Haha-to-Ko-no-Mori Forest
Good to know before you go
- Getting there
- Imadagawa Station · 10 min walk (Kyoto Municipal Subway Karasuma Line)
- Hours
- Open 24 hours (Mori no Bunko open April 1–November 30, 9:00–16:00, closed in rain)
- Admission
- Free
- Time needed
- 30–60 min
- Best time to go
- Late November to early December for autumn foliage and carpets of fallen maple leaves, or spring through autumn when the outdoor library is open
Hours can change on holidays — check the official site before travelling.
About
Tucked inside the Kyoto Imperial Palace gardens, this 'Mother and Child Forest' is a peaceful, wooded sanctuary designed to connect visitors with nature. It features a charming forest library (Morino Bunko) with outdoor bookshelves, winding dirt paths, and a small pond. It is a perfect, low-crowd escape for families or travelers looking to read and relax under a canopy of native trees.
What Japanese guides note
Kyoto Gyoen strictly prohibits the collection of flora and fauna, meaning visitors cannot bring insect nets, collection cages, or remove plants and fungi. For the most direct route, enter via Ishiyakushi-gomon gate along Teramachi Street rather than traversing the vast central gravel avenues of the park. The trails through the woods are unpaved dirt that can become muddy after rainfall, so flat footwear is recommended.
Details from local sources
- The forest was created in 1986 based on a traditional satoyama woodland model through donations from a local financial institution following an initiative by the Environment Agency. [source]
- The outdoor forest library Mori no Bunko operates only from April 1 to November 30 between 9:00 and 16:00, and is closed during rainy weather. [source]
- A designated birdbath was built in the forest so visitors can observe wild birds drinking and bathing up close. [source]
- The woodland contains a designated Kamigyo Ward Pride Tree ginkgo measuring 24.0 meters tall with a branch spread of 25.3 meters and a trunk girth of 4.92 meters. [source]
Insider Tip
Look for the small wooden shelter housing children's books; it's a lovely spot to sit, though most books are in Japanese.
Frequently asked
Can books be borrowed from the forest library to take outside the park?
No, books from the Mori no Bunko outdoor library cannot be taken outside the park. The picture books, insect and plant guides, and storyboards are free to read on nearby benches or tree stumps, and all materials must be returned to the shelf after reading.
Are visitors permitted to catch insects or collect leaves in the forest?
No, collecting or catching plants, fallen seeds, mushrooms, and insects is prohibited throughout Kyoto Gyoen National Garden. Visitors may not bring insect-catching nets or bug cages into the forest, as the entire area is strictly protected as a wildlife haven for observation.
Which park entrance provides the most direct route to the forest?
The Ishiyakushi-gomon gate on the northeast edge along Teramachi Street provides the most direct entrance to Haha-to-Ko-no-Mori. Entering via this gate saves time compared to walking across the central gravel paths from the western or southern gates of the vast Kyoto Gyoen grounds.
Is the forest library open year-round and in all weather conditions?
No, the outdoor Mori no Bunko library operates seasonally from April 1 through November 30 between 9:00 and 16:00. It closes during rain to protect the book collection, and unpaved dirt trails become slippery, though the surrounding wooded paths remain accessible year-round.
Our Kyoto walking tours
On the same walk
Photos
