In this blog post, we’ll list the best spots to see the cherry blossoms in Kyoto, Japan. With its old temples and beautiful streets, Kyoto is arguably the best spot for this annual celebration of their national pride. Kyoto in cherry blossom season is absolutely my favourite experience. Join us as we explore the best place to see cherry blossoms, when to see them, and how to enjoy the cherry blossom viewing (Hanami; 花見) in Kyoto.
When to see Cherry Blossoms in Kyoto
The timing of cherry blossoms in Kyoto can vary from year to year, but generally, the cherry blossom season typically occurs in late March to early April. The exact timing depends on the weather, the location and the type of cherry trees, so it’s a good idea to keep an eye on cherry blossom forecasts. In Kyoto, there are three major types of cherry blossoms – Weeping cherry blossom, Yoshino cherry blossom, Yaezakura double cherry blossom. People in Japan are very passionate about viewing cherry blossoms and closely follow the forecast. You can check the latest forecast here in English; 2024 Cherry Blossom Forecast. In Kyoto, the expected full bloom date for cherry blossoms in 2024 is April 5th, with the blooming period starting from March 29th. (I will update the date regularly)
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Best Places to See Cherry Blossoms in Kyoto
Maruyama Park
One of the most popular spots to see cherry blossoms in Kyoto is Maruyama Park, with over 650 cherry trees. One of the highlights of the park is the massive weeping cherry tree (“The weeping cherry tree of Gion”) near the park’s main entrance. This iconic tree and other 650 trees are illuminated in the evenings between the end of March and the beginning of April.
This is also a popular spot for hanami parties, where people gather to enjoy food and drinks under the cherry blossoms (Sakura; 桜). Families and office workers come to the park in the evenings to appreciate the cherry blossoms while enjoying food. Mingling with the locals and eating a grilled squid on a stick from a food stand will add to this unique experience.
Additionally, the Yasaka Shrine in the park stands amidst the blooming cherry trees. The contrast of bright red shrine against the backdrop of illuminated vibrant blossoms is breathtakingly beautiful.
| • ￥ Free • 🚌 Take a Kyoto City Bus (No 206) from Kyoto Station to Gion (祇園). The bus ride takes approximately 15-20 minutes. Walk from the bus stop to Yasaka Shrine. It’s about a 5 minute walk. • 🚇 If you’re using the Keihan Line, you can get off at Gion-Shijo Station (祇園四条). Yasaka Shrine is about a 10-15 minute walk from this station. |
Gion Shirakawa
The Gion Shirakawa area is an excellent spot for cherry blossoms which are planted along the picturesque canal. The area is next to Maruyama Park, which makes it a perfect evening stroll spot before heading to the park for the night. This is also the ultimate Kyoto cherry blossoms experience where you’ll see old wooden tea houses with bamboo fence and Geisha in kimono on narrow cobblestone streets. Along the Shirakawa canal, there are over 40 weeping cherry and Yoshino cherry trees.
The trees are illuminated in the evenings between the end of March and the beginning of April. You may not find food stands here but there are many charming restaurants and cafes around the famous Tatsumi Bridge.
| • ￥ Free • 🚌 Take a Kyoto City Bus (No 206) from Kyoto Station to Gion (祇園). The bus ride takes approximately 15-20 minutes. The bus stop is near Yasaka Shrine. From there, it’s a 5 minute walk to Gion Tatsumi Bridge. • 🚇 If you’re using the Keihan Line, you can get off at Gion-Shijo Station (祇園四条). It’s a 7 minute walk to Gion Tatsumi Bridge. |
Where to stay near Maruyama Park and Gion Shirakawa
Hotel Gion Misen; Only a couple of blocks away from Gion Tatsumi Bridge. Small but modern and clean with Japanese twist decoration. Great location.
Kyoto Granbell Hotel; Located in the south side of Gion with many options for restaurants and shops. Close to Maruyama Park. Sleek design with public indoor bath, bar, and a small garden.
Hotel Gion Ichirin; Near Gion Corner. Beautiful traditional Japanese rooms and sleek design throughout. Some rooms come with an outdoor bath.
Kiyomizu-dera Temple
Kiyomizu is always a great place to visit when in Kyoto but it’s especially so during the cherry blossom season. The temple’s wooden terrace, known as the “Kiyomizu Stage,” offers a stunning viewing point to admire the cherry blossoms against the backdrop of Kyoto’s landscape. It is surrounded by about 1,500 Yoshino cherry trees. As the cherry blossoms cover the temple and the adjacent Otowa Mountain, it creates a stunning view.
Between March 23 and 31, 2024, the temple is open until 9pm and the cherry blossoms are vividly illuminated. While there are no food stands inside the temple property, there are plenty of street food stands along the Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka, preserved cobblestone slopes leading to the temple.
| • ￥ General Admission ￥400 • 🚌 Take a Kyoto City Bus (No. 206 or 100) from Kyoto Station to Gojozaka (五条坂). The bus ride takes approximately 20 minutes. Walk east for 10 minutes. |
Where to stay near Kiyomizu-dera Temple
The Hotel Seiryu Kyoto Kiyomizu; This modern upscale hotel is located near Sannenzaka and only a 5 minutes walk to Kiyomizu-dera. Check out the rooftop bar for an amazing view.
Four Seasons Hotel Kyoto; A well known brand hotel in a quieter side of the town. About 20 minutes walk to Kiyomizu-dera. Great amenities including spa, Japanese garden, indoor pool.
Yasaka Yutone Kyokoyado; For something more authentic Japanese, try this. Smaller but beautifully decorated rooms and a Japanese restaurant onsite.
Philosopher’s Path (Tetsugaku no Michi)
If you’re looking for a more tranquil and contemplative atmosphere to enjoy cherry blossoms in Kyoto, head to the Philosopher’s Path (Tetsugaku no Michi). The two kilometer path along the canal, lined with hundreds of cherry trees, is named after the Japanese philosopher Nishida Kitaro, who used to take walks here for meditation.
The Yoshino cherry trees which tend to blossom earlier than other trees create a spectacular Sakura tunnel during the kyoto cherry blossom season. No illuminations or food stands, but you’ll find some cafes and restaurants along the path.
| • ￥ Free • 🚇 Take a subway is quicker and easier. From Kyoto station get on Karasuma line and get off at Karasumaoike (烏丸御池), change to Tozai line and get off at Keage (蹴上). The ride should be about 30 minutes. From Keage, it’s about 20 minutes walk to the south end of the Philosopher’s Path past Nenzen-ji temple. |
Heian Shrine
From the south end of the Philosopher’s Path, walk east, and you’ll reach Heian Shrine. Built in 1895 to mark the 1,100th anniversary of the establishment of Kyoto as the capital of Japan, Heian shrine offers a peaceful and tranquil escape from the urban hustle. It’s also another great place to see cherry blossoms in Kyoto. There are about 300 cherry trees against the backdrop of bright red shrine hall, which are illuminated in the evenings.
They organize a classic concert in the evenings during the cherry blossom season. No information for this year yet, but keep checking the official site. No food stand at the shrine, but there are plenty of options along the Marutamachi Dori.
| • ￥ Adult ￥600, Child ￥300 • 🚌 Take a Kyoto City Bus (No. 5 or 100) from Kyoto Station to Okazaki Koen Bijutsukan Heian Jingu Mae (岡崎公園美術館平安神宮前). You’re right front of the shrine. • 🚇 From Kyoto station get on Karasuma line and get off at Karasumaoike (烏丸御池), change to Tozai line and get off at Higashiyama (東山). From there, it’s a 10 minutes walk. |
Where to stay near Philosopher’s Path and Heian Shrine
Hotel Okura Kyoto Okazaki Bettei; A good upscale hotel between the Philosopher’s Path and Heian Shrine. A perfect choice if you’re planning to visit both sites. Beautiful Japanese garden.
Dhawa Yura Kyoto; A boutique hotel by luxury brand Banyan Tree. It’s closer to Gion district near Kamo river. Perfect location if you want to see Geisha in Gion.
The Hotel Higashiyama by Kyoto Tokyu Hotel; Located near Higashiyama subway station, this upscale hotel offers a private spa, breakfast buffet, French restaurant, bar. All things you need.
Nijo Castle (Nijojo)
One major advantage of visiting Nijo castle for cherry blossom viewing is that they have about 300 cherry trees in 50 different variations. It means that some trees blossom later, allowing the late visitors to enjoy the cherry blossoms as late as mid April. This UNESCO World Heritage Site was built in the 17th century as the Kyoto residence for the Tokugawa shoguns. Nijo Castle is surrounded by beautiful gardens, but head to Ninomaru Garden for the best cherry blossom viewing.
Nijojo Castle Sakura Festival is normally held between mid March and mid April. No exact date is available for 2024 yet. Check the official site. Normally, the evening festival is open between 6pm and 10pm and you will need a separate ticket which can be purchased online. The cherry blossoms and the castle will be illuminated and food stands will be available. The festival is highly recommended. As it gets busy, I recommend avoiding the weekends.
| • ￥ Adult ￥1,300, Child ￥400 (including Ninomaru Palace); Adult ￥800, Child ￥400 (without Ninomaru Palace) • 🚌 Take a Kyoto City Bus (No. 9 or 50) from Kyoto Station to Nijojo Mae (二条城前). Either route takes about 15 minutes and you get off right front of the castle. • 🚇 From Kyoto station get on Karasuma line and get off at Karasumaoike (烏丸御池), change to Tozai line and get off at Nijojo Mae (二条城前). |
Where to stay near Nijo Castle (Nijojo)
Garrya Nijo Castle Kyoto; Right in front of the Nijo castle. Beautiful lobby overlooking the garden and the castle. Some rooms have a balcony with a castle view.
Hyatt Place Kyoto; The Hyatt is conveniently located between the castle and the Imperial palace. Clean modern design. Amenities include bar, gym, laundry room.
The Royal Park Hotel Iconic Kyoto; If you don’t mind a 15 minutes walk to the castle, the Royal Park is also a good choice. It’s also close to Pontocho Alley where you see traditional tea houses and geisha. They have a modern public bath.
Kamigamo Shrine
If you want a bit more quieter cherry blossom experience in Kyoto, try Kamigamo Shrine. The shrine is a popular spot among the locals and offers a bit more chill experience. There are many different kind of cherry trees and some are meticulously designed to maintain their beauty. Some trees tend to blossom as late as late April.
While there is no cherry blossom specific festival or evening illumination, they often have ceremonial Shinto events which are open to the public. Normally on the second Sunday of April, annual “Kamo Kyokusui no En”, (banquet by the flowing stream) is held. Participants wearing kimono gather to compose and recite poems in a celebration of nature and poetry while traditional musical instruments are played. No date has been confirmed for 2024 yet. Check the official website. You can also walk to Kyoto Botanical Gardens along the Kamo river where you can spot some cherry blossoms.
| • ￥ Free • 🚌 Take a Kyoto City Bus (No. 4) from Kyoto Station to Kamigamo Jinja Mae (上賀茂神社前). It takes about 50 minutes. You can also take No. 9 from Kyoto Station to Kamigamo Misonobashi (上賀茂御薗橋), which takes about 40 minutes. • 🚇 From Kyoto station get on Karasuma line and get off at Kitayama (北山) which is at the botanic gardens. Walk along the river for 25 minutes to get to the shrine. |
I don’t recommend staying near the Kamigamo shrine as it’s out of town. But please check my blog post on Where to stay in Kyoto First Time ⬇️ which gives you area guide and recommendations.