The Kyoto Botanical Garden was opened as the Daiten Kinen Kyoto Botanical Garden on January 1, 1924. During World War II, a vegetable garden was set up in the park to increase food production. For 12 years after the war, it was taken over as land for a family house of the Allied Forces. Returned by U.S. forces in 1957 and then resumed in 1961. It is now popular as a place of relaxation for the people of Kyoto. In spring, the area is famous for its cherry blossoms, and many people come to see them.