Shozan Resort Kyoto Complete Guide | Thorough Explanation of Garden, Restaurant, and Wedding Venue Charms
What is Shozan Resort Kyoto?
Shozan Resort Kyoto is a comprehensive resort facility boasting a vast 35,000-tsubo property located in Takao, Kita Ward, Kyoto City. This complex facility brings together a Japanese garden, kaiseki restaurants, wedding venues, a hotel, and a pottery workshop, providing a special space where visitors can experience Kyoto’s traditional culture and natural beauty.
The beautiful Japanese garden, which borrows the Three Takao Mountains as a backdrop, displays a different face with each season—cherry blossoms in spring, fresh greenery in early summer, autumn foliage in fall, and snowy landscapes in winter—continuing to captivate all who visit. Since its opening in 1969, it has been cherished by countless tourists and local residents as Kyoto’s inner sanctum.
History and Origins of Shozan Resort Kyoto
Background of Establishment
Shozan Resort Kyoto was founded by an entrepreneur who achieved success in the textile industry. Based on the principle of preserving Kyoto’s traditional culture and passing it on to future generations, the facility was created in Takao as a place where Japanese aesthetic sensibility is concentrated.
The Appeal of Takao as a Location
Takao is a historic area where Koyetsu Honami established an artistic village in the early Edo period. The area is characterized by historic temples and shrines such as Kouetsuji, Genkouan, and Joushouji scattered throughout, with a serene environment away from Kyoto’s urban center. Shozan Resort Kyoto plays a role in conveying Japanese beauty to the modern age in this historically and culturally rich area of Takao.
Facility Attractions and Highlights
North Garden (Japanese Garden)
The greatest attraction of Shozan Resort Kyoto is its vast Japanese garden spanning 35,000 tsubo. Centered around a pond-stroll garden style with tea houses, waterfalls, stone bridges, and lanterns arranged throughout, the design allows visitors to enjoy different scenery with each step.
Spring Cherry Blossoms: Approximately 200 cherry trees, including Somei Yoshino and weeping cherry varieties, paint the garden. The cherry blossom avenue along the stream is particularly spectacular.
Early Summer Greenery: Lush green maples and moss-covered gardens evoke the cool freshness of Kyoto’s early summer.
Autumn Foliage: From mid to late November, approximately 3,000 maple trees turn red and yellow, creating a brocaded autumn landscape throughout the garden. Night illuminations are also held, offering a mystical atmosphere.
Winter Snow Scenes: Snow-covered gardens are enveloped in silence, creating a watercolor painting-like aesthetic.
Hone Gyokutei (Kaiseki Restaurant)
Hone Gyokutei is a formal kaiseki restaurant located within Shozan Resort Kyoto. Guests can enjoy seasonal multi-course kaiseki cuisine while overlooking the garden.
Cuisine Characteristics:
- Seasonal kaiseki cuisine using Kyoto’s finest seasonal ingredients
- Traditional Kyoto cooking techniques combined with contemporary sensibility
- Numerous private rooms available for business meetings and celebrations
Lunch and Dinner: Menus range from affordable daytime sets to full formal kaiseki courses, accommodating various occasions.
Shozan Senujuukaku (Wedding Venue)
Shozan Resort Kyoto is renowned as one of Kyoto’s premier wedding venues. It accommodates diverse wedding styles including Shinto ceremonies in the Japanese garden, chapel weddings, and reception halls.
Ceremony Styles:
- Shinto Ceremony: Traditional Shinto ceremony in the “Keisankaku” within the garden
- Civil Ceremony: Garden weddings or civil ceremonies with the garden as backdrop
- Chapel Ceremony: Western-style ceremony in a modern chapel
Reception Halls:
- Multiple banquet halls accommodating small to large groups
- Open halls with garden views
- Halls with Japanese modern atmosphere
Cuisine: Guests are treated with kaiseki cuisine honoring traditional Kyoto culinary heritage.
Kamiyagawa (Restaurant)
Kamiyagawa is a casual restaurant where visitors can enjoy Kyoto’s food culture more informally. Diners can savor Kyoto-style meals while overlooking the garden.
Menu Examples:
- Kyoto-style set meals
- Yuba (tofu skin) dishes
- Seasonal rice bowls
- Japanese sweets as a dessert café
Rakusuen (Accommodation)
Shozan Resort Kyoto has an accommodation facility called Rakusuen. Guests can enjoy a luxurious stay in sukiya-style guest rooms nestled within the garden, immersed in Kyoto’s nature and serenity.
Guest Room Features:
- All rooms designed with garden views
- Traditional sukiya-style Japanese rooms
- High privacy due to limited number of rooms
Pottery Workshop “Yuto-en”
Shozan Resort Kyoto offers pottery experiences. At “Yuto-en,” even beginners can try pottery and create original pieces.
Experience Contents:
- Hand-building pottery
- Electric pottery wheel experience
- Painting and decorating
Pieces are fired and mailed later, making them perfect souvenirs of your Kyoto trip.
Gallery and Shop
The facility includes galleries and shops displaying and selling Kyoto traditional crafts and artworks. They carry a wide range from traditional crafts such as Kyoto yuzen dyeing, Nishijin weaving, and Kyoto ceramics to contemporary artists’ works.
Year-Round Events and Celebrations
Spring Cherry Blossom Festival
A “cherry blossom festival” is held from late March to early April coinciding with cherry blossoms. Night illuminations are also held, offering a mystical cherry blossom experience different from daytime viewing.
Autumn Foliage Night Illumination
Special nighttime viewing is held from mid-November to early December during the autumn foliage season. Illuminated foliage and gardens present a completely different mystical beauty than daytime.
Seasonal Special Kaiseki
Throughout the year, special seasonal kaiseki courses are offered. Guests can enjoy cuisine made with Kyoto’s seasonal ingredients alongside garden scenery.
Cultural Events
Regular events featuring tea ceremonies, flower arrangement exhibitions, and traditional performing arts performances allow visitors to experience Kyoto’s traditional culture.
Access Information
Address
〒603-8451 Kinugasa Kagamiishicho 47, Kita Ward, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture
Public Transportation
From Kyoto Station:
- Take Kawaramachiline Subway to “Kitaoji Station,” then Kyoto Bus Route 1 heading to “Doi Tenjoicho,” get off at “Doi Tenjoicho” or “Takao Genkouan-mae,” then 3 minutes walk
- Alternatively, take Kyoto Bus Route 6 or 206, transfer at “Senbon Kitaoji,” then take Route 1
From Shijo Kawaramachi:
- Take Kyoto Bus Route 46, get off at “Kamigamo Shrine-mae,” transfer to Route 3 heading to “Genraku,” get off at “Takao Genkouan-mae”
By Car
From Kyoto City Center: Approximately 30 minutes
From Meishin Expressway “Kyoto-Minami IC”: Approximately 40 minutes
From Meishin Expressway “Kyoto-Higashi IC”: Approximately 35 minutes
Parking: Free parking available (approximately 300 spaces)
By Taxi
Approximately 30 minutes from Kyoto Station, fare approximately 3,500-4,000 yen.
Business Hours and Admission Fees
Garden Viewing
Business Hours:
- Regular Season: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Last admission 4:30 PM)
- Illumination Period: Sunset – 9:00 PM (Last admission 8:30 PM)
Admission:
- Adults: 1,000 yen
- High School and Middle School Students: 500 yen
- Elementary School Students: Free
- Group Discounts Available (20 or more)
※Fees may vary by season. Please check the official website for current information.
Restaurant and Kaiseki
Business Hours:
- Lunch: 11:30 AM – 3:00 PM (Last order 2:00 PM)
- Dinner: 5:30 PM – 9:00 PM (Last order 7:30 PM)
Budget:
- Lunch: 3,000 – 8,000 yen
- Dinner: 8,000 – 20,000 yen
※Advance reservations are required for some restaurants, so booking ahead is recommended.
Visiting Etiquette and Precautions
Attire
Comfortable walking shoes are recommended for garden strolls. Particularly on rainy days or in winter, watch for slippery footing. When dining at restaurants or kaiseki establishments, casual clothing should be avoided.
Photography
Photography in the garden is generally permitted, but consideration is needed when weddings are taking place. Tripods and commercial photography require advance permission.
Expected Duration
Plan 1-1.5 hours for garden strolls alone, and 2.5-3 hours if including meals.
Best Seasons
While Shozan Resort Kyoto is beautiful year-round, particularly recommended times are:
- Spring (Late March – Early April): Cherry blossom season
- Early Summer (May – June): Beautiful fresh greenery period
- Autumn (Mid to Late November): Autumn foliage season
Weekends and foliage season are crowded; weekday mornings are recommended.
Nearby Attractions
Genkouan
Located about 10 minutes walk from Shozan Resort Kyoto, this Rinzai Zen temple is famous for its “Window of Enlightenment” and “Window of Delusion,” particularly crowded during foliage season.
Kouetsuji
Built on the site where Koyetsu Honami established his artistic village. Notable features include the unique “Kouestu fence” and a garden borrowing the Three Takao Mountains as backdrop. About 15 minutes walk from Shozan Resort Kyoto.
Joushouji
A Nichiren Buddhist temple known for connections to Yoshino Tayuu. Also famous as a cherry blossom and autumn foliage spot. About 12 minutes walk from Shozan Resort Kyoto.
Kinkakuji (Kinkakuji Temple)
A signature Kyoto tourist attraction. About 15 minutes by car or 20 minutes by bus from Shozan Resort Kyoto.
Wedding Ceremonies at Shozan Resort Kyoto
Why It’s Chosen
Shozan Resort Kyoto is one of Kyoto’s most popular wedding venues. Reasons include:
- Overwhelming Garden Beauty: Unique weddings on a 35,000-tsubo Japanese garden found nowhere else
- Diverse Ceremony Styles: Shinto, civil, and chapel ceremonies available per preference
- Authentic Kyoto Cuisine: Guests entertained with traditional kaiseki
- Complete Facilities: Multiple banquet halls, waiting rooms, beauty salon, all necessary amenities
- Accessibility: Good access from central Kyoto with complete parking
Popular Productions
- Garden Ceremonies: Civil ceremonies in the garden or flower shower in the garden
- Pre-Wedding Photo Shoots: Photographs in traditional dress against seasonal garden backdrops
- Tea Ceremony-Style Receptions: Intimate gatherings in tearooms
- Seasonal Ceremonies: Ceremonies leveraging seasonal beauty of foliage and blossoms
Bridal Fairs
Regular bridal fairs offer venue tours, cuisine tastings, and mock ceremonies. Advance reservation required as these are by appointment only.
Dining and Restaurant Guide
Hone Gyokutei (Authentic Kyoto Cuisine)
Recommended Courses:
- Daytime Set: Accessible kaiseki lunch course (From 3,500 yen)
- Seasonal Kaiseki: Authentic multi-course using seasonal ingredients (From 8,000 yen)
- Special Kaiseki: Premium course suitable for business dinners or celebrations (From 15,000 yen)
Private Rooms:
Private rooms available for 6 or more. Ideal for business meetings, engagement dinners, memorial services.
Kamiyagawa (Casual Restaurant)
Menu Examples:
- Kyoto-Style Set Meals (From 2,500 yen)
- Yuba Kaiseki (From 3,800 yen)
- Seasonal Rice Bowl Sets (From 2,800 yen)
- Dessert Sets (From 1,200 yen)
A casual restaurant pairing well with garden strolls. While walk-ins accepted, advance reservations recommended for weekends and tourist seasons.
Reservation Methods
Reservations available by phone or online. Early reservations essential for weekends, foliage season, and cherry blossom season.
Experience Programs
Pottery Experience
Content: Choose from hand-building, electric wheel, and painting
Duration: Approximately 1.5-2 hours
Fee: 3,000-5,000 yen (varies by experience)
Reservation: Required
Pieces are fired and mailed approximately 1-2 months later (shipping fee separate).
Tea Ceremony Experience
Authentic tea ceremony experience available in the garden teahouse (Limited period, reservation required).
Content: Learn basic tea ceremony etiquette and practice making tea
Duration: Approximately 1 hour
Fee: From 4,000 yen
Kimono Rental and Garden Stroll
Plans available to rent kimono and stroll the garden (partnership service with rental shops).
Seasonal Highlights in Detail
Spring (March – May)
Late March – Early April: Cherry Blossoms
- Approximately 200 trees including Somei Yoshino and weeping cherry in bloom
- Stream-side cherry avenue particularly beautiful
- Night illuminations also held
Mid-April – May: Fresh Greenery
- Young green leaves dazzling in sunlight
- Azaleas and satsuki also in bloom
Summer (June – August)
June: Rainy Season Garden
- Rain-wet moss and greenery particularly beautiful
- Hydrangeas in bloom
July – August: Deep Green
- Garden enveloped in deep green
- Popular with visitors seeking coolness
Autumn (September – November)
Mid to Late November: Autumn Foliage
- Approximately 3,000 maple trees turn color
- Entire garden painted in red and yellow tones
- Night illuminations create mystical atmosphere
- Most crowded period
Winter (December – February)
December – February: Snow Scenes
- Snow-covered garden enveloped in silence
- Watercolor painting-like aesthetic
- Fewer visitors allow quiet appreciation
Accommodation and Stay Plans
Accommodation at Rakusuen
Room Types:
- Garden-Side Japanese Rooms (10 tatami mats and up)
- Special Rooms (Japanese-Western style)
Stay Plans:
- 1 Night 2 Meals: From 30,000 yen (per person, 2-person occupancy)
- Room Only: From 20,000 yen
Meals:
- Dinner: Authentic kaiseki
- Breakfast: Kyoto-style breakfast
Benefits:
- Free garden access for guests
- Exclusive early morning garden access
Day-Trip Plans
Day-trip plans combining meals and garden strolls without overnight stay also available.
Lunch Plan:
- Lunch + Garden Stroll: From 5,000 yen
Dinner Plan:
- Dinner + Garden Stroll (Illumination Period): From 10,000 yen
Souvenirs and Shopping
Recommended Souvenirs
Kyoto Traditional Crafts:
- Kyoto yuzen dyeing items
- Nishijin weaving products
- Kyoto and Kiyomizu ceramics
Original Products:
- Shozan original Japanese sweets
- Garden photograph collections
- Original merchandise
Food Items:
- Kyoto pickles
- Kyoto specialty cakes
- Matcha products
Gallery
The on-site gallery regularly features special exhibitions. A wide range of works from traditional Kyoto crafts to contemporary art can be viewed and purchased.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Reservations Necessary?
Reservations are not required for garden strolls alone, but advance booking is necessary for restaurant use, accommodation, and experience programs. Early reservations especially recommended for foliage and cherry blossom seasons.
Is It Suitable for Families with Children?
Yes, families with children are welcome. However, gardens feature many stairs and steps, making stroller navigation difficult in some areas. Child menus available at restaurants.
Can Pets Accompany Guests?
Unfortunately, pets are generally not permitted. However, service dogs and guide dogs are welcome.
Is Wheelchair Accessibility Available?
The garden is partially wheelchair accessible but not completely barrier-free. Those using wheelchairs should contact in advance to discuss accessibility. Main restaurant and facility areas are wheelchair accessible.
Is Enjoyment Possible on Rainy Days?
Yes, rainy gardens offer special charm with moss and greenery particularly beautiful. Umbrella rentals available. With well-developed indoor facilities and restaurants, rainy days can be fully enjoyed.
Conclusion
Shozan Resort Kyoto is a comprehensive resort facility combining a vast Japanese garden, authentic Kyoto cuisine, wedding venues, and accommodation—a representative facility embodying Kyoto’s charm. Within this space where four seasons bring changing natural beauty, cultural experiences, and refined dining, visitors can spend truly special moments.
For Kyoto sightseeing, why not escape the bustling city center and experience Japanese aesthetic sensibility in the serene Takao environment? Spring cherry blossoms and autumn foliage are particularly recommended, though each season offers unique discoveries and attractions.
Whether for weddings, anniversaries, business entertainment, or family travel, Shozan Resort Kyoto accommodates various occasions. In this special space where Kyoto’s tradition and nature intertwine, create unforgettable memories.
