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With winter's chill fading away, spring is just around the corner, bringing the eagerly awaited cherry blossom season. Many of you may already be planning your hanami in Kyoto. This article introduces 20 breathtaking cherry blossom viewing spots in Kyoto, each offering spectacular scenery. It also includes detailed information on blooming periods, historical landmarks, seasonal events, and enchanting night illuminations. Let this guide help you make the most of your cherry blossom viewing experience this year.
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This famous bridge in Arashiyama spans the Katsuragawa River with a total length of 155 meters. It is said that Togetsukyo Bridge was originally built for Emperor Saga to go to Horin-ji Temple, and there is a history of it that the retired Emperor Kameyama wrote a poem about in the Kamakura period. The blooming period is from late March to early April, and the approximately 1,500 cherry blossoms dye the mountains pink, creating a beautiful scenery that is a sight to behold. It is a historical and charming cherry blossom viewing spot that can be reached within walking distance from Arashiyama Station, so be sure to visit it when sightseeing in Arashiyama.
Togetsukyo Bridge
It is the head temple of the Tenryuji school of the Rinzai sect and was built by Takauji Ashikaga to pray for the soul of Emperor Go-Daigo. During the cherry blossom viewing season, approximately 200 cherry blossom trees, including wild cherry blossoms, bloom spectacularly on the temple grounds. Tenryu-ji Temple has a history of investing income earned from trade with the Yuan dynasty (China) to cover the enormous construction costs, leading the trade ships with the Yuan to be called "Tenryu-ji Ships." At the back of Sogen Pond, designated as a historic site and special place of scenic beauty, lies the Tahoden, dedicated to Emperor Go-Daigo. The Yoshino cherry trees and weeping cherry blossoms that bloom profusely around the hall are a breathtaking sight, making it well worth a visit.
Tenryu-ji Temple
It is the head temple of the Omuro school of the Shingon sect, which was founded in the Heian period by Emperor Uda, following the will of his father, Emperor Koko. The sight of many important cultural properties, including the National Treasure Kondo, the Niomon Gate with Kongorikishi statues enshrined on either side, the five-storied pagoda, and the Kannon-do Hall, is breathtaking. The Omuro cherry blossoms at Ninna-ji Temple are famous for their low tree height. The usual blooming period is from early April to mid-April, so why not enjoy the prestigious scenery of Ninnaji's cherry blossoms when they are in full bloom?
Ninna-ji Temple
The former Monzeki temple was the villa of Emperor Saga and is a book of the Daikakuji school of the Shingon sect. It is also the birthplace and head office of Ikebana Saga Goryu. The paintings "Peony" and "Red Plums" by Sanraku Kano in the Shinden Hall are worth seeing. The view of Osawa Pond from Godaido is also wonderful. The circumference of Osawa Pond is about 1 kilometer, and the Somei Yoshino cherry trees and double cherry blossoms blooming there are spectacular. The cherry blossom season is usually from late March to mid-April, so be sure to visit during that time.
Former Saga Imperial Palace, Daihonzan Daikaku-ji Temple
A shrine built in 1895 to commemorate the 1100th anniversary of the Heian capital. Enshrined as the deities of Emperor Kanmu and Emperor Komei, the shrine building was built by reducing the size of Heiankyo's Daidairi to five-eighths, with vermilion-painted pillars and blue tiles that stand out against the sky. At Heian Shrine, approximately 300 cherry trees of 20 types, including Yae Beni Shidare and Somei Yoshino, bloom in spring, and the blooming period is from late March to mid-April. When the cherry blossoms are illuminated at night for a limited time, Heian Shrine is enveloped in a fantastical atmosphere.
Heian Shrine
The Keage Incline is the remains of a 582 meter long inclined railway built during the Meiji period. In spring, about 90 Somei-Yoshino cherry trees bloom along the railroad tracks, and you can enjoy a tasteful and different kind of cherry blossom viewing while strolling along the tracks. Currently, the rails have been preserved and you can freely walk around the incline. The flowering period is from late March to early April. Why not take a walk and enjoy the arch of cherry blossoms blooming along the railroad tracks, something you don't usually get to experience?
Keage Incline
The Philosopher's Path (Tetsugaku no Michi), which has been selected as one of the "100 Best Roads in Japan," is a roughly 2-kilometer promenade that connects Ginkaku-ji Temple and Nanzen-ji Temple. It is said that it was named after Kitaro Nishida, a philosopher and professor at Kyoto University in the early 20th century, who would walk along this path every morning to immerse himself in his thoughts. In spring, it is famous as a place where cherry blossoms are in full bloom along the river. Along the road, the Kansetsu cherry blossoms donated by Japanese painter Hashimoto Kansetsu are also worth seeing. The flowering period is from late March to early April, so it's a good idea to visit during that time.
Philosopher's Path (Tetsugaku no Michi)
Nanzenji is the head temple of the Nanzenji sect of the Rinzai sect, located in the Okazaki area of Kyoto. Nanzen-ji Temple is home to the Hojo Garden, which is said to have been created by the master gardener Kobori Enshu, and during the cherry blossom season, the beauty of the garden and the cherry blossoms combine to create a spectacular view. The types of cherry blossoms that can be seen at Nanzenji Temple are Somei Yoshino, double cherry, and weeping cherry. The cherry blossom season is from late March to mid-April. Find your favorite flower spot against the backdrop of historical buildings.
Nanzen-ji Temple
Sanzen-in Temple is highly prestigious whose chief priest is a member of the imperial family or a nobleman. It is famous for its two gardens, Yusei-en and Shuheki-en, which are designated as scenic spots by Kyoto City. Another highlight is the Amida Triad, a national treasure, enshrined in Ojo Gokuraku-in, an important cultural property. There are 100 types of cherry blossoms that can be seen at Sanzen-in, including Yoshino cherry trees and weeping cherry trees. In particular, the weeping cherry blossoms in Okunoin are a popular spot. The flowering period is around mid-April. Please enjoy the popular weeping cherry blossoms.
Sanzen-in Temple
Approximately 12,000 types of flowers and trees can be seen in the park, and about 4,500 types of plants are on display in the greenhouse. In spring, 450 cherry trees of 180 varieties bloom, making it a sight to behold. In addition, the collaboration of tulips and cherry blossoms blooming at Kyoto Botanical Gardens is beautiful, creating a space that soothes the soul. The flowering period is from mid-March to late April. Why not enjoy collaborating with cherry blossoms and other plants?
Kyoto Botanical Gardens
This is a park that spreads out to the east of Yasaka Shrine, and there is a walking path that goes around a pond in the park, which is spread out on gently rolling hills. It is known as a famous spot for cherry blossoms, and the weeping cherry blossoms are especially famous as "Gion's Night Cherry Blossoms." There are many restaurants and teahouses around the Japanese-style garden, so there are many ways to enjoy the area. The cherry blossom season is from late March to early April. The illumination of the weeping cherry blossoms at night is spectacular, and you can enjoy the glow of the cherry blossoms at night.
Maruyama Park
It is said to have begun in 778 (Hoki 9) at the end of the Nara period when Enchin Shonin built a hermitage near Otowa Falls and enshrined the Senju Kannon. It is famous for the "Kiyomizu Stage". This is a temple where special nighttime viewings are held during certain periods in spring, summer, and autumn. At night, you can see the beautiful cherry blossoms illuminated. The usual flowering period is from late March to early April. The collaboration between Kiyomizu-dera temple, Kyoto's most famous temple, and cherry blossoms will provide you with a breathtaking and moving experience unlike any other.
Kiyomizu-dera Temple
The nine gates of Kyoto Gyoen National Garden are open 24 hours a day, allowing you to enter at any time. The cherry blossoms in full bloom in this vast National Park, which stretches approximately 700 m from east to west and 1,300 m from north to south, are a spectacular sight and have been loved by Kyoto citizens since ancient times. One of the most popular cherry blossom viewing spots in Kyoto Gyoen is the approximately 30 weeping cherry trees that stand on the site of the Konoe family's mansion. The two types of weeping cherry blossoms, red and white, begin blooming in mid-March and can be enjoyed for about a month.
Kyoto Gyoen National Garden
This castle was built as a lodging place for Ieyasu Tokugawa, who won the Battle of Sekigahara when he went to Kyoto as a shogun. It is also famous that the 15th Shogun, Yoshinobu Tokugawa, expressed his intention to restore imperial rule in the Great Hall of Ninomaru Palace. Every year at Nijo Castle, cherry blossom illuminations and project mapping that take advantage of the historical space are held. The usual flowering period is from late March to mid-April. Please enjoy the fantastic space created by night cherry blossoms and projection mapping.
Former Rikyu Nijo Castle
This shrine has a history of being moved from Yamato during the Heian capital relocation. The enshrined deity, Kudo-kami, is the god of kitchen ovens, and this is the reason why ovens in Kyoto are called "Okudo-san." There are approximately 400 cherry blossom trees of 60 different types within the precincts, and in spring the shrine is crowded with night cherry blossoms and cherry blossom festivals. The Cherry Blossom Festival is held every year and is scheduled to be held on April 10th in 2024. Please come and experience the beautiful cherry blossoms and the liveliness of the festival.
Hirano Shrine
It was founded in 874 (Jogan 16) by Rigen Daishi Shoho. This is a famous temple with highlights such as the Kondo Hall, a national treasure, and the five-storied pagoda, the oldest wooden building in Kyoto. Daigo-ji Temple has been a famous spot for cherry blossoms for a long time, so much so that it has been called the Daigo of Flowers. It is also famous for the fact that Toyotomi Hideyoshi, who achieved the unification of the country, went to see cherry blossoms in Daigo. Enjoy the cherry blossoms against the backdrop of the World Cultural Heritage Site's grounds at the "Toyotako Cherry Blossom Viewing Parade" held every year on the second Sunday of April.
Daigo-ji Temple
Although it is called "To-ji Temple" and "Kobo-san," the official name of the temple is "Kyo-o Gokoku-ji Temple." The Treasure Hall houses over 25,000 national treasures and important cultural properties. During the cherry blossom viewing season, the Kondo and Auditorium will be illuminated at night as a special viewing experience. The famous "Fujizakura" blooms beautifully with the Five-Storied Pagoda (Gojū no tō) in the background, and you can't help but fall in love with it. Please be sure to take in the spectacular view of Fujizakura during the illumination period.
To-ji Temple
The row of 1,500 cherry blossom trees of 28 varieties that stretches for about 1 kilometer is in full bloom, one after another, starting in late March. The walking path, which can be called the cherry blossom tunnel, is a great photo spot where photography enthusiasts gather. We also recommend enjoying spring on the "Hozugawa River Cruise," a boat run by a skilled boatman, or on the sightseeing train "Sagano Scenic Train." Please be sure to take the best photos that can only be taken here at the famous cherry blossom tunnel.
Yawaragi-no-michi (along Nanatani River)
Tonoshima Island and Tachibanajima Island, floating in the Ujigawa River, are collectively called Nakanoshima Island and is a park that is regularly maintained to preserve its historical scenery. When you cross the vermilion-painted Asagiri Bridge, you will see the Uji Jucho monument. Along the Ujigawa River upstream of Uji Bridge, approximately 2,000 cherry blossom trees are in full bloom on both banks, allowing you to enjoy the best view of cherry blossoms. The Ujigawa River Cherry Blossom Festival is held every year around the beginning of April and is crowded with tourists and people from the surrounding area.
Uji Park
The Yodogawa River Park Sewaritei Area is a famous cherry blossom viewing spot that is a 10-minute walk from Iwashimizu Hachimangu Station on the Keihan Railway. In spring, visitors from all over the world flock to see the approximately 1.4 km long row of cherry blossom trees. During the Sewari Tsutsumi Sakura Festival, there are many events that can only be experienced here, such as Sakura Marche and Sakura Deai Cruise. The usual flowering period is from late March to early April. Why not visit the famous cherry blossom trees as a spot where people from all over the world gather?
Yodogawa River Park Sewaritei Area
In this article, we introduced 20 cherry blossom viewing spots in Kyoto, a city rich in history and charm. In spring, the fusion of artistic, traditional architecture and vibrant cherry blossoms creates a breathtaking scene. Whether you capture stunning photos, participate in seasonal events, or savor a meal under the cherry blossoms, there are countless ways to enjoy this iconic season. Tailor your experience to your preferences and immerse yourself in Kyoto’s cherry blossom beauty. We hope this article serves as a helpful guide for making the most of your hanami experience in Kyoto.
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Article planning/supervision:Tabiiro Editorial Department Omori
writer:志摩 俊章
Updated every Monday: Total number of views for 30 days
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Togetsukyo Bridge
A 3-minute walk from Arashiyama Station on the Randen Arashiyama Main Line
Tenryu-ji Temple
Right next to Arashiyama Station on the Randen Arashiyama Main Line
Ninna-ji Temple
3 minutes walk from Omuro-Ninnaji Station on the Randen Kitano Line
Former Saga Imperial Palace, Daihonzan Daikaku-ji Temple
A 20-minute walk from JR Sagano Line Saga Arashiyama Station
Heian Shrine
From JR Kyoto Station, take city bus No. 5 bound for Iwakura Sharyojo-mae for 30 minutes, get off at Okazaki Park Museum/Heian Jingu-mae stop, and walk 3 minutes.
Keage Incline
Right next to Keage subway station
Philosopher's Path (Tetsugaku no Michi)
[Train/Bus] From Kyoto Station, take city bus No. 100 and get off at Ginkakuji-mae.
Nanzen-ji Temple
[Train] Approx. a 10-minute walk from Keage Station
Sanzen-in Temple
[Train/Bus] About 60 minutes by bus from Kyoto Station, get off at Ohara bus stop and walk about 10 minutes
Kyoto Botanical Gardens
[Train] Short walk from Kitayama Station
Maruyama Park
From JR Kyoto Station, take city bus 206 bound for Higashiyamadori Kitaoji Bus Terminal for 20 minutes and get off at Gion.
Kiyomizu-dera Temple
[Bus] About 10 minutes walk from Gojozaka bus stop
Kyoto Gyoen National Garden
[Train] Approx. a 5-minute walk from Marutamachi Station [Car] Approx. 30 minutes from Meishin Expressway Kyoto Minami IC
Former Rikyu Nijo Castle
Right next to Nijojo-mae subway station
Hirano Shrine
From JR Kyoto Station, take city bus 205 bound for Kinkakuji/Kitaoji Bus Terminal for 30 minutes and get off at Kinugasa Gakko-mae bus stop.
Daigo-ji Temple
[Train] About 5 minutes walk from Yase-Hieizanguchi Station, about 10 minutes walk from Daigo Station
To-ji Temple
15 minutes walk from JR Kyoto Station
Yawaragi-no-michi (along Nanatani River)
*Please check from the official website
Uji Park
Yodogawa River Park Sewaritei Area
[train] About 10 minutes walk from Keihan Railway “Iwashimizu Hachimangu Station” Hankyu Railway "Nishiyama Tennozan Station" - "Sakura Deaikan" paid shuttle bus will be operated *3/23 (Sat) - 4/2 (Tue)