Best time to travel to Kyoto

Water Lilies Season in Kyoto

The rainy season is the perfect time for nature fans to be in Kyoto

Best time: mid-May–mid-September

Water Lilies Season
Water Lilies Season
Water Lilies Season

Although Kyoto receives a lot of rain showers and humidity during early summer, it is also a great time to witness lovely water lilies all around beautiful Japanese gardens and waterparks.

The Heian Jingu Shrine is one of the most well-known places to spot water lilies in Kyoto, due to its marvellous gardens. It was built in the style of the Heian Period with a classic Japanese wooden bridge named Taihei-kaku. There are many ponds where you can view the gorgeous water-loving flowers, irises and other greenery.

Another eye-catching place is the Kajū-ji Buddhist temple, where you can find the Hyōchi-en garden with great ponds and picturesque panoramas. It's home to a variety of pink and white lilies, lotuses and water birds. Also, Hiei Garden Museum is a good spot for waterlilies. And if you don't mind travelling a bit out of the city, you can visit Hatada pond in Nozasa known as "suiren ike", that's literally "water lily pond".

The best time to enjoy these water flowers is from mid-May to mid-September. Keep in mind that water lilies close their buds in the afternoon, so it's better to go to see them early in the morning.

Practical info

When do water lilies bloom in Kyoto?

Water lilies bloom in Kyoto from mid-May to mid-September. These beautiful water-loving flowers can be viewed around Japanese gardens and waterparks throughout the city. It is a good idea to visit these spots early in the morning as the buds close in the afternoon. Show more

What are some of the places to see water lilies in Kyoto?

Kyoto has several beautiful places where you can admire water lilies. Heian Jingu Shrine's Taihei-kaku bridge, Kaju-ji Buddhist Temple's Hyochi-en Garden and Hiei Garden Museum are among the most popular spots. In addition to water lilies, visitors can also see other flowers like lotuses, irises and water birds. Hatada pond in Nozasa is another place where you can see these water-loving flowers. Show more

Apart from water lilies, what other flowers can be seen in Kyoto?

In addition to water lilies, visitors can see irises, lotuses and other aquatic plants in Kyoto. Kaju-ji Buddhist Temple garden has lotuses, water birds and lilies, while Hiei Garden Museum features water iris and other aquatic plants. These flowers can be viewed in picturesque Japanese gardens that offer serene and peaceful atmosphere. Show more

What makes Taihei-kaku bridge at Heian Jingu Shrine significant?

Heian Jingu Shrine's Taihei-kaku bridge is significant because it was built in the classic style of the Heian Period, a time of great cultural richness and artistic development in Japan. This picturesque bridge is surrounded by ponds and greenery, making it an ideal spot to view blooming water lilies and other aquatic plants during summer months. Show more

Why is it recommended to visit water lily spots early in the morning?

It is recommended to visit water lily spots early in the morning in Kyoto, as the flowers close their buds in the afternoon. Mid-morning to noon isn't an ideal time to view the lilies. Visiting the spots early in the morning provides visitors with a chance to see the flowers at their best and admire the serene surroundings of beautiful Japanese gardens and waterparks in Kyoto. Show more

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Last updated: by Eleonora Provozin