KyotoLeisure

Packed Lunch on the Lawn, Run Around and Refresh

About this spot

A public park sprawling west of Kyoto Station where residents gather to relax. The spacious lawn is perfect for a packed lunch picnic and is ideally located between the Kyoto Railway Museum and the Kyoto Aquarium, making it an excellent rest spot between the two. Suzaku Yume Plaza features large playground equipment, and you'll find cafes and information booths that repurpose actual streetcars that once ran through Kyoto. On weekends and certain operating days, a vintage trolley runs through the park, adding color to a full day of railway fun. Running around on the grass provides a nice mental break for the afternoon, and with toilets and shops throughout the park, families with small children can feel at ease. The open atmosphere is surprisingly refreshing for being in the city.

Tips

Right in front of Umekoji Kyoto-Nishi Station, a short walk from the Kyoto Railway Museum. The lawn area is free to use, so bringing a picnic sheet and packed lunch makes for a pleasant lunch. The lawn doesn't have much shade, so remember to bring a hat and plenty to drink in summer. You can also pick up light refreshments at the streetcar cafe.