The Eastern Area, also known as 'Higashiyama,' is a classic tourist destination in Kyoto, home to many famous shrines and temples such as Kiyomizudera, Ginkakuji, and Heian Shrine. The 'shidarezakura' (weeping cherry blossoms) of Maruyama Park are mesmerizingly beautiful and a must-see. Walking through the cherry-blossom-adorned Gion district, you might have the chance to even encounter a maiko (apprentice geisha).
For the Eastern Area (Maruyama Park), We recommend these Rinn Premium.
Typically at Peak Bloom: Late March to early April
Address: Maruyama-cho, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto City
Maruyama Park is known as the oldest park in Kyoto City. It is also one of Kyoto's premier cherry blossom viewing spots, and during the blooming season, the entire park boasts breathtaking beauty as it becomes adorned with cherry blossoms. This enchanting scenery captivates people from around the world.
As of March 12, illumination plans are undecided (illumination typically starts around late March each year). For more details, please visit Maruyama Park Official website.
Philosopher's Path
Typically at Peak Bloom: Late March to early April.
Address: Jōdoji Ishibashi-cho to Nyakuoji-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto City
The walking path along the Sosui Branch Line is lined with approximately 400 Somei Yoshino cherry trees. This forms a romantic cherry blossom tunnel. You can also enjoy beautiful cherry blossoms at Kumano Nyakuoji Shrine and Otomiya Shrine, which are a short walk to the east from the Philosopher's Path.
Okazaki Canal
Typically at Peak Bloom: Early April to mid-April
Address: Sakyo-ku, Kyoto City
Along the canal that draws water from Lake Biwa, rows of cherry trees line the path. During the cherry blossom season, boats operate, allowing you to enjoy the enchanting cherry tree-lined scenery from the water.
Address: 97 Okazaki Nishitennocho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto City
Heian Shrine is home to around 300 cherry trees of various kinds. One of the most breathtaking sights is the weeping cherry trees, which are a symbol of spring in Kyoto and even appear in novels. When you step into the garden, you are greeted by an overwhelming scene of cherry blossoms covering the sky like a canopy. The view of cherry blossoms reflected on the water's surface is also magnificent.
Kiyomizu-dera Temple
Typically at Peak Bloom: Late March to early April
Address: 1-294 Kiyomizu, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto City
At Kiyomizu-dera Temple, approximately 1,500 cherry trees of various types bloom in splendor. The view from the Oku-no-in Hall, where cherry blossoms surround the main hall, and the sight of cherry blossoms seen from the famous wooden stage of Kiyomizu are both spectacular.
Spring Special Night Viewing: March 25(Tue) - April 3(Thu)
Chion-in Temple
Typically at Peak Bloom: Late March to early April
Address: 400 Rinkacho, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto City, Kyoto
At Chion-in Temple, the cherry blossoms reach their peak bloom in early April. Cherry blossoms beautifully bloom in various locations throughout the temple grounds, including in front of the grand Sanmon gate, delighting visitors. During the special spring nighttime viewing period, you can also enjoy the illuminated cherry blossom scenery.
Spring Illumination March 26 (Wed) - April 6 (Sun)
Western Area
Popular tourist areas include the World Heritage site "Kinkaku-ji" (the Golden Pavilion), the shrine dedicated to the god of learning "Kitano Tenmangu," the rock garden of "Ryoan-ji Temple," and the nature-rich "Arashiyama."
For the Western Area (Arashiyama), We recommend this Rinn Premium.
Address: Arashiyama Park and other locations, Saganakanoshima-cho, Ukyo-ku, Kyoto City
Arashiyama refers to the area centered around the Togetsukyo Bridge over the Katsura River, offering enjoyment of flowers throughout the seasons. In spring, everywhere in Arashiyama becomes a prime spot for cherry blossom viewing. In early April, Hirosawa-no-ike Pond and Osawa-no-ike Pond embankment are in full bloom, followed by Gio-ji Temple in mid-April, and Nison-in Temple reaching its peak bloom in late April.
Ninna-ji Temple
Typically at Peak Bloom: Early April to mid-April
Address: 33 Omuro Ouchi, Ukyo-ku, Kyoto City
Every spring, Ninna-ji Temple is adorned with fully bloomed cherry blossoms of various types that compete in their full glory. Among them, the Omuro Sakura, known for their late blooming, are particularly exceptional and cover the entire western area inside the central gate. These cherry blossoms are so special that they have been designated as a national scenic beauty spot.
Omuro Flower Festival 2025 March 22 (Sat) - May 6 (Tue, Holiday)
Ryōan-ji Temple
Typically at Peak Bloom: Late March to mid-April
Address: 13 Goryoshita-cho, Ryoan-ji, Ukyo-ku, Kyoto City
At Ryōan-ji Temple, the weeping cherry trees in the world-renowned rock garden are a must-see. The cherry blossoms reflected in Kyoyo-chi Pond, which is famous as a strolling garden, are also highly recommended. There are about 400 cherry trees within the temple grounds, allowing visitors to enjoy the cherry blossoms for a relatively long period.
Yoshimine-dera Temple
Typically at Peak Bloom: Early April to late April
Address: 1372 Oharano Oshio-cho, Nishikyo-ku, Kyoto City
Yoshimine-dera Temple, a prominent ancient temple representing the Nishiyama area, is renowned for its magnificent weeping cherry tree, which is said to have been planted by the Edo-period noblewoman Keishoin. The entire mountain is transformed into a sea of cherry blossoms, with various types including Higan cherry, weeping cherry, mountain cherry, and double-flowered cherry trees. Additionally, there are over 100 cherry trees within the temple grounds.
Kurumazaki Shrine
Typically at Peak Bloom: Late March to early April
Address: 23 Saga Asahi-cho, Ukyo-ku, Kyoto City
In spring, the cherry blossoms within the shrine grounds bloom beautifully, with cherry blossom avenues and weeping cherry trees providing a visual delight for visitors. The best time to view the cherry blossoms is typically from late March to early April. The shrine grounds are spacious and offer a serene atmosphere for visitors to enjoy their visit.
Daikaku-ji Temple
Typically at Peak Bloom: Late March to early April
Address: 4 Osawacho, Saga, Ukyo-ku, Kyoto City
One of the notable features of Daikaku-ji Temple is Osawa-no-ike Pond. The approximately 1 km perimeter is adorned with blooming Someiyoshino cherry trees and double-flowered cherry trees. Additionally, visitors can enjoy the Benishidare cherry blossoms next to the Chokushimon Gate, which typically reach their peak bloom from early to mid-April.
Central Area
The central area of Kyoto, which includes the Kyoto Imperial Palace (former residence of the Emperor) and Nijo Castle (a site of numerous historical events), is a hub of historical significance. This area offers everything from dining and shopping to sightseeing and accommodation. Even in bustling commercial areas, you can find spots to enjoy cherry blossoms, making it a perfect destination for those who want to experience it all.
For the central area (Kyoto Imperial Garden), We recommend this Rinn Premium.
Situated almost in the center of the city, the Kyoto Imperial Garden (Kyoto Gyoen) is an expansive park that spans around 4 kilometers surrounding the Kyoto Imperial Palace. It is said that approximately 50,000 trees grow within the garden, including plum trees, cherry blossoms, peach trees, and maples, which delight visitors' eyes throughout the seasons. You can enjoy various types of cherry blossoms.
The Kamo River
Typically at Peak Bloom: Late March to early April
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Address: Kamigyo-ku, Kyoto City, from Sanjo Bridge to Shijo Bridge, etc.
The area along the left bank of the Kamo River from Sanjo Street to Shichijo Street is known as the "Flower Corridor." Centered around this "Flower Corridor," there is about a 1.8-kilometer stretch of cherry blossom trees from Oike Street to Gojo Street. Particularly, the area around Sanjo Bridge to Shijo Bridge is bustling with numerous visitors each year who come to enjoy the cherry blossoms.
Kiyamachi Street
Typically at Peak Bloom: Late March to early April
Address: Kiyamachi, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto City
Kiyamachi Street is a thoroughfare running north to south along Takase River to the west of the Kamo River, near the heart of Kyoto. Along Takase River, between Shijo and Gojo Streets, more than 200 Somei Yoshino cherry trees line the approximately 900-meter stretch, creating a picturesque streetscape. The cherry trees are also illuminated to coincide with their blooming, allowing visitors to enjoy viewing the cherry blossoms at night as well.
Nijo Castle
Typically at Peak Bloom: Early April to late April
Address: 541 Nijojocho, Nijo-dori Horikawa Nishi-iru, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto City
Nijo Castle features approximately 300 cherry trees of 50 different varieties, ranging from early to late bloomers. Starting with the early-blooming Kanhi-zakura, visitors can enjoy a variety of cherry blossoms such as Somei Yoshino, Yamazakura, Shidare-zakura, and Sato-zakura over the span of about a month. During the Cherry Blossom Festival, the trees are also illuminated for nighttime viewing.
It is about a 16-minute walk from Kyoto Station. Within the temple grounds, you can enjoy approximately 200 cherry trees including Somei Yoshino. The highlight is the "Fuji-zakura," which is one of the largest cherry trees in Japan with a height of 13 meters and a width of 10 meters. Please enjoy the breathtaking scenery that combines the magnificent cherry blossoms with the historical charm of the Five-Storied Pagoda, which is a national treasure.
Night Cherry Blossom Illumination March 15 (Sat) – April 13 (Sun)
North Area
The area located north of Kyoto city center. It features Kamigamo Shrine, which is considered the oldest shrine in Kyoto. It is a place where you can enjoy the mountain views, nature, and cherry blossoms of Kyoto. The Typically at Peak Bloom period is slightly later compared to the city center, making it an ideal spot for those who want to quietly enjoy cherry blossom viewing.
For the north area (Kamigamo Shrine), We recommend this Rinn Premium.
Address: 540 Raigoin-cho, Ohara, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto City
It takes about 1 hour from Kyoto Station. In mid-April, when the cherry blossoms in the city center reach their peak, the weeping cherry trees bloom beautifully in front of the Imperial Gate and in the Oku-no-in. The temple grounds feature over 300 cherry trees, including mountain cherries and weeping cherry trees. At the same time, rhododendrons also reach their peak bloom, filling the temple grounds with the vibrant colors of spring, lifting the heart.
Kamigamo Shrine
Typically at Peak Bloom: Early to mid-April
Address: Kamigamo Motoyama, Kita-ku, Kyoto City
At Kamigamo Shrine, the beautiful "Saio-zakura" and "Gosho-zakura" weeping cherry trees are well-known. Along with Shimogamo Shrine, it is famous for the Aoi Matsuri (Hollyhock Festival) held on May 15th in the spring.
Jakko-in Temple
Typically at Peak Bloom: Mid-April
Address: 676 Oharakohshojicho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto City
In the quiet and serene grounds, delicate flowers bloom, and cherry blossoms can be seen near the approach and the main hall. The "Migiwa's cherry blossoms" located between the main gate and the main hall are known because Emperor Go-Shirakawa composed a poem about the fallen petals. These cherry blossoms are particularly eye-catching. The sight of pale pink petals floating on Migiwa Pond after the peak bloom is simply beautiful.
Nakaragi no Michi
Typically at Peak Bloom: Mid-April
Address: Left bank of the Kamo River (between Kitayama and Kitaoji)
The path called "Nakaragi no Michi" runs along the Kamo River, on the west side of the Kyoto Botanical Gardens. The deep pink "Yaebeni Shidare Zakura" (double-petaled weeping cherry blossoms) bloom majestically along an 800-meter stretch, creating a beautiful "cherry blossom tunnel". The picturesque weeping cherry blossoms and the murmuring Kamo River captivate visitors.
During the blooming season each year, there are also tea shops. *Please confirm in advance.
Southern Area
The area located south of Kyoto Station. Daigo-ji Temple, famous for its cherry blossoms and also known as "Flowering Daigo," has been selected as one of the "100 Best Cherry Blossom Spots in Japan." Additionally, at Byodo-in Temple, the Somei Yoshino and weeping cherry trees bloom magnificently, surrounding Aji Pond where the National Treasure, the Phoenix Hall, stands. The scenery evokes an image of paradise in spring.
For the Southern Area (specifically Daigo-ji Temple), We recommend these Rinn Premium.
Typically at Peak Bloom: Late March to early April
Address: Mibu-dori Hachijo Sumi, Minami-ku, Kyoto City
In addition to the Somei Yoshino cherry blossoms, Rokusonno Shrine is also famous for its charming yaezakura (double-flowered cherry blossoms) and the rare yellow-green colored Ukon cherry blossoms. It's unique to this shrine that you can occasionally get a good view of the Shinkansen. You might even be able to capture a shot of both the Shinkansen and cherry blossoms. There is a stone drum bridge called the "Bridge of Love," and it is said that crossing it will bring success in love.
Uji River Tributary "Fushimi Jukkoku-bune"
Typically at Peak Bloom: Late March to early April
Address: MinamiHama-cho, Fushimi-ku, Kyoto City
The Uji River tributary is a river port created by Toyotomi Hideyoshi for transporting construction materials during the building of Fushimi Castle. The sightseeing boat "Fushimi Jukkoku-bune" travels along the Uji River tributary, allowing passengers to enjoy the cherry blossom tunnel from the boat. When the cherry blossoms start to fall, the water surface is covered with petals. Please check the website in advance for the boat's operation schedule and reservations.
Daigo-ji Temple
Typically at Peak Bloom: Late March to early April
Address: 22 Daigo Higashioji-cho, Fushimi-ku, Kyoto City
Since the Heian period, this place has been known as "Hana no Daigo" (Daigo of flowers) and is famous for its cherry blossoms. Various types of cherry blossoms, including weeping cherry trees, Somei Yoshino, mountain cherry trees, and double-flowered cherry trees, bloom in succession. On the second Sunday of April every year, the "Toyotomi Hideyoshi Cherry Blossom Viewing Parade" is held, and the grounds are bustling with activity all day long.
Byodoin Temple
Typically at Peak Bloom period: Late March to mid-April
Address: 116 Renge, Uji, Uji City
At Byodoin Temple, which is also a UNESCO World Heritage site, Somei Yoshino and weeping cherry blossoms bloom splendidly along the Aji Pond, surrounding the Phoenix Hall, evoking the scenery of paradise in spring. The reflection of the Phoenix Hall and cherry blossoms on the mirror-like surface of the pond is breathtakingly beautiful.
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