Riding the Karasuma Line to Kitayama
Enjoying giant houseplants in the Kyoto Prefectural Botanical Garden’s massive greenhouse
I headed to the Kyoto Prefectural Botanical Garden. It’s winter, so there aren’t many plants to see outside, but the greenhouse is a different story. I went to the greenhouse that’s said to be one of the largest in Japan.
So where is the absolute largest, rather than just 'one of the largest'? I couldn’t find that out! (Trying to sound like a trendy blog.) The botanical garden I visited before also seems to be one of the largest.
The greenhouse has a futuristic form—I was really excited!
The shape is not only cool, it’s surrounded by a pond, which is a huge plus. It felt so extravagant that I looked it up and learned the greenhouse was completed in 1992—very much early ’90s bubble-era vibes.
Admission to the greenhouse is only 200 yen! Isn’t that absurdly cheap? Inside, a preserved Rafflesia (I think?) greets you.
Because of the season, there was a Poinsettia Fair. I had no idea there were so many varieties.
Many of the plants inside the greenhouse are enormous and very impressive. A lot resemble common houseplants, but seeing them in a more natural-like setting makes you realize how big they can grow.
There were also aquatic plants with unusual leaves.
Each room has different temperature and humidity, so not everything is a jungle—there are desert and savanna rooms too.
I wondered how such a huge botanical garden can be run at that price, but it was a fun place. The only downside was the restrooms looked very old—I hope they get cleaned up (lol).
After the garden, I stopped by Malebranche’s Kitayama flagship store and bought the "Kitayama Honten Chef Cookie." It was so delicious it became my all-time favorite cookie…
I’ll buy it again next time.
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