Best Cherry Blossom Viewing Spots In Kyoto 2023
Photo credit: Zhaoli JIN (Unsplash)
It's not a trip to Kyoto in the spring season if it doesn't involve sakura viewing! Every year, tourists and locals alike flock to Japan to experience the magical sakura season and enjoy the view of fluffy pink blooms in the backdrop of cultural sites and iconic natural landmarks like Mt Fuji.
In Kyoto, you will get to see cherry blossoms grace historic temples and tranquil gardens, and can even go on a scenic train ride with never-ending sakura views. How amazing does that sound? 🌸
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Kyoto Cherry Blossom Forecast 2023
Dates accurate as of forecast announced on 15 Feb 2024
For more information on flowering and full bloom prediction dates in all the prefectures, check out the Japan Meteorological Corporation website.
*All dates accurate at time of publishing, please check the relevant websites for the most updated information.
1. Maruyama-Koen Park
Image Credit: @ryuzo__photo on Instagram
Offering a calm oasis of nature away from the bustling city centre, the Maruyama-Koen Park is one of Kyoto's most famed cherry blossom spots. One unique feature that the park has is its towering shidarezakura (weeping cherry tree), which is also illuminated in the evenings.
The park is also a short walk away from another iconic Kyoto attraction, the Yasaka Shrine, which has a 1,350 year history.
Address: Maruyamacho, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto 605-0071, Japan
Gion is just a short walk away from Maruyama Park. Why not head there to rent a kimono from Wakana Kimono and explore the streets of Kyoto while wearing the charming Japanese traditional wear?
2. Sagano Romantic Train
Image credit: Sagano Romantic Train website
Hop aboard the Sagano Romantic Train, that will take you on a leisurely 25-minute ride around the Arashiyama district. As you chug past landscapes blanketed in fluffy pink blooms, you’ll understand why it’s reputed as one of the most well-loved trails especially for all the hopeless romantics.
For a comprehensive tour, check out the Kyoto Sagano Romantic Train, Arashiyama, Kiyomizudera & Fushimi Inari-taisha Day Tour, which includes a buffet lunch or beef shabu lunch depending on your choosing.
Address: Arashiyama Station (via the JR Pass)
3. Philosopher's Path
Image credit: @livingin.nihon on Instagram
One of the most enchanting sights await you at Kyoto's famous Philosopher's Path (or also known as Tetsugaku No Michi). The path follows a canal lined by hundreds of cherry trees which, not surprisingly, attract flocks of locals and tourists alike to admire its beauty during springtime.
Image credit: @oniwastagram on Instagram
This path got its name from Nishida Kitaro, one of Japan's most famous philosophers, who was said to practice meditation while walking this route on his daily commute to Kyoto University. Walk in the steps of Nishida Kitaro on your next trip, and who knows you might seek some answers or enlightenment while you're there 😉
Address: From Kyoto Station catch Bus 5 or 17 to the stop called ‘Ginkakuji-michi
This stop is just a short walk from Ginkaku-ji near the northern end of the Philosopher’s Path
4. Yawaragi Road (Nanatani River)
Yawaragi no Michi is a road along the Nanatani-gawa River that flows through the city of Kameoka in the Tanba region. Cherry blossom trees line the road for about 1km, with around 1,500 cherry blossom trees in full bloom!
There are about 280 cherry blossom trees of 28 different species planted in the Sakura Park that is located adjacent to the road, and the pink gradient effect formed across the landscape here, created by the various types of cherry blossoms is a sight worth seeing and possibly the best viewing spot in the region.
Address: 19 Chitose Yokoi, Chitose Town, Kameoka City, Kyoto Prefecture 621-0003
Another famous river that flows through the Tanba region is the Hozu River, where you can enjoy a historic rafting experience. In the spring time, you can spot beautiful cherry blossoms blooming along the Hozu River.
5. Kiyomizu Temple
Kiyomizu-dera is one of the most popular tourist spots in Kyoto. There are about 1,500 Yoshino cherry trees and mountain cherry trees planted in the precincts, allowing visitors to enjoy cherry blossom viewing in a world heritage site.
The best viewing spots are at the main hall surrounded by trees from Okunoin, as well as viewing the cherry blossoms from the Kiyomizu stage. In spring, the Special Night Viewing is held every year, and during this period, the trees are lit up, allowing you to enjoy the magical view of the illuminated cherry blossoms at night.
Address: 1-294 Shimizu, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture 605-0862
We recommend participating in a half day tour of the Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine and the Kiyomizu-dera Temple. You can also opt for a package that comes with a local meal at the temple. Solo travellers can enjoy this tour as well!
6. Toji Temple
Famous for its five-storied pagoda, Toji Temple is also one of Kyoto's best cherry blossom spots. In 2006, the 13-metre tall weeping cherry tree Fujizakura was transplanted here, and since then has become a go-to spot for spring sceneries in Kyoto.
Viewed from below, the 55-metre tall, five-storied pagoda and the Fujizakura are lined up side-by-side as if they were comparing their heights, making it a spectacular sight. In addition to the Fujizakura, there are many Somei-yoshino cherry trees as well, and the sight of them being illuminated at night is pretty sublime.
Address: 1 Kujocho, Minami Ward, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture 601-8473
7. Heian Shrine Shin-en
The Shin-en Garden in the Heian Jingu Shrine is known as a national scenic spot, and during the cherry blossom season about 20 different kinds across 300 cherry blossom trees are in full bloom.
A must-see here is the Yae-Beni-Shidare trees. The weeping cherry blossoms against the vermillion architecture of the shrine create such a breathtaking sight. It has been long-adored by many visitors throughout the years and even appears in Jun'ichirō Tanizaki's book, Sasameyuki.
You should also consider viewing the cherry blossoms here at night, as well as experiencing a cherry blossom viewing tea ceremony that is held here for a limited time only.
Address: 97 Nishitennocho Okazaki, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture 606-8341
After enjoying your cherry blossom viewing experience, we recommend going for a full-course meal at Gion Nanba, a 1-star Michelin restaurant in Kyoto! It takes about a 20-minute walk or 6 minutes by car from the Heian Shrine.
Interested to indulge in Kaiseki from Kyoto that is recognized worldwide?
8. Yoshimine Temple
At the Yoshimine-dera, you can find over a 100 Higanzakura, weeping cherry blossoms, wild cherry blossoms, botanzakura, and many other types of cherry blossoms. The 300-year-old weeping cherry tree here is especially impressive - it has become famous since it was featured in the JR TOKAI commercial, 'Let's Go to Kyoto!'.
The weeping cherry blossoms on the west side of Kyoto definitely make it worth a visit!
Address: 1372 Oshiocho, Oharano, Nishikyo Ward, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture 610-1133
9. Daigoji Temple
The Daigo-ji Temple is the head temple of the Daigo school of Shingon Buddhism, with historical buildings within such as the national treasure five-storied pagoda and the main hall.
Its history as a cherry blossom viewing spot dates back to the Heian period! Since then, it has been known as Hana no Daigo, and about 700 cherry trees, including weeping cherry trees, Somei-yoshino and double cherry trees, are in full bloom during the flowering season.
The temple has been selected as one of Kyoto's 100 best cherry blossom spots, and is also known for its grand cherry blossom-viewing party, Daigo no Hanami, which Toyotomi Hideyoshi held splendidly back in 1958. Following that, a recreation of this famous party, called Hōtaikō Hanami Gyōretsu is held on the second Sunday of April each year, so be sure to check it out!
Address: 22 Daigo Higashiojicho, Fushimi Ward, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture 601-1325
10. Kurumazaki Shrine
The Kurumazaki Shrine has long been known as a cherry blossom viewing spot, and was once even called the 'Cherry Blossom Palace'. It is famous for its god that brings good luck in fortune, and also said to bring blessings for academics and performing arts.
The highlight of the shrine is that there are many early blooming cherry blossoms, such as the Kawazu-zakura which peaks in early March, and the Kanhi-zakura which blooms in mid-March. There are also many other cherry blossom viewing spots in Arashiyama, which we recommend for you to stop by as well while in the area.
Address: 23 Saga Asahicho, Ukyo Ward, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture 616-8343
While in Arashiyama, we also recommend getting the Arashiyama Gourmet Coupon that also comes with a 1-day free pass on the Randen train. In addition to choosing 3 of your favourite local sweets from 8 shops, you can also enjoy unlimited rides on Randen!
11. Hirano Shrine
Hirano Shrine was built in 794 and the main hall has been designated as a Important Cultural Property of Japan, along with the Ise Grand Shrine and Matsuo Taisha Shrine. Since the Edo period, it had been called Hirano no Yozakura and is famous nationwide for its cherry blossoms.
There are about 400 cherry trees of 60 different kinds in full bloom in the garden, and many of them include rare kinds! The typical famous cherry blossom types include Kaizakura, Nezamezakura, Hirano Imose, Teyome and Tsutsuhane, while the rare cherry blossoms come in unfamiliar names! How about planning a visit here to catch sight of these rare and precious blooms?
Address: 1 Hirano Miyamotocho, Kita Ward, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture 603-8322
12. Taizo-in Temple (Myoshinji Temple)
The Taizo-in Temple has a long history, famous for Hyonenzu, a painting that was designated as a national treasure of Japan, as well as its dry landscape garden, Motonobu no Niwa.
The red weeping cherry trees located within the garden are about 50 years old and hold a unique presence. The best time to see them is around the end of March, and while they bloom early, the colour gradation that eventually happens as the red buds open, as well as the beauty of the plump double flowers are a must-see here.
Address: 35 Hanazono Myoshinji-cho, Ukyo Ward, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture 616-8035
13. Ninna-ji Temple
Ninna-ji Temple holds a history of over 1000 years, founded in the 4th year of the Ninna era, 888. The temple is registered as a World Heritage Site and its precincts are lined with buildings built in the Edo period, such as the five-storied pagoda and the Niomon Gate.
The cherry blossoms at Ninna-ji are famous for their late blooming Omurozakura. The height of the trees are low, at about 2-meters tall - we recommend viewing these trees from standing right in front of them.
The Omuro cherry tree with the five-storied pagoda of Ninna-ji Temple in the background is one of our favourite views. There is no doubt that you will be impressed by this spring scenery that has remain unchanged since the Edo period!
Address: 33 Omuro Ouchi, Ukyo Ward, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture 616-8092
14. Kyoto Botanical Garden
The Kyoto Botanical Garden is a literal plant museum, the concept of balancing both relaxation and learning. There are about 500 cherry trees of about 180 varieties, so you can enjoy the long blooming period from early March with Kanhizakura, Somei-yoshino in early April, followed by the Chrysanthemum cherry in mid to late April.
The best period to head here would be early April, where you'll get to witness a stunning landscape of the contrasting colours between the Yoshino cherry trees and red tulips. From late March to early April as well, the cherry blossoms are lit up at night, so be sure to check it out!
Address: 〒606-0823 Shimogamohangicho, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture
How about going south along the Kamo River, which flows next to the Kyoto Botanical Gardens, to enjoy a luxurious Kaiseki meal at Kichisen? Here, you can indulge in luxurious Michelin 3-star Kaiseki sets from Kyoto!
15. Former Imperial Villa Nijō Castle
Classified as a national treasure of Japan, Nijō Castle is one of Kyoto's world heritage sites. Approximately 300 cherry trees of 50 different varieties are planted within the castle grounds. Its cherry garden, the weeping cherry trees on the west side of the Honmaru, as well as the Sendaiya trees in the Seiryu-en Garden are famous.
The recommended period to visit the castle is around the annual Nijō Castle Cherry Blossom Festival. The illumination of the cherry blossoms during this festival and the immersive experience produced by projection mapping against the historical building is a must-see!
Address: 541 Nijojocho, Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture 604-8301
Located next to the castle is the luxury boutique hotel, Garrya Nijo Castle Kyoto, where you can experience a truly lavish stay. From the hotel rooms here, you can view the Nijō Castle and the cherry blossoms in its Japanese garden, granting you a unique stay experience.
16. Iwashimizu Hachimangū Shrine
At the historical shrine of Iwashimizu Hachimangū, Somei-yoshino and mountain cherry blossoms are in full bloom in early April, whil the weeping cherry blossoms and double cherry blossoms are in full bloom from mid to late April.
In April, various festive events such as the Bugaku dedication, as well as martial arts competitions, are held at Iwashimizu Hachimangū. The sight of the Yoshino cherry blossoms blooming against the background of the rōmon gate, which has been designated as a national treasure, is truly breathtaking.
Address: 30 Yawata Takabo, Yawata City, Kyoto Prefecture 614-8005
The Iwashimizu Hachimangū Shrine is located near the border of Kyoto and Osaka. If you head to Osaka, you can participate in a day tour which includes stops at Suntory Yamazaki Distillery and the Asahi Beer Oyamazaki Villa Museum of Art, which is the ony place where you can taste Yamazaki single malt whiskeys, which aren't for sale.
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