Location and Access to Okazaki Park
Okazaki Park is located in Sakyo Ward, Kyoto City, and is easily accessible from the center. It is surrounded by a cultural zone that includes the Heian Shrine, art museums, and a zoo, making it an ideal base for sightseeing in Kyoto. The Biwako Canal flows through the park, and the rich natural scenery is also one of its charms.
The origins and background
Okazaki Park was developed on the site of the 4th National Industrial Exhibition, which was held in 1895 (Meiji 28). It is adjacent to Heian Jingu Shrine, built to commemorate the 1100th anniversary of the relocation of the capital to Kyoto. It still conveys the history of Japan’s modernization and cultural promotion. After the exhibition, this area developed as an area with a concentration of cultural facilities.
Introduction to the main facilities in Okazaki Park
Heian Jingu Shrine:
This shrine was built in 1895 (Meiji 28) to commemorate the 1100th anniversary of transferring the capital to Heian-kyo. The shrine’s main hall, which is modeled on the grand imperial palace of Heian-kyo, is impressive with its vermillion-lacquered pillars and green roof, and the vast grounds of the shrine garden offer beautiful scenery to enjoy in each of the four seasons. The cherry blossoms in spring are particularly famous, and the shrine is crowded with many tourists. There is a strolling garden on the shrine grounds and many places to see, such as the Hashiden and the Seiho Pond.
Kyoto City Kyocera Museum of Art:
The main building is a renovated version of the Kyoto City Art Museum. It opened in 1933 and is characterized by its dignified exterior, incorporating Renaissance-style elements. The museum mainly collects modern and contemporary art, and you can view a wide range of genres, including Japanese-style painting, Western-style painting, sculpture, and crafts. After undergoing renovations, it also has a modern exhibition space.
National Museum of Modern Art, Kyoto:
The museum opened in 1963 and moved to its current building in 1986. It was designed by Fumihiko Maki and is characterized by its modern exterior. The museum has a large collection of modern art from Western Japan, focusing on Kyoto, and exhibits works from a wide range of genres, including Japanese-style painting, Western-style painting, prints, sculpture, crafts, and photography. The museum also holds special exhibitions, allowing visitors to encounter new art.
Kyoto Prefectural Library:
This historic library opened in 1909. Its red brick exterior is stately and dignified, and the interior is a quiet and peaceful space. The building and its extensive collection of books are worth seeing.
Rohm Theater Kyoto :
This cultural facility reopened in 2016. While retaining the appearance of the former Kyoto Kaikan, it has been reborn with a modern design. It has a large hall, a medium-sized hall, and a south hall, and various performances, including plays, concerts, and traditional performing arts, are held there.
Kyoto City Zoo:
Opened in 1903, this is Japan’s second-oldest zoo. In recent years, it has been renovated and features exhibits that recreate the animals’ natural habitats. The zoo is popular with the local community and always bustles with families.
Miyako Messe (Kyoto City Industrial Hall):
This facility opened in 1996 as part of the 1200th anniversary commemorative events for relocating the capital to Kyoto. Designed by Kiyoshi Kawasaki, it is one of Kyoto’s largest event venues and is used for large-scale exhibitions, events, and trade fairs. In addition to the exhibition hall, the building also has meeting rooms and the Kyoto Museum of Crafts and Design, which introduces visitors to Kyoto’s traditional crafts and design. As a base for disseminating information about various industries and cultures, many events are held here throughout the year. It is an important facility that plays a role in the cultural zone of Okazaki Park.
Biwako Canal:
This artificial waterway was built in the Meiji era to bring water from Lake Biwa into Kyoto City. It flows through Okazaki Park, creating a beautiful landscape. In spring, the cherry blossom trees are beautiful, and you can cruise along the canal in a small boat called a jukkoku-bune.
Hosomi Museum:
This museum opened in 1998, based on the collection of businessman Yoshimi Hosomi. It displays high-quality artworks, mainly Japanese antiques, including paintings, tea ceremony utensils, and Noh costumes. You can enjoy appreciating art in a relaxed atmosphere.
Fujii Yurin Kan:
Businessman Fujii Zensuke established this museum. It mainly houses Chinese antiques, including a valuable collection of bronze ware, calligraphy, paintings, ceramics, and more. The stately building is also worth seeing.
Each of these facilities is unique, offering visitors to Okazaki Park a diverse cultural experience. One of its great charms is that visitors can enjoy Okazaki Park from various angles, including history, art, nature, and animals.
*In principle, the museum is open to the public only twice a month (the first and third Sundays) from 12:00 to 15:30, from February to July and from September to November.
Summary of the Appeal of Okazaki Park
Okazaki Park is a fascinating place where history, culture, and nature are in harmony. Throughout the day, you can enjoy a variety of cultural facilities, such as art museums and zoos. You should not miss the beautiful scenery of each season or the events held throughout the year. When you visit Kyoto, please come to Okazaki Park and experience its charm.
