12 Best Cherry Blossom Spots in Kyoto

Kyoto is a popular destination that can be enjoyed all year round, attracting countless visitors every year.

Among the many reasons to visit Kyoto, cherry blossom season in spring is just as popular as the vibrant autumn leaves. From late March to mid-April, you can enjoy the stunning sight of cherry blossoms in full bloom.

In this article, we’ll introduce the best cherry blossom spots in Kyoto, from famous landmarks like Kiyomizu-dera Temple, Heian Shrine, and the Philosopher’s Path to hidden gems where you can enjoy a more peaceful atmosphere.

Some locations also offer limited-time night illuminations, allowing you to experience the magical beauty of cherry blossoms under the lights.

We’ve also included information on the blooming period and special events, so use this guide to plan your hanami (flower viewing) and sightseeing in Kyoto!

About the Cherry Blossom Season in Kyoto

The blooming period for cherry blossoms in Kyoto varies depending on the area and the year, but generally, you can enjoy them from late March to mid-April.

Somei Yoshino, the most common type of cherry blossom, usually reaches its peak in early April. Kawazu-zakura and Kanzakura bloom earlier, while Botan-zakura tends to bloom later.

If you want to see cherry blossoms from late March, popular spots include Gion Shirakawa, the Keage Incline, and Hirano Shrine.

Keep in mind that the timing of the blossoms can differ by location, so you might not always catch them at full bloom during your visit.

To check the latest updates on the blooming forecast or current conditions, it’s a good idea to check weather reports, TV updates, or resources like “Discover Kyoto.” This will help you plan the perfect hanami (flower viewing) trip!

Cherry Blossom Spots in Rakuto (Eastern Kyoto)

Rakuto is home to many iconic cherry blossom spots, including the Philosopher’s Path and Heian Shrine. If you’re looking to visit Kyoto’s must-see cherry blossom locations, Rakuto is a great place to start.

It’s also easily accessible from Kyoto Station, making it convenient to explore other nearby attractions.

1. Kiyomizu-dera Temple

Kiyomizu-dera is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with a history of over 1,200 years. As one of Kyoto’s most famous landmarks, it attracts visitors from all over the world every year.

The best time to see the cherry blossoms here is typically from late March to early April. If you want to enjoy the blossoms, plan your visit during this period.

While the view from the famous Kiyomizu Stage is stunning, it doesn’t offer a close look at the cherry blossoms. For the best photos, head down to capture the temple surrounded by the blossoms.

From late March, Kiyomizu-dera hosts a Special Night Illumination event, where the cherry blossoms and temple grounds are beautifully lit up. If you have time, visiting at night is highly recommended.

The night view is completely different from the daytime cherry blossoms or the autumn illumination, offering a magical atmosphere. Don’t miss the striking blue beam of light that shines near the Five-story Pagoda—it’s perfect for photos from below.

The illumination starts at 6:00 PM, so if you want to avoid crowds, try to arrive just as it begins. For the ultimate experience, consider visiting both during the day and at night.

Kiyomizu-dera Spring Night Illumination

• Dates: March 23–March 31, 2024
• Time: 6:00 PM–9:30 PM (last entry at 9:00 PM)

2. The Philosopher’s Path

The Philosopher’s Path is a scenic walking route and one of Japan’s “Top 100 Roads,” perfect for a peaceful stroll.

This 1.5-kilometer path follows the Biwa Canal, stretching from the area near Eikando Temple to Ginkaku-ji (Silver Pavilion). Its name comes from the famous Kyoto philosopher Nishida Kitaro, who, along with his disciples Tanabe Hajime and Miki Kiyoshi, used to walk this path while reflecting on their thoughts.

In spring, the Philosopher’s Path becomes one of Kyoto’s most famous cherry blossom spots.

The best time to visit is from late March to early April, when about 400 cherry trees, including Somei Yoshino, bloom along both sides of the canal. The path transforms into a stunning pink tunnel of blossoms, creating an unforgettable atmosphere. If you want to experience Kyoto’s cherry blossoms at their finest, this is a must-visit spot.

You’ll also find cafes and restaurants along the way, making it a great place to stop for lunch or take a break during your walk. Take your time to stroll along this historic path and enjoy the serene ambiance

3. Heian Shrine

Heian Shrine, built in 1895, is relatively new compared to Kyoto’s other temples and shrines. Despite its youth, it boasts a grand and historic atmosphere.

The shrine features several impressive structures, including the massive Otenmon Gate, the 24-meter-tall Great Torii Gate, and the Daigokuden Hall, which is designated as an Important Cultural Property of Japan. You’ll also find Byakuro Tower and other beautifully preserved buildings within the expansive grounds.

Heian Shrine is a popular destination in spring, known for its spectacular cherry blossoms. With about 300 cherry trees on-site, the shrine offers a colorful display of various types of blossoms, including:

• Yaebenishidarezakura (double-flowered weeping cherry)
• Benishidarezakura (weeping cherry)
• Somei Yoshino
• Higan Zakura
• Yamazakura
• Satozakura
• Kanzakura

For the best experience, visit the paid Shinen Garden, where you can admire these varieties up close. Each type of cherry tree has unique colors and shapes, making the walk through the garden a truly fascinating experience.

The garden is quite large and takes about 20 minutes to walk through quickly, but if you want to fully enjoy it, plan for at least an hour. Along the way, you’ll encounter a serene pond with benches nearby—perfect for a short rest. The diverse cherry blossoms ensure you’ll never tire of the scenery.

Heian Shrine is an excellent cherry blossom spot that remains relatively uncrowded, allowing for a relaxed visit. Even with the garden’s entrance fee of 600 yen, it’s well worth the experience.

Each spring, the shrine hosts the Heian Shrine Red Weeping Cherry Blossom Concert. During this event, the southern and eastern gardens are illuminated, highlighting the beautiful weeping cherry blossoms. Guests can enjoy live music performances by talented artists as they stroll through the gardens. There are no fixed seats, so visitors can move freely and soak in the ambiance. If you’re visiting Kyoto during this time, this event is highly recommended!

Event Details

• Dates: April 3 (Wed) to April 7 (Sun), 2024
• Hours: 6:15 PM – 9:00 PM (Last entry at 8:30 PM, held rain or shine)
• Performance Times:
  • 1st Show: 6:40 PM – 7:10 PM (Entry: 6:15 PM – 7:15 PM)
  • 2nd Show: 7:55 PM – 8:25 PM (Entry: 7:35 PM – 8:30 PM)
• Admission Fee:
  • General: 4,000 yen (Advance: 3,500 yen)
  • Elementary school students: 3,500 yen (Advance: 2,500 yen)
• Official Website: Heian Shrine Red Weeping Cherry Blossom Concert

4. Gion Shirakawa

Gion Shirakawa is a charming street in Kyoto lined with traditional townhouses featuring bengara-koshi (red latticework) and stone-paved paths. It’s a perfect place to experience the authentic atmosphere of Kyoto.

In spring, cherry blossoms bloom along the Shirakawa River, creating a stunning scene with the traditional buildings and restaurants nearby.

The cherry blossoms typically reach their peak between late March and early April. Although there are only about 40 cherry trees, the combination of cherry blossoms and the traditional Kyoto scenery makes this a must-visit spot. The main types of cherry trees here include Somei Yoshino and Shidare Zakura (weeping cherry trees).

When the sun sets, the cherry blossoms are illuminated during a special nighttime light-up event, which usually runs from late March to early April between 6:00 PM and 10:00 PM. Strolling under the glowing blossoms in the evening offers a magical and unforgettable experience of Kyoto’s beauty.

To fully enjoy the peaceful atmosphere and take great photos, it’s best to visit early in the morning before the area becomes crowded. If you wander down some of the narrow side streets, you’ll find even quieter spots with more traditional homes, adding to the charm of your visit.

Gion Shirakawa is also conveniently located within walking distance of Kawaramachi, making it a great addition to your Kyoto itinerary.

5. Maruyama Park

Maruyama Park is Kyoto’s oldest park, established in 1886. Spanning an impressive 8,600 square meters, it has long been one of the city’s most popular spots for leisure and relaxation. In 1931, it was officially designated as a national scenic spot.

The park is conveniently located next to Yasaka Shrine and Chion-in Temple, making it an ideal destination to include in your sightseeing itinerary.

Maruyama Park is famous for its cherry blossoms, especially the iconic Gion Shidarezakura (weeping cherry tree). This majestic tree stands 12 meters tall with a trunk circumference of 2.8 meters and is truly a sight to behold. During cherry blossom season from late March to mid-April, the park comes alive with visitors enjoying hanami (flower viewing).

At night, the cherry blossoms are beautifully illuminated, creating a magical atmosphere. If you’re in Kyoto during this time, don’t miss the chance to see the stunning yozakura (night cherry blossoms).

The park also features shops and casual dining options, so you can enjoy a snack or meal during your visit.

6. Chion-in Temple

Chion-in is a famous temple located in Higashiyama, Kyoto, and a popular spot for visitors. One of its standout features is the Sanmon Gate, a massive wooden structure that is one of the largest in Japan. The temple grounds are also home to stunning weeping cherry trees, which are some of the most iconic in Kyoto.

The cherry blossoms usually reach their peak from late March to early April. As you walk through the temple grounds, you’ll find cherry trees blooming everywhere, creating a beautiful and peaceful atmosphere.

During this time, Chion-in hosts a spring light-up event, where the illuminated cherry blossoms create a magical nighttime experience.

Spring Light-Up Highlights

• Dates: March 23 (Sat) – April 3 (Wed), 2024
• Time: 5:45 PM – 9:30 PM (last entry at 9:00 PM)
• Locations: Yuzen Garden, Sanmon Gate, Onnazaka Slope, Miedo Hall, and the exterior of Amida-do Hall
• Admission: Adults 800 yen, Children (elementary and junior high school students) 400 yen

During the light-up event, visitors can listen to monks’ teachings at Amida-do Hall and also receive a special goshuin (temple stamp) featuring Amida Nyorai.

Chion-in is conveniently located near Maruyama Park and Yasaka Shrine, so you can easily visit these spots together for a full day of sightseeing.

7. Keage Incline

The Keage Incline is one of Kyoto’s most famous cherry blossom viewing spots.

This historic sloped railway, approximately 582 meters long, was built during the Meiji era to connect Kyoto with Lake Biwa. Although it stopped operating in 1948 and the tracks were once removed, they were restored in 1977. In 1996, the incline was designated a National Historic Site, making it a unique destination for history lovers and photographers alike.

In spring, about 90 stunning Somei Yoshino and Yamazakura cherry trees bloom along the tracks. You can stroll directly on the tracks, enjoying the charming atmosphere that sets this spot apart from other cherry blossom locations.

For the best photos, try different perspectives:

• From the tracks: Capture the beautiful cherry trees lining the railway.
• From the bridge above: This spot is quieter, allowing you to take photos without worrying about crowds. It also offers a unique view of the incline from a higher angle.

Keage Incline is particularly crowded during cherry blossom season. When I visited in the afternoon, it was packed with tourists, making it challenging to take clear photos. If you want to enjoy the scenery and take your time with photography, I recommend visiting before 10:00 AM.

Recommended Cherry Blossom Spots in Rakusai, Kyoto

Let me introduce some of the best cherry blossom spots in Rakusai, a picturesque area in western Kyoto. Rakusai is home to popular tourist destinations like Arashiyama. While it’s a bit farther from central Kyoto, it’s well worth visiting after exploring other areas.

1. Arashiyama (Togetsukyo Bridge and Arashiyama Park)

One of the most famous cherry blossom spots in Rakusai is Arashiyama, a must-see destination that represents Kyoto’s beauty.

While Arashiyama offers many attractions, Togetsukyo Bridge is an iconic highlight. This bridge, surrounded by stunning natural scenery, is one of Kyoto’s most popular sightseeing spots.

In spring, the area around the bridge, including the gentle Katsura River and the beloved Bamboo Grove, becomes a magical place as cherry blossoms bloom. Don’t forget to take photos from the bridge—this is one of the most popular photo angles! I visited in early April, and the blossoms were in full bloom, creating a breathtaking view.

After crossing Togetsukyo Bridge, take some time to explore Arashiyama Park, located nearby. While it doesn’t have as many cherry trees as other spots, you can enjoy beautiful Somei Yoshino blossoms here.

Arashiyama is also a great place for dining, shopping, or picking up souvenirs. The park has benches and restrooms, making it a nice spot to relax while enjoying views of the river and cherry blossoms.

Just across Togetsukyo Bridge is Nakano-shima Park, which hosts shidare-zakura (weeping cherry) illuminations at night during the season. This park is well-known for its enchanting night cherry blossoms, so if you have time, staying until evening to enjoy this magical sight is highly recommended.

2. Hirano Shrine

Hirano Shrine, located in the northern part of Kyoto, is one of the city’s most renowned cherry blossom spots. Every spring, the shrine comes alive with crowds of visitors enjoying the beautiful blossoms.

The shrine is home to approximately 400 cherry trees spanning around 60 varieties, making it a breathtaking destination. Both the number and variety of cherry blossoms are truly impressive!

The cherry blossoms at Hirano Shrine typically bloom from late March to mid-April, but some trees reach their peak from late April to early May. This extended blooming period is one of the shrine’s unique features. With both early- and late-blooming varieties, visitors can enjoy the blossoms for about a month and a half.

As soon as you enter the shrine, you’ll be greeted by a path lined with cherry blossoms, forming a beautiful floral gateway. Strolling through this pathway is the perfect way to start your visit.

While the shrine’s main grounds are free to enter, there’s also a paid area called the Sakura Yojō-en garden, where you can see cherry trees not found in other parts of the shrine. Entry to the garden costs 500 yen, and it’s well worth the experience.

For those who want an extra-special experience, visit the shrine at night when the blossoms are illuminated. The enchanting night view of the cherry blossoms is something you won’t want to miss.

3. Ninna-ji Temple

Ninna-ji Temple, built in 886 by the order of Emperor Kōkō during the early Heian period, is a historic temple in Kyoto. It is home to many remarkable structures, including the Nio Gate and a five-story pagoda, and is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The temple is also famous for its Omuro Cherry Blossoms, attracting many visitors in spring.

The Omuro Cherry Blossoms at Ninna-ji are included in the prestigious list of the “Top 100 Cherry Blossom Spots in Japan”, alongside iconic locations like Arashiyama and Daigo-ji in Kyoto.

What makes these cherry blossoms unique is their late blooming season, usually mid-April, giving visitors who missed earlier blooms a second chance to enjoy the beauty of spring.

During the Omuro Flower Festival, there is a special entry fee of 500 yen for adults. This allows you not only to see the stunning cherry blossoms but also to admire the five-story pagoda up close, an awe-inspiring sight.

Ninna-ji offers more than just cherry blossoms. There are several areas to explore, each requiring separate admission fees. For those planning to see multiple spots, it’s recommended to purchase a combination ticket for better value.

Omuro Flower Festival 2024

• Dates: March 23, 2024 (Saturday) – May 6, 2024 (Monday)
• Hours: 8:30 AM – 5:30 PM (last entry at 5:00 PM)
• Admission:
  • Adults: 500 yen
  • Free for high school students and younger

Recommended Cherry Blossom Spot in Southern Kyoto

Southern Kyoto is home to several beautiful cherry blossom spots, and Tō-ji Temple is one of the most famous. Here’s why this historical site should be on your itinerary during spring.

1. Tō-ji Temple

Built during the Heian period over 1,200 years ago, Tō-ji Temple (officially known as Kyōō Gokoku-ji) serves as the head temple of the Shingon sect of Buddhism.

In 1994, its historical value earned it a place on the UNESCO World Heritage list. Conveniently located just a 15-minute walk from Kyoto Station, Tō-ji is easy to access for visitors.

The temple is best known for its five-story pagoda, a National Treasure standing at 55 meters tall, making it the tallest wooden pagoda in Japan.

Tō-ji is also a popular spot for cherry blossoms, regularly featured in cherry blossom rankings. While the temple grounds are free to enter, we recommend purchasing a ticket for the paid garden area, where you can enjoy the stunning views of cherry blossoms up close.

One of the highlights is the magnificent Fujizakura (double weeping cherry tree), over 120 years old and one of the largest in Japan. At 13 meters tall, it creates a breathtaking scene with the five-story pagoda as a backdrop—a perfect representation of Kyoto in spring.

From late March to early April, the temple hosts a nighttime cherry blossom illumination. The soft lights create a magical atmosphere, and the reflection of the illuminated blossoms in the pond adds to the beauty.

The Hyotan Pond is a must-see during your visit. The cherry blossoms mirrored on the water’s surface are especially enchanting at night.

The garden entrance fee for the night illumination is 1,000 yen, but the experience is worth it for the stunning night views.

Event Details: Nighttime Cherry Blossom Illumination

• Dates: March 16, 2024 (Saturday) – April 14, 2024 (Sunday)
• Hours: 6:00 PM – 9:30 PM (last entry at 9:00 PM)
• Admission:
  • Adults: 1,000 yen
  • Children (middle school and younger): 500 yen

2. Rokusonno Shrine

Rokusonno Shrine (Rokusonno Jinja) is a historic shrine deeply connected to the Genji clan. It was built in 963 to honor Minamoto no Tsunemoto, the ancestor of the Genji clan.

The shrine’s origin dates back to when Tsunemoto’s son, Minamoto no Mitsunaka, constructed the shrine to enshrine his father. Together with Tada Shrine in Hyogo Prefecture and Tsuboi Hachimangu Shrine in Osaka Prefecture, Rokusonno Shrine is considered one of the Three Genji Shrines.

This shrine is also part of the popular Kyoto 16 Shrine Goshuin Pilgrimage, making it a must-visit for those collecting goshuin (shrine stamps).

When you step into the shrine grounds during spring, you’ll be greeted by a tunnel of cherry blossoms and vivid red lanterns. The cherry blossoms cascade from both sides, creating a breathtaking view.

Rokusonno Shrine features several types of cherry blossoms, including:

• Weeping cherry trees
• Somei Yoshino cherry trees
• Ukon cherry trees with their rare yellow-green flowers

The tunnel leads to the Taiko Bridge, also known as the “Bridge of Love.” Crossing this bridge is said to bring good luck in relationships.

Beyond the bridge, you’ll find Shinryu Pond, where colorful koi swim peacefully. The name “koi” is a play on words, as it sounds like “love” in Japanese, adding to the shrine’s romantic atmosphere.

Although the shrine is small, it’s much quieter than other cherry blossom spots, allowing you to enjoy the scenery at a relaxed pace. Entrance is free, and it’s conveniently located just a 10-minute walk from Kyoto Station.

Kyoto is home to many beautiful cherry blossom spots.
In addition to Somei Yoshino and weeping cherry trees, you can find a variety of other cherry blossoms throughout the city.

Some places offer nighttime illuminations, creating a completely different and magical atmosphere compared to the daytime scenery.

Enjoy a unique cherry blossom experience in Kyoto!

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