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Kensington, London · W8

Kyoto Garden, Holland Park

Lush
Intimate
Atmospheric
Romantic
Surreal

Location details

A formally designed Japanese garden within Holland Park, donated by the Kyoto Chamber of Commerce in 1991 for the Japan Festival in London. Features tiered waterfalls cascading over carefully placed rocks, a tranquil koi carp pond, stone lanterns (toro), and a curated planting scheme of Japanese maples, azaleas, and iris delivering distinct seasonal colour — cherry blossom in spring, deep reds and golds in autumn. Relatively compact but densely layered, so telephoto lenses can isolate beautiful vignettes of water, stone, and foliage. Light is dappled throughout due to the tree canopy, giving a soft, organic quality ideal for portraiture and editorial work. Open 7:30am until dusk. Commercial filming requires an application to the RBKC Film Office with a minimum 10 working days lead time. Nearest tube: Holland Park (Central line). The Ilchester Place entrance is closest.

Filming here

Who to ask and what it costs

The rules, the fee and who to contact, as we understand them.

Free forever, no card needed.

As we understand it. Rules change, so check with the owner or council before you shoot.

Light and weather

Plan around the light

Golden hour, where the sun is and the 5 day forecast for this exact spot.

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Scout's notes

Scout's notes are for members

Where to stand, when it's quiet and how to get in, from people who've been.

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Features

Natural light
Water feature
Greenery / foliage
Quiet street

Suits these genres

Drama
Romance
Documentary
Fantasy
Music video

Good for

Portrait photography
Editorial photography
YouTube vlog
Instagram / TikTok content
Short film

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  • Golden hour, light direction and weather
  • Scout's notes on access and where to stand
  • Who to ask for permission and what it costs

Exact location

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Kyoto Garden, Holland Park

Kensington, London