Kyoto Japon Park is better known as just Japon Park to the locals. I would like to tell you how you get there and the best time to go. I would also like to tell you about what food you can get there. Since this park is practically in my backyard, I go there with friends from time to time. Here is everything you need to know.
A Japanese Park in Turkey? Why?
The park was built by the city of Konya to kinder feelings of brotherhood between the Turkish and Japanese people, particularly between the cities of Kyoto and Konya.
Konya is considered a partner city (not a sister city) according to the official Japanese site. The difference is that while a sister city agreement is multi-faceted, a partner city agreement is based on some theme agreed upon by both sides. I have never found what that is exactly, but I think it is connected with education since it is near a university.
What seems strange is I have only met a handful of Japanese in Turkey. There are so many Russians, Ukranians, Iranians and Syrians in Turkey that you would think there would be parks dedicated to these countries. Nope.
Konya Kyoto Japanese Park
The park is very Japanese in style and has many trees commonly found in Japanese gardens. Every little part is carefully manicured and it is like stepping into another world. The garden accurately reflects the Japanese love of nature. The buildings reflect the architechture while the ponds mirror Japanese design. It’s easy to sit and find tranquility in this little haven.
The best time of year to visit
The park is open year round. I’ve been there a few times in the winter, but there’s not much going on. The absolute best date to visit this park is April 4th, or somewhere just before that. Why? Because the park is full of cherry blossoms and this is their peak blooming time. You can’t beat it.
What is so amazing about cherry blossoms is that they bloom very quickly and fall to the grown at their most glorious stage. This is very poetic to the Japanese as it symbolizes the beginning and end of life. And if you like pink, you will love the pink lake called Salt Lake just a couple hours drive west of here. But that’s another post.
While walking through the park there were wedding pictures being taken. brides and grooms come for photo shoots before or after their wedding.
The streams, small hills, ponds, fish, rocks, viewing terraces and flora all make for a real Japanese feel.
Where is Kyoto Japon Park?
The park is in the Selcuklu districts of Konya province. The address is:
Kosova, Veysel Karani Cd. No:131/A, 42250 Selçuklu/Konya
Here is the exact location on google maps and here is the official website.
Restaurants at Japon Park
As a foreigner, I find it difficult to find foreign restaurants in Turkey. Even after living in Turkey for three years, I have never seen a Japanese or Chinese restaurant. So stepping up to the entrance of a Japanese garden in a purist city like Konya was more than just a welcome change, it was a little bit weird.
The restaurant serves burgers, french fries, pizza and some local Turkish foods. If you would like to see the full menu, here it is.
The same restaurant (pictured at the outset) also serves breakfast from 8:30 to 12:00. The view from the restaurant is beautiful and I recommend that if you go here for a meal, that this is a must. The price for a Turkish style breakfast is about 3 dollars. With that kind of a view, you can’t lose.
Many families bring their own food and sit in the small gazebos (there are plenty of them and there is not charge to use them).
Kyoto Japon Park visiting hours
Entrance is free and the visiting hours are between 8:00 am and 11:00 pm.
Summary
So in a nutshell, I will tell you that Kyoto Japon Park is beautiful, it’s free and the breakfast is highly recommended. Especially when the cherry blossoms are out in April.
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