Today I introduce you "Haradani-en", a cherry blossom spot that the locals in Kyoto say are the most beautiful!
Is it possible to visit there with a big suitcase or a stroller?
Yes. But it's a little difficult.
So I tell you some tips, too!
Highlights
In Haradani-en you can enjoy 2 types of highlights.
One is pritty view like english gardens.
There are many kinds of flowers and they are in bloom, as if they were wild, but in good condition.
The other is a utopia with a pink world.
If you enter this paradise on earth, you will surely be fascinated.
Later, I will tell you how to enjoy these two highlights.
How to get there
How to get there by bus from Subway "Kitaoji" station
Take the Bus number "M1".
M1 goes to Haradani directly.
It costs 230 yen.
Get off the bus at "Haradani nokyo- mae".
It takes about 20〜30 minutes from subway Kitaoji station to "Haradani nokyo- mae".
"Haradani nokyo- mae" is a little far from the west and east gate of Haradani-en(about 5minutes walking).
It's easy to walk even if you have a stroller or a big baggage.
However very few M1 busses depart from Kitaoji Subway Station, less than one per hour.
And Haradani-en doesn't recommend M1 because it is a bus for locals to live.
If you can't get it, take the bus bound for Kinkakuji(bus number 101 or 205) and change to M1 or a original shuttle bus of Haradani-en at "Waratenjin-mae".
Or change to taxi at "Kinkakujido"(it takes just only 5 minutes from Kinkakujido to Haradani-en).
There are many people who want to take the shuttle bus, but the waiting time is not so long because the buses come frequently.
Since only the number of seats can ride, there is no stress of congestion.
The shuttle bus goes to the west gate of Haradani-en and there you can buy a ticket.
Busses number 101, 205 and M1 are always crowded with lots of tourists who wants to go to Kinkakuji temple with big backpacks or suitcases.
But there is no problem!
The bus terminal at Kitaoji Subway Station is so large that the bus door is opened for a long time, so you don't have to panic even if you have a stroller or a big suitcase.
(Sadly, in Japan, people often dislike getting on a bus without folding a stroller.)
How to get there by taxi
It takes about 20 minutes from a taxi stop of subway Kitaoji station to haratani-en by taxi.
The taxi stop of Haradani-en is just in front of the east gate.
You can buy a ticket as soon as you get off the taxi.
How to enjoy Haradani-en
Look at this map.
Which gate is better for you?
If you want to experience the excitement of Utopia with a first impression, please enter from the east gate.
You will surely be impressed and breathtaking, and you will be invited to a beautiful paradise that you can't imagine in this world.
If you want to enjoy pretty flowers like english gardens first of all, please enter from the west gate
You must feel as if you were Peter Rabbit.
Lunch
in the garden
You can't bring food or drink into the garden.
There are some small shops, which sells for example dumpling, simple sushi, drink and so on.
If you book a bento, you can pick it up and eat it there.
The reserve telefone number is +81 075-461-2924.
out side of the garden
There are no restaurants around the garden.
You should go to near Kinkakuji or Waratenjin.
Omurahouse
This is a Kyoto-style omelet rice specialty store near Kinkakuji-temple.
The omelet rice in this shop is made from carefully selected eggs and rice, and the sauce is all handmade.
https://www.tripadvisor.jp/Restaurant_Review-g298564-d1680478-Reviews-Omurahouse_Kinkakujiten-Kyoto_Kyoto_Prefecture_Kinki.html
Soba shubou Ichii
This is a Soba restaurant near Wara-Tenjin and Kitano-Tenmangu-Shrine.
It is carefully made using buckwheat flour ground with a stone mill and famous water from Kyoto.
The tempura in this shop is very delicious.
Hamazushi
This is a famous conveyor belt sushi restaurant.
Very reasonable and popular with families.