2025 was quite an explorative year for me, having visited stunning parks in prefectures from Japan’s south all the way through to the north.
5. Maruyama Park (Sapporo)
Sapporo’s Maruyama Park is an iconic landmark in Hokkaido’s capital city, attracting thousands of locals and tourists on a daily basis. During winter, the park takes on a brilliant snow-white aesthetic as thick powdery snow piles up on either side of the walkway. At night, it has a particularly nice, even romantic vibe with the lampposts lighting up the snow covered tree branches.
4. Fukuoka Kenei Central Park (Kitakyushu)
Fukuoka Kenei Central Park features a serene walkway that loops around the Konpira Pond. There’s not much information online about this particular pond, but I know from my own experience that there was an ocean scent in the air. In any case, the park has some of the most lush green forests and grass I’ve seen in Japan, and it’s also a popular fishing spot among the locals.
3. Maruyama Park (Kyoto)
Kyoto’s Maruyama Park (not to be confused with Sapporo) is an absolute paradise of golden red autumn leaves in Kyoto’s Higashiyama district. In particular, the scarlet momiji leaves or “Japanese maple” are at their most beautiful best, reflecting against the ponds to create a magical mirror aesthetic. The park is beautiful all year round, but definitely at its very best around November!
2. Nara Park (Nara)
Nara Park is the most visited destination in the Nara prefecture. Known for its ancient breed of deer that have roamed the lands for over 1300 years, Nara is a nature hotspot and home to some of Japan’s most beautiful forests and wildlife. I often refer to Nara is Japan’s “nature capital” because of its amazing lush green grass and trees, breathtaking ponds, and friendly deer and tanuki (Japanese raccoon dogs).
1. Yodogawa Riverside Park (Kyoto)
Yodogawa Riverside Park, also known as Sewaritei, is easily my favorite park in all of Japan. If I were to make a list of the best parks I visit every year, this one will always have a place in it. Of course, it’s a park that can only be truly appreciated in Japan’s springtime, when giant old sakura trees lie stretched along the hillside. Brilliant pink cherry blossom branches in full bloom to create an absolute work of art as the petals fly off into the wind like an epic samurai movie. If you can catch the cherry blossoms in full bloom at Yodogawa Riverside Park, it’ll fulfill your sakura viewing craving for life!
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