks to its location smack bang in the middle of the park. But plenty of ‘in the know’ Londoners seek it out for a spot of repose. (Assuming it’s not too busy, that is…)
Wander around, and you’ll find yourself transported out of London entirely. The stunning garden is built around a stunning central waterfall. This trickles into a pond with koi carp swimming around. And as you explore, you’ll also find winding cobbled pathways, traditional Japanese stone lanterns, and more.
That’s not to mention the park’s roaming muster of peacocks. They’re truly impressive to behold as they make their way around the park. And they’ve been known to photo-bomb a photo-opportunity or two!
The history of the Kyoto Garden
You might be surprised to spot a Japanese garden in the middle of London, but there’s a good reason. The Kyoto Garden was originally built as an addition to the park in 1991, in advance of the 1992 Japan Festival in London. The park itself was actually a gift from the city of Kyoto – thus the name – honouring the friendship between the countries of Japan and Great Britain.
The Kyoto Garden received an addition in 2012, when the Fukushima Garden was installed. This was built “to commemorate the heartfelt gratitude of the Japanese people to the British people for their support following the natural disaster that struck Fukushima, Japan on 11 March 2011.”
The Kyoto Garden is one of those picturesque spots in London that is equally stunning all year round. Whether you’re watching the leaves change colour, or the cherry blossoms bloom, it’s a marvellous sight. It’s also stunning in the winter, when you catch a rare glimpse of the boulders and stones capped with snow. And of course, when it’s bathed in the sun, it truly shines.
📍 Inside Holland Park, Holland Park Avenue, Kensington, W11 4UA.
🚇 The nearest stations are Kensington High Street and Notting Hill Gate.
