Kameyama Park

Located at the southern base of Ogurayama, Kameyama Park, part of Kyoto Prefectural Arashiyama Park, is named after the area’s historical ties to Japanese emperors, such as Emperor Kameyama. The park is a cultural and natural highlight in the Arashiyama district, attracting many visitors, particularly during the spring and autumn seasons.

The park is accessible by walking up the northern bank of the river or by turning left at the T-junction past the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove. Its scenic gardens offer a quiet environment for a relaxing walk.

Kameyama Park is also known for its cultural importance. A stone monument with a poem by Zhou Enlai, former Premier of the People’s Republic of China, commemorates his visit. The park is of special interest to Chinese visitors.

The statue of Suminokura Ryoi, an influential merchant in Kyoto’s Edo period (1603-1868), stands within the park. The original statue’s fate during wartime is uncertain, but a replacement was installed in 1988 by local volunteers. The park also features 49 stone monuments with poems from the Ogura Hyakunin Isshu, contributing to its literary significance.

A viewing platform in the park, about 40 meters above the Katsura River, offers views of the Hozu River valley and the neighbouring Chikurin-ji Temple’s Daihikaku Senkōji.

Kameyama Park is a non-smoking area, always open, and free to visit. It’s known for occasional wild monkey sightings but remains a peaceful place to appreciate Kyoto’s beauty and historical depth.