There are several birding locations in Kyoto for anyone looking to do some casual birding, and they are mainly located in the central city area, without requiring too much travel.
Kyoto has been one of the overcrowded tourist destinations for 2024, and I firmly believe that 2025 will be no different. Therefore, you can expect large crowds at some birdwatching spots in Kyoto.
Birding Locations in Kyoto
Kyoto is a four-season zone, so you’ll encounter bird species that change throughout the year. I’ve visited during three of the four seasons, though I haven’t explored during winter yet. As a casual birder, I take a more relaxed approach rather than focusing on technical or scientific details. This guide is intended for casual birdwatching, not intense, expert-level birding, which may require the services of a local guide. The spots I’ve listed are beginner-friendly and easily accessible by public transportation, such as bus or train.
Kamo River Birdwatching
The Kamo River is the best spot for morning, evening, or all-day birding. It’s a prime location for spotting birds, raptors, and several types of ducks all along the river. This river divides Kyoto City from the traditional Gion area and is a popular spot for relaxation. Birds you can spot here include Black Kites, cormorants, various duck species, wagtails, mynas, kingfishers, grey herons, and the usual flock of large-billed crows, pigeons, and Eurasian Tree Sparrows.
Imperial Palace Gardens Birdwatching (Kyoto Gyoen National Garden)
The Imperial Palace Gardens are one of Kyoto’s larger birding spots, requiring a little more walking. A good starting point is at the northeast corner of Kyoto Gyoen National Garden, where a path leads inward. There’s also a small water fountain where Japanese birds bathe during spring and summer. The park offers both common and rare bird sightings, but you’ll need a sharp eye to spot them. The summer heat can make birdwatching a challenge, so be prepared.
Birds include flycatchers, Japanese tits, white-eyes, white-cheeked mynas, dusky thrushes, and the much-anticipated Blue and White Flycatcher, popular with Japanese photographers. You might encounter a group of Japanese bird photographers in the park’s northeast corner. Though they may not speak much English and can seem snobbish, they are actually senior bird photographers who tend to keep to themselves. Overall, this is one of the best birding locations in Kyoto for anyone.
Kyoto Temple and Shrine Birdwatching
Many of Kyoto’s larger, secluded temples offer peaceful natural environments ideal for birdwatching. For instance, the Fushimi Inari Shrine and Yasaka Shrine offer quiet trails and paths for bird-watching. The best time to visit is early in the morning, before the crowds arrive, around 9 or 10 AM. I’ve combined sightseeing with birding, spotting up to 15 species in one temple! These temples, with their green spaces, provide excellent opportunities to slow down and enjoy the birdlife.
Kyoto Botanical Gardens Birdwatching
For some reason, I’ve missed birdwatching at the Kyoto Botanical Gardens on each of my visits, but I plan to prioritise it during my next trip in 2025. I’ve heard from friends that it’s an easy spot for casual birding, offering a nice variety of species to spot. I’ll update this recommendation once I visit myself.
Katsura River Birdwatching
Katsura River is another spot where I only had time to visit one section, but I’ve heard that the area near the end of winter into spring is perfect for birding. Smaller birds like Brambling and Siskins are common here, and winter visitors can sometimes spot the beautiful Long-tailed Rosefinch. I visited the main Togetsukyō Bridge in 2024, near the famous Arashiyama town and the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest. Despite the tourist crowds, I was able to spot around ten bird species in just an hour.
Katsuragawa Wild Bird Park
Located further outside of Kyoto, this dedicated wild bird park features a designated bird observation area for birders and photographers. It’s also a popular spot for photographing autumn leaf colours. The park has several birding areas, but note that it opens at 10:00 AM, so you’ll need to time your visit carefully. Due to scheduling conflicts, I haven’t been able to visit this park yet, but it’s definitely on my list for future trips.
Wild Bird Forest at Takaragaike Park
About 50 minutes outside Kyoto’s city centre, Takaragaike Park is vast and great for birdwatching. The recommended route is to start at Kokusaikaikan station and walk around the lake for the best birding experience. This park is large enough to spend half a day exploring, but it’s best to avoid visiting during the middle of summer, as temperatures can get extremely hot and humid.
Some Birds of Kyoto, Photographed by Me
Conclusion
These are some of the best birding locations in Kyoto, and I have visited most of them. You may have heard of other areas; I leave it to you to explore them. Who knows what you will discover?
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