It is that magical time of the year again when everything turns pink here in Japan! And especially enjoying the cherry blossoms in Kyoto at this time of the year is an unforgettable experience.
It is one of the most popular places to come to in spring, so make sure to plan ahead as this is the busiest time of the year, high high season!
It is good to know, that cherry blossoms usually bloom around late March/ early April in Kyoto, a little bit earlier than in Tokyo. And it can be tricky to find the right timing to see them in full bloom. So make sure to check the cherry blossom forecasts, which are released sometimes as early as January. Furthermore, as we are dealing with mother nature, you can never be 100% sure, so it is generally best to time your visit in the middle of the forecasted dates if you can. Or earlier, as you will already get to see the plum blossoms starting in February.
Once you are in Kyoto, there are plenty of places to see them. There are famous cherry blossom spots throughout Kyoto, including Maruyama Park and of course, trees popping up between temples and shrines creating that perfect picture moment. Just imagine any of the many World Heritage Sites in Kyoto surrounded by pink clouds, it’s truly magical.
So if you get a chance to visit, these are the best places, our top 12 spots to view the cherry blossoms in Kyoto.
1.Hirano Shrine
Hirano Shrine is where sakura season starts here in Kyoto. Every city has one tree that sets the tone and this one is it. Showcases about 60 cherry blossom varieties blooming at different times so the flowers can be enjoyed for about one month and a half.
There are also special sakura illuminations held during this time of the year as well as the Okasai Festival on April 10th. A stunning festival including a historical procession of Mikoshi and Orihime costumes. For event details check the official homepage.
- Opening hours: 6 am – 5 pm. With illuminations from 6 pm to 9 pm. (mid-March – mid-April)
- Address: Kyoto, Kita, Hirano Miyamotocho 1
- Website: http://www.hiranojinja.com/
2.Kyoto Botanical Gardens
The Kyoto Botanical Gardens are a great place to see the cherry blossoms in Kyoto, with its small cherry blossom forest featuring 130 different varieties. And of course, feature plenty of other plants and exhibits to see.
They also have special spring illuminations, with their opening time extended until 9 pm.
- Opening hours: 9 am – 5 pm. With illuminations special opening times until 9 pm. (mid-March – mid-April)
- Admission Fee: Garden entry: Adults 200 ¥, high school students 150 ¥. Conservatory entry: Adults 200 ¥, high school students 150 ¥
- Address: Kyoto, Sakyo, Shimogamo, Hangi
- Website: http://www.pref.kyoto.jp/en/02-02-10.html
3.Toji Temple
Kyo-o-gokokuji Temple, how it is officially called, but better known as Toji Temple is home to Japan’s tallest wooden pagoda. Making it one of Kyotos many registered World Heritage Sites and the perfect cherry blossom backdrop.
It is a must-visit for its five-storied pagoda but also for its mirror lake. Combined with the Cherry blossoms this is the epitome of traditional Japanese essence. Especially during the evening illuminations held in spring.
- Opening hours: 8 am – 5 pm. With illuminations from 6:30 pm – 9:30 pm (mid-March – mid-April)
- Admission Fee: Admission for adults is 500 ¥, high school students 400 ¥, and for junior high school students and younger 300 ¥. Illuminations admission is 500 ¥ for adults and high school students and 300 ¥ for junior high school students and younger.
- Address: 1 Kujocho, Minami Ward, Kyoto
- Website: http://www.toji.or.jp/
4.Maruyama Park
Maruyama Park is Kyotos best-kept secret. Loved by locals, it is home to about 680 cherry blossom trees. It features a small river, lakes, and a few terrace-style cafes.
There are some special events during this time of the year, including the spring illuminated from mid-March to mid-April open until midnight. And normally has Food stalls set up around the park, although this year there will be none due to the Corona Virus.
- Opening Hours: Always, but with illuminations until midnight
- Address: Kyoto, Higashiyama, Maruyama Park
- Website: https://kyoto-maruyama-park.jp/
5.Heian Jingu Shrine
The Heian Jingu Shrine is particularly impressive with its garden featuring vermillion pillars creating a green or during cherry blossom season a pink roof. The perfect place to admire the sakura and get some unique photographs.
- Opening hours: 6 am – 5.30 pm
- Admission Fee: Entrance to the shrine is free, however, if you like to enter the garden admission is 600 ¥
- Address: Okazaki Nishitennocho, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto
- Official Website: http://www.heianjingu.or.jp/
6.Nijo Castle
Nijo Castle, another one of Kyoto’s must-visit World Heritage Sites, providing the perfect background for any history buff. Visit the Japanese gardens and enjoy the cherry blossom surrounding this historical structure in the heart of Kyoto
Every year the Nijo Castle Cherry Blossom Festival takes place in late March to mid-April featuring beautiful illuminations from 6 pm to 9.30 pm.
- Opening hours: 8:45 am – 4 pm. Illuminations are from 6 pm – 9.30 pm
- Admission Fee: Adults 620 ¥, junior and high school students 350 ¥, elementary school students 200 ¥. Nightime admission has to be paid separately.
- Address: 541 Nijojocho, Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto
- Official Website: https://www2.city.kyoto.lg.jp/bunshi/nijojo/english/index.html
7.Kodaiji Temple
Kodaiji Temple located in Higashiyama features a stunning Japanese garden that many are unaware of. Featuring a mirror lake and a rock garden combined with the cherry blossoms you will feel like you are in a movie.
The temple is also well known by locals for its illuminations and projection mapping, extending its opening times to 10 pm both in spring and in autumn.
- Opening hours: 9 am – 10 pm (between March and early April)
- Admission Fee: Adults 600 ¥, junior high and high school students 250 ¥
- Address: 526 Shimokawaracho, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto
- Website: https://www.kodaiji.com/
8.Philosopher’s Walk
The Philosopher’s Walk, a beautiful path loved by literary scholars is also famous for its cherry blossom and autumn foliage.
Stretching for about two kilometers alongside the canal, the 500 Yoshino cherry trees create a stunning cherry blossom tunnel. It also connects the Heian Jingu Shrine with Higashiyama Jisho-ji, both worth visiting.
- Address: Kyoto, Kyoto, Sakyo, Jodoji Ishibashi Google Map
- Website: https://kyoto.travel/en/thingstodo/entertainment/111
9.Umekoji Park
Only known to locals, this park is especially great for families as it has a massive playground. It is also close to the rail museum, the Kyoto aquarium and it is one of the best places in Kyoto to have a Hanami picnic during cherry blossom season.
- Address: ５６-3 Kankijicho, Shimogyo Ward, Kyoto, 600-8835
- Website: http://www.kyoto-ga.jp/umekouji/
10.Takase River
The Takase River or canal flows along the entire Kiyamachi Street (about 2km) and it is lined with cherry blossom trees on both sides. So make sure to walk along, stop for a coffee or visit one of the many shops and restaurants that are surrounding it.
There are special illuminations from 6 pm – 10 pm in late March to early April. So if you re in town make sure to go for a stroll at night.
- Opening Hours: Always, but with illuminations from 6 pm – 10 pm
- Address: Takase River (Kiyomisu-gojo Station)
- Website: https://kanko.city.kyoto.lg.jp/detail.php?InforKindCode=4&ManageCode=7000044
11.Kamo River
The Kamo River, which flows through the heart of Kyoto is a popular spot to rest, meet, and of course gaze at the cheery blossoms during spring. Beautiful to take a walk and look at the cherry blossom trees framing the river, or if you have time, there is ample space to bring a pick-nick or a drink and enjoy Japans favourite spring past time: hanami!
Alternatively, pop into one of the many restaurant terraces, but you may need a reservation so plan ahead.
- Address: Kamo river (Sanjo station)
- Website: https://www.pref.kyoto.jp/kamogawa/1205475129577.html
12. Arashiyama
Arashiyama is the perfect half-day/ day trip from Kyoto and a great place to visit during the sakura season. The best spot to see the cherry blossoms is near “Togetsu-kyo Bridge” along the Katsuragawa River. With the nearby mountain range turning pink it is a spectacular sight.
The riverbanks are also a great spot to go for a walk at nighttime as they are beautifully illuminated during spring.
