The cherry blossoms for most spots around Kyoto in 2020 will be blooming around late March to early April.
In this article, we’ve broken Kyoto up into 6 areas, Rakuhoku, Rakunan, Rakusei, Rakuto, Rakuchū and Rakugai.
We will also be putting information on the viewing period, directions, entrance fees and special characteristics of each spot down below.
Taking the overall theme having a relaxed time, in order of top to bottom, we’re will introduce some great cherry blossom spots that you relax and enjoy, including the famous Maruyama Park and Nijo-jo Castle.
Rakuhoku
The area of Kita-Ku and Sakyo-Ku. Home to the world heritage sites of Kamigamo Shrine and Shimogamo Shrine, as well as Kifune Shrine and Kurama-Dera Temple.
The tunnel-like Double Weeping Cherry blossoms.
The Nakaragi Path is a famous Sakura cherry blossom spot along the Kamogawa River. Time slows down on this 800-meter path as you sit back, relax and watch the river surrounded by cherry blossom trees on both sides.
Viewing Period:
Early April
Type of Cherry Blossom:
Plena Rosea' (Double Weeping Cherry)
Entrance Fee:
Free
Directions:
10-minutes from the Kitaoji Subway Station
Google Maps: https://goo.gl/maps/NrD94SE1oGt
Breathtaking scenery of over 200 weeping cherry blossoms.
Although the Haradanien Garden is slightly outside of the city and a little inconvenient to get to, you can enjoy the fantastic scenery of cherry blossoms blooming in nature. We highly recommend this spot! Please note that food and drinks are not allowed inside the garden.
Viewing Period:
Early to late April
Type of Cherry Blossom:
Red Prunus Itosakura (Weeping Cherry)
Entrance Fee:
¥300 –¥1,500 (Entrance Fee may change based on level of blossoming)
Number of Trees:
Approximately 450 trees of 20 species
Directions:
Close to the “Haradani” bus stop
Google Maps: https://goo.gl/maps/LLwSMoZGKMC2
A unique spot where you can see a vast array of different types of cherry blossoms in a wide-open space!
There’s a beautiful and solemn air to this space—which has mixed the world heritage site of Shimokami Shrine with a wide array of cherry blossoms, including Gosho Zakura and the famous Plena Rosea Saiō-zakura tree.
Viewing Period:
Early to Mid April
Type of Cherry Blossom:
Elderly Prunus pendula and Plena Rosea' (Double Weeping Cherry)
Entrance Fee:
Shrine grounds: Free
Main hall/Gonden hall: ¥500
【Directions】
5-minutes from the city bus “Kamigamo Jinja-mae” bus stop
Google Maps: https://goo.gl/maps/KoyukLbgL1C2
| Address | 339 Motoyama, Kamigamo, Kita-ku, Kyoto-shi, 603-8047 |
|---|---|
| Open Hours | 5am - 5pm |
Rakuchū
The area of, and south of, Kyoto's Kamigyo-Ku. Home to famous sightseeing spots such as Nijo Castle and Kyoto Gyoen.
The area surrounding the former residence of the Emperor and containing 1,100 cherry blossoms.
With this site having a total radius of 4 km, it never gets crowded, even when there are a lot of people. The Kyoto Gyoen is the perfect place to throw down a picnic blanket and enjoy some cherry blossom viewing at a Hanami picnic.
Viewing Period:
Early to Mid April
Type of Cherry Blossom:
Elderly Prunus pendula and Plena Rosea' (Double Weeping Cherry)
Number of Trees:
1,100
Entrance Fee:
Free
Directions:
Close to Marutamachi and Imadegawa Subway stations
Google Maps: https://goo.gl/maps/gAQL7cZK1972
| Address | 3 Kyoto-gyoen, Kamigyo-ku Kyoto-shi, Kyoto, 602-8611 |
|---|---|
| Open Hours | September and March: 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (Entrance by 3:50 p.m.) October to February: 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. (Entrance by 3:20 p.m.) April to August: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (Entrance by 4:20 p.m.) Guided tour starting times: Japanese: 9:30 a.m. 10:30 a.m. 1:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. English: 10:00 and 2:00 p.m. Chinese: 10:00 and 2:00 p.m. *Those wishing to take part in the guided tour should get to the visitor's room 10 minutes before tour starting time. *You don't need to apply for the free tour, but there may be changes if there are too many people. *Big groups should inquire beforehand about the tours. *The tour takes around 50 minutes. |
90-year-old sister tree to Maruyama Park’s famous Gion Weeping Cherry Blossom!
There aren’t a huge amount of cherry blossoms here; however, everyone should take the opportunity—at least once—to check out Kyoto’s biggest weeping cherry blossom!
Viewing Period:
Late March to Mid April
Type of Cherry Blossom:
Prunus itosakura (Weeping Cherry)
Number of Trees:
1
Entrance Fee:
Free
Directions:
3-minutes from the city bus “Aoibashi Nishizume” bus stop
10-minutes from the Keihan Demachiyanagi Station
Google Maps: https://goo.gl/maps/y8gunmU4yxy
| Address | 16 Teramachidori, Imadekawaagaru, 2 Chome Tsurugiyamacho, Kamigyo-ku, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture |
|---|---|
| Open Hours | 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. |
One of Kyoto’s top cherry blossom spots with over 60 different kinds!
As there’s an array of cherry blossoms here—with early bloomers starting in mid-March and late bloomers around April—it means that you can enjoy a full month of beautiful cherry blossoms. Hirano Shrine also holds a light-up event from March 25th to April 20th (18:00 to 21:00), so we definitely recommend checking it out.
Viewing Period:
Late March to Mid April
Type of Cherry Blossom:
Prunus itosakura (Weeping Cherry) ‘Sakigake’
Prunus lannesiana ‘Kocho’
Prunus lannesiana ‘Ichiyo’
Cerasus serrulata 'Gioiko'
Nezame-Zakura
Number of Trees:
Types: 60
Trees: 400
Entrance Fee:
Free
Directions:
2-minutes from city bus “Kinugasa Komae” bus stop
Google Maps: https://goo.gl/maps/ZSg6SXpwXGL2
| Address | 1 Hiranomiyamotocho Kita-Ku, Kyoto |
|---|---|
| Open Hours | 6 a.m. - 5 p.m. (cherry blossom season: 6 a.m. - 9 p.m.) |
Popular Cherry Blossom Sightseeing Spots
Enjoy a fantastic light-up event that includes rare cherry blossoms at the world heritage site Nijo Castle!
A definite highlight of Nijo Castle is the beautiful cherry blossoms that sit amongst the huge, elegant castle buildings. From March 21st to April 14th (18:00 to 21:00), Nijo Castle holds a projection mapping show, so definitely check it out! (It’s quite a famous event, so be prepared for crowds)
Viewing Period:
Early to Mid April
Type of Cherry Blossom:
Plena Rosea' (Double Weeping Cherry), Prunus jamasakura, Prunus jamasakura cv.Sanozakura
Number of Trees:
Varieties: 50
Trees: 300
Entrance Fee:
Age 18+: ¥600
Ages 12 to 17: ¥350
Ages 6 to 11: ¥200
Light-up Period:
6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Directions
2-minutes from the city bus “Nijōjō-mae” bus stop
5-minutes from the Nijojo-mae Subway Station
Google Maps https://goo.gl/maps/xM16CMyHiv52
| Address | 541, Nijojo-cho, Nijo-dori Horikawa Nishi iru, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto 604-8301 |
|---|---|
| Open Hours | 8:45am - 4pm (the castle closes at 5pm) *Ninomaru Palace viewing hours: 9am - 4pm |
Rakutō
East of Kamogawa River. Home to major sightseeing spots such as Tōfuku-ji Temple in the south and Kinkaku-ji Temple in the north.
Enjoy the cherry blossoms as you stroll through this traditional Kyoto-esque area.
The blooming cherry blossoms sit beautifully among the Kyoto-esque streets characteristic of the Gion district. A lot of people come through this area and its got such a nice atmosphere that it’s often used in the filming of TV dramas, so why not come and see what it’s all about for yourself?
Viewing Period:
Late March to Early April
Type of Cherry Blossom:
Somei-Yoshino Cherry and Prunus Pendula (Weeping Cherry)
Entrance Fee:
Free
Light-up Period:
End of March to beginning of April
6 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Directions:
7-minutes from the city bus “Gion” bus stop
3-minutes from the Keihan Gion Shijo Station
Google Maps https://goo.gl/maps/7pjLYbMsC322
| Address | Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto-fu |
|---|---|
| Open Hours | Does not close |
Enjoy the magnificent scenery of riverside cherry blossoms at this canal reminiscent of historical Kyoto.
The Okazaki Canal (Lake Biwa Canal) was made in the Meiji period to channel water from Lake Biwa to Kyoto. Why not enjoy a stroll along the canal and bask in the beautiful cherry blossoms? From March 23rd to March 27th we definitely recommend enjoying the cherry blossoms from a Jikkokubune canal boat, which runs from 9 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. (reservations required).
Viewing Period:
Early April
Type of Cherry Blossom:
Somei-Yoshino Cherry
Entrance Fee:
Free
Directions:
10-minutes from the Keage Subway Station
Google Maps https://goo.gl/maps/ca1UzWWYz3M2
| Address | The canal continues from Nanzen-ji Temple to the Kamo River. The address of the Okazaki Canal Museum that is located by the canal is 20 Shogoin Rengezocho, Sakyo-ku, Kyōto City 606-8357 |
|---|---|
| Open Hours | Does not close |
The Kyoto cherry blossoms that can be seen from Nanzen-ji Temple’s San-mon gate are absolutely spectacular!
The sprawling temple compound of the Nanzen-ji Temple has a number of fantastic spots for cherry blossom viewing, so it’s perfect for a Hanami cherry blossom viewing picnic. On top of that, you can go up and see the cherry blossoms from the balcony of the San-mon Gate, so we definitely recommend checking out this temple for a rare cherry blossom viewing opportunity.
【Viewing Period】
Early April
【Type of Cherry Blossom】
Somei-Yoshino Cherry and Prunus jamasakura
【Number of Trees】
200
【Entrance Fee】
Temple Compound: Free
San-mon Gate: ￥500
Hojoteien Garden: ￥500
【Directions】
10 Minute walk from the City Bus “Nanzenji Eikandodo” Bus Stop
10 Minute walk from Subway Tōzai Line “Keage Station”
[Google Maps] https://goo.gl/maps/HMTDsA8NCu12
| Address | Nanzenji Fukuchicho, Sakyo-ku Kyoto-shi, Kyoto, 606-8435 |
|---|---|
| Open Hours | Dec. 1 - Feb. 28: 8:40 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Mar. 1 - Nov. 30: 8:40 a.m. - 5 p.m. |
A Sengoku warring states period-esque landscape of magnificent cherry blossoms.
This spot is surprisingly not so well known, even though the Somei-Yoshino cherry blossoms outside the Sanmon gate are astounding. A great spot to just relax and enjoy your time.
【Viewing Period】
Early April
【Type of Cherry Blossom】
Somei-Yoshino Cherry
【Entrance Fee】
Temple Compound: Free
【Directions】
10 Minute walk from the City Bus “Okazaki-michi” and “Higashitennocho” Bus Stops
[Google Maps] https://goo.gl/maps/fbgGCDEoLL32
This 4km long canal—boasting an impressive 660 cherry blossom—is an absolute must see!
This section of the Lake Biwa Canal is the only place in Kyoto where you can enjoy both the beautiful pink of cherry blossoms with the yellow of rapeseed blossoms. We recommend bringing something light to eat and having a picnic.
【Viewing Period】
Early to Mid April
【Type of Cherry Blossom】
Somei-Yoshino Cherry (There are also Rapeseed Blossoms)
【Entrance Fee】
Free
【Directions】
10 Minute walk from the JR Tōkaido Main Line “Yamashina Station”
10 Minute walk from the Subway Tōzai Line “Yamashina Station”
[Google Maps] https://goo.gl/maps/WQ7oFsE8Cw72
| Address | 39-9 Anshubaba no Nishi-cho, Yamashina-ku, Kyoto |
|---|---|
| Open Hours | Does not close |
This giant 150-year-old cherry blossom fills the sky with its petals.
This temple is a little far from the station and requires climbing up some steps, which may be a bit hard for some, but you can take that time to enjoy a leisurely stroll. Also, getting a glimpse of this magnificent cherry blossom will make you forget how hard it was walking up all those steps.
【Viewing Period】
Early to Mid April
【Type of Cherry Blossom】
Prunus Itosakura (Weeping Cherry)
【Entrance Fee】
Temple compound: Free
Palace: ￥500
【Directions】
20 Minute walk from the JR Tōkaido Main Line “Yamashina Station”
20 Minute walk from the Subway Tōzai Line “Yamashina Station”
[Google Maps] https://goo.gl/maps/nJhGHbeozy42
Enjoy the modest beauty of this Sakura cherry blossom at the Temple of star-crossed lovers, Toyotomi Hideyoshi and wife Nene!
The beautiful weeping cherry in the Hojoteien garden has a relaxing and stoic ambiance to it. When the tree’s litten up at night, you can feel an almost occult elegance from it. Kodai-ji holds a light up event from March 8th to May 6th (18:00 to 21:30), which we highly recommend.
【Viewing Period】
Late March to Early April
【Type of Cherry Blossom】
Prunus Itosakura (Weeping Cherry)
【Number of Trees】
50
【Entrance Fee】
￥600 (Including the Kodai-ji Sho Museum)
【Directions】
7 Minute walk from the City Bus “Higashiyama Yasui” Bus Stop
[Google Maps] https://goo.gl/maps/TeoNDFYMtL72
| Address | 526 Shimogawara-cho, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto-fu |
|---|---|
| Open Hours | 9am - 5pm (gates close at 5:30pm and last entry at 5pm) |
Enjoy the over 1,000 Sakura cherry blossoms at the most classic of all Kyoto sightseeing spots!
The Butai main stage and three-storied pagoda—which are surrounded by over 1,000 cherry blossom trees—are almost otherworldly. The main hall is currently under construction, so this may affect the light up event; however, you can still get a wonderful, all-encompassing view of Kyoto. Kiyomizu-dera holds a light up event which runs from March 29th to April 7th (18:00 to 21:00) and is highly recommended.
【Viewing Period】
Early April
【Type of Cherry Blossom】
Prunus jamasakura and Somei-Yoshino Cherry
【Number of Trees】
1,000
【Entrance Fee】
￥400
【Light Up Event】
18:00 – 21:00
【Directions】
10 Minute walk from the City Bus “Kiyomizu-Michi” and “Gojozaka” Bus Stops
[Google Maps] https://goo.gl/maps/1Qu7da4tGDn
| Address | 294 Kiyomizu 1-chome, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto-shi |
|---|---|
| Open Hours | 6 a.m. - 6 p.m. For special night time light-ups, temple reopens for the night depending on the season |
Take a stroll down the cherry blossom lined train tracks.
Enjoy the unique, lovely atmosphere of these cherry blossom lined train tracks, which become engrossed in the pink petals of the blossoms as they bloom and blossom, filling the sky. Leaving aside the crowds, this is a must see cherry blossom spot in Kyoto.
【Viewing Period】
Late March to Early April
【Type of Cherry Blossom】
Prunus jamasakura and Somei-Yoshino Cherry
【Number of Trees】
90
【Entrance Fee】
Free
【Directions】
3 Minute walk from Subway Tōzai Line “Keage Station’
[Google Maps] https://goo.gl/maps/VMY2A8XVnhT2
| Address | 339 Higashi-Komonozacho, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto-shi Kyoto-fu 605-0044 |
|---|---|
| Open Hours | Does not close |
【Popular Cherry Blossom Sightseeing Spots】
Take a stroll down the romantic riverside cherry blossom tunnel.
At peak season, the ground and water alike are covered with small cherry blossom petals, and the path becomes like a cherry blossom tunnel! Along the path—which stretches from Nanzen-ji to the silver pavilion of Ginkaku-ji—there are stores selling knick-knacks and the famous Yojiya Café, so this is an excellent spot for taking a little wander down some back streets as make your way down the path.
【Viewing Period】
Early April
【Type of Cherry Blossom】
Kansetsu Sakura
【Number of Trees】
300
【Entrance Fee】
Free
【Directions】
3 Minute walk from the City Bus “Ginakuji-michi” Bus Stop
[Google Maps] https://goo.gl/maps/a9MhVb6SRvJ2
| Address | Between Ginkaku-ji Street and a street close to Eikando Temple |
|---|---|
| Open Hours | Does not close |
Enjoy the fantasm of the bright lights and cherry blossoms reflecting off the water!
Heian Jingu's biggest appeal has to be the fact that you can enjoy the brilliant colors of the bright red shrine together with the beautiful cherry blossoms that reflect off the water, all on a spring’s night. Heian Jingu might also be the only place where you can enjoy a light up event, while enjoying a cherry blossom viewing picnic at night. The light up event runs from April 4th to 7th (18:15 to 21:00), so definitely check it out if you can.
【Viewing Period】
Early April
【Type of Cherry Blossom】
Red Prunus Itosakura (Weeping Cherry)
【Number of Trees】
300
【Entrance Fee】
Shrine Compound: Free
Shrine Gardens: ￥600
【Light Up】
April 4th (Thurs), 5th (Fri), 6th (Sat), 7th (Sun)
18:15 – 21:00
【Directions】
5 Minute walk from the City Bus “Okazaki Koen Bijutsukan / Heian Jingu-mae” Bus Stop
[Google Maps] https://goo.gl/maps/9vFBotcXwt92
| Address | Okazaki Nishitennocho, Sakyo-ku Kyoto-shi, Kyoto, 606-8341 |
|---|---|
| Open Hours | Mar. 1 - Mar. 14: 8:30am - 5pm Mar. 15 - Sep. 30: 8:30am - 5:30pm Oct. 1 - Oct. 31: 8:30am - 5:30pm *Kyoto Jidai Matsuri (Oct. 22): 9:30am - 11:30am |
Soak up the springtime in this nature rich spot!
At Kamogawa River you can sit back, relax and enjoy some food under the riverside cherry blossoms. The area from Sanjo to Shijo is always packed, so we recommend going north to the Imadegawa area. There you will be able to enjoy the quiet spring air.
【Viewing Period】
Late March to Early April
【Type of Cherry Blossom】
Somei-Yoshino Cherry, Red Prunus Itosakura (Weeping Cherry), Plena Rosea' (Double Weeping Cherry)
【Number of Trees】
160
【Entrance Fee】
Free
【Directions】
5 Minute walk from the Hankyu “Kawaramachi Station”
Close to the Keihan railway stations running from “Imadegawa” to “Shichijo”
[Google Maps] https://goo.gl/maps/y2QV5gA1uhK2
| Address | It runs from north to south of Kyoto-shi, Kyoto-fu |
|---|---|
| Open Hours | Does not close |
Rakusai
The area of Ukyō-ku, Nishikyō-ku and Nagaokakyo. Home to the world heritage and sightseeing spots of Kinkaku-ji, ryoan-ji and Ninna-ji.
The delightful weeping cherry blossom and gently falling petals are a must see!
At Taizō-in you can enjoy a Karesansui Japanese rock garden under the blossom of an over 50-year-old cherry blossom. Inside the temple compound you can enjoy Matcha green tea, Japanese sweets, and even Buddhist vegetarian meals! You can also enjoy the cherry blossom and garden at night too.
【Viewing Period】
Early to Mid April
【Type of Cherry Blossom】
Red Prunus Itosakura (Weeping Cherry)
【Entrance Fee】
￥600
【Directions】
7 Minute walk from the JR San’in Main Line (Sagano Line) “Hanazono Station”
[Google Maps] https://goo.gl/maps/JqeGXaggNfB2
| Address | 35 Myoshinji-cho, Hanazono Ukyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto-fu |
|---|---|
| Open Hours | 9am - 5pm |
The sparkle of the lake and color of the cherry blossoms weave together, creating a superbly Kyoto-esque landscape.
At Daikaku-ji you can enjoy the beautiful scenery of the 1km of cherry blossoms—which line Japan’s oldest manmade lake “Osawa-no-ike”—as they bloom and blossom all at once. The cherry blossoms are also incredibly captivating as they reflect off the water.
【Viewing Period】
Early to Mid April
【Type of Cherry Blossom】
Prunus Itosakura (Weeping Cherry), Somei-Yoshino Cherry and more
【Number of Trees】
Over 500
【Entrance Fee】
￥500
【Directions】
Close to the City Bus “Daikaku-ji” Bus Stop
20 Minute walk from the JR San’in Main Line (Sagano Line) “Saga Arashiyama Station”
[Google Maps] https://goo.gl/maps/gXtABJ6eu372
| Address | 4 Saga-Osawamachi, Ukyo-ku, Kyoto-shi 616-8411 |
|---|---|
| Open Hours | 9am - 5pm (must enter by 4:30pm) |
Enjoy the view of a quaint cherry blossom over hanging a Zen Buddhisim Karesansui Japanese rock garden!
Ryoan-ji brings together the vibrant colors of a weeping cherry blossom and a traditional Japanese rock garden. The view of the cherry blossom petals gently falling and tumbling into the rock garden brings a unique and subtle aesthetic to the garden. Ryoan-ji is home to an array of cherry blossoms, including Somei-Yoshino Cherry, Prunus jamasakura, Red Prunus Itosakura (Weeping Cherry) and Yaezakura (Double flowered cherry blossom), so you will definitely leave satisfied.
【Viewing Period】
Late March to Mid April
【Type of Cherry Blossom】
Somei-Yoshino Cherry, Prunus jamasakura, Red Prunus Itosakura (Weeping Cherry) and Yaezakura (Double flowered cherry blossom),
【Number of Trees】
Over 400
【Entrance Fee】
￥500
【Directions】
Close to the City Bus “Ryoan-ji-mae” Bus Stop
10 Minute walk from the City Bus “Ritsumeikan Daigaku-mae” Bus Stop
[Google Maps] https://goo.gl/maps/uQTNHVRH7kT2
| Address | 13, Ryoanji Goryonoshitacho, Ukyo-ku Kyoto-shi, Kyoto, 616-8001 |
|---|---|
| Open Hours | March 1 - November 30: 8am - 5pm December 1 – The end of February: 8:30am – 4:30pm |
Enjoy beautiful cherry blossoms at this designated world heritage site rich in history.
The cherry blossoms are absolutely captivating as they hang their petal covered branches over the front of the temple. Although Tenryū-ji is often very crowded, the fantastic, nature rich scenery is a must see!
【Viewing Period】
Mid April
【Type of Cherry Blossom】
Prunus Itosakura (Weeping Cherry)
【Number of Trees】
Over 400
【Entrance Fee】
Garden: ￥500 (Plus ￥300 to see all halls)
Sermon Hall (Unryu-zu): ￥500
【Directions】
Close to the City Bus “Arashiyama” Bus Stop
13 Minute walk from the JR San’in Main Line (Sagano Line) “Saga Arashiyama Station”
[Google Maps] https://goo.gl/maps/SymyUxrUN5A2
| Address | 68 Susukinobaba-cho, Saga-Tenryuji, Ukyo-ku, Kyoto-shi |
|---|---|
| Open Hours | Summer: 8:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. Winter (Oct. 21 - Mar. 20): 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. |
Enjoy the beautiful scenery of this traditional wooden bridge against the backdrop of sprawling river side cherry blossoms!
Along the river near the Togetsu-kyō bridge stretches the beautiful, snowy scenery of 1,500 cherry blossoms. This area is also home to a lot of bustling stores, so you can do some shopping while taking in the cherry blossoms.
【Viewing Period】
Mid March to Early April
【Type of Cherry Blossom】
Somei-Yoshino Cherry, Prunus jamasakura, Prunus Itosakura (Weeping Cherry) and Yaezakura (Double flowered cherry blossom),
【Number of Trees】
1,500
【Entrance Fee】
Free
【Directions】
13 Minute walk from the JR San’in Main Line (Sagano Line) “Saga Arashiyama Station”
[Google Maps] https://goo.gl/maps/eNPWrAJJwS92
| Address | Arashiyama, Kyoto-shi |
|---|---|
| Open Hours | Does not close |
【Popular Cherry Blossom Sightseeing Spots】
One of Kyoto’s most famous spots for the late blooming cherry blossoms “Omuro Zakura”
The cherry blossoms at Ninna-ji are characterized by their uniquely short trunks. A favourite at this temple is snapping a picture of the five stories pagoda sitting among the cherry blossoms. Although Ninna-ji is a little far and inconvenient to get to, the temple compound is huge so it never feels crowded, even when there are a lot of people around. Ninna-ji’s cherry blossoms are comparatively late bloomers, so you’ll be able to enjoy them until around mid-April.
【Viewing Period】
Early to Mid April
【Type of Cherry Blossom】
Omuro Zakura
【Number of Trees】
200
【Entrance Fee】
Temple Compound: Free (Peak Season ￥500)
Palace: ￥500
Koyasan Reihōkan: ￥500
【Directions】
Close to the City Bus “Omuro Ninnaji” Bus Stop
[google MAP] https://goo.gl/maps/WemGuHoXciy
| Address | 33, Omuro Ouchi, Ukyo-ku Kyoto-shi, Kyoto, 616-8092 |
|---|---|
| Open Hours | March 1 - November 30 9am - 5pm (must enter by 4:30pm) December 1 – the end of February 9am - 4:30pm (must enter by 4pm) |
Rakunan
The area of southern Higashiyama-Ku and Fushimi-Ku. Home to famous sightseeing spots such as Daigo-ji.
The contrast of the cherry blossoms and Tōrō lamps are a must see! A little known cherry blossom spot walkable from Kyoto Station.
The shrine compound may be a little small, but the beautiful cherry blossoms, Tōrō (Traditional Japanese lamps) and Taiko-bashi (Arched Bridge) are all balanced well with one another. With the large number of beautiful Somei-Yoshino cherry blossoms—the main blossom at this shrine—Rokusonnō Shrine has become a popular place for wedding photos and Geisha photo shoots. Rokusonnō Shrine is in walking distance of Kyoto station, so we highly recommend it.
【Viewing Period】
Late March to Early April
【Type of Cherry Blossom】
Somei-Yoshino Cherry, Prunus itosakura (Weeping Cherry), Prunus serrulata (Japanese Cherry)
【Entrance Fee】
Free
【Directions】
15 Minute walk from JR “Kyoto Station”
[google MAP] https://goo.gl/maps/UWDdFEihRj42
Enjoy over 1,000 cherry blossom trees in this massive 6,600,000 square meter temple compound.
This temple is famous for Toyotomi Hideyoshi’s so-called “Daitoku-ji Hanami” cherry blossom viewing. At Daitoku-ji there are an array of cherry blossoms that can be enjoyed, including weeping cherry blossoms, Somei-Yoshino cherry blossoms and Jamasakura. A characteristic of this temple is the 3-week time span where in you can enjoy a Hanami picnic, before all the cherry blossoms’ petals begin to fall away. Among the over 1,000 trees, the most famous is the weeping cherry. All these trees can be enjoyed among the Sanbon-in, Reihōkan and Garan (The seven halls composing the ideal Buddhist temple compound). As the temple compound is incredibly large, it felt less crowded than I expected.
【Viewing Period】
Mid March to Mid April
【Type of Cherry Blossom】
Cerasus lannesiana ‘Kawazu-zakura’, Somei-Yoshino Cherry, Prunus jamasakura and Yaezakura (Double flowered cherry blossom)
【Entrance Fee】
Ticket (Includes access to Sanbon-in, Reihōkan and Garan): ￥1,500
【Directions】
13 Minute walk from Subway Tōzai Line “Daigo-ji Station”
[google MAP] https://goo.gl/maps/SGkoeSkvcNt
| Address | 22 Higashioji-cho, Daigo, Fushimi-ku, Kyoto 601-1325 |
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| Open Hours | ・March 1 to the first Sunday of December: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (entrance closes 4 p.m.) Second Monday of December until the end of February: 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (entrance closes 3:30 p.m.) ・Kami-Daigo: March 1 to the first Sunday of December: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Second Monday of December until the end of February: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. |
The cherry blossoms of Kajū-ji, popular with the locals, are surrounded by an air of tranquility.
Another little known cherry blossom viewing spot in the compound of Kajū-ji temple, which houses a sprawl of beautiful cherry blossoms around the Himuro pond. The Somei-Yoshino and weeping cherry blossoms—which bloom along the white walls of the entrance path—welcome people to the temple with their gorgeous colors. You can also enjoy a short stroll through the tranquil temple grounds.
【Viewing Period】
Late March to Early April
【Type of Cherry Blossom】
Somei-Yoshino Cherry, Heian Prunus Itosakura (Weeping Cherry) and Botan-zakura (Double flowered cherry blossom),
【Number of Trees】
40
【Entrance Fee】
￥400
【Directions】
6 Minute walk from Subway Tōzai Line “Ono Station”
[google MAP] https://goo.gl/maps/rkc6h9GEcWJ2
| Address | 27-6 Kanshuji Niodocho, Yamashina-ku Kyoto-shi, Kyoto, 607-8226 |
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| Open Hours | 9am - 4pm |
Enjoy elegant cherry blossoms at this temple related to the famous Japanese poet, Ono no Komachi.
The towering, old cherry blossom at Zuishin-in is a must see! Zuishin-in is also known for plum blossoms, so you can enjoy both them and the cherry blossoms at the same time. Zuishin-in isn’t a major spot for cherry blossom viewing, so we highly recommend it to anyone who is looking to take some photos or quietly enjoy the cherry blossoms!
【Viewing Period】
Early to Mid April
【Type of Cherry Blossom】
Somei-Yoshino Cherry
【Entrance Fee】
￥500
【Directions】
6 Minute walk from Subway Tōzai Line “Ono Station”
[google MAP] https://goo.gl/maps/U2jUna7ELT42
【Popular Cherry Blossom Sightseeing Spots】
A classic cherry blossom spot! The double weeping cherry called “Fujiro” is a must see!
A highlight of this temple is the combination of the towering weeping cherry blossom and the five storied pagoda. Especially during the light up event, the beauty of the compound is further accentuated in the fantastical atmosphere. The light up event runs from March 16th to April 14th (18:30 to 21:30), so definitely check it out if you can.
【Viewing Period】
Mid March to Mid April
【Type of Cherry Blossom】
Fujiro, Cerasus lannesiana 'Kawazu-zakura' and Somei-Yoshino Cherry
【Number of Trees】
200
【Entrance Fee】
Temple Compound: Free
Kon-do Hall and Ko-do Hall: ￥500
Homutsu-kan Museum (Open during Spring and Autumn) ￥500
【Directions】
15 Minute walk from JR “Kyoto Station”
[google MAP] https://goo.gl/maps/NxW79XMyETF2
| Address | 1, Kujocho, Minami-ku Kyoto-shi, Kyoto, 601-8473 |
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| Open Hours | March 20th - April 17th : 5am - 5pm April 18th - September 19th : 5am - 6pm September 20th - March 19th : 5am - 4:30pm |
Rakugai
Area outside of Kyoto City. Home to sightseeing spots such as Uji City’s Byodo-in.
The combination of the few cherry blossoms—reflecting in the water—and the Hoo-do hall is a must see!
You will be blown away by the beautiful contrast between the bright Hoo-do hall and the Somei-Yoshino and weeping cherry blossoms which surround the pond. The light up event runs from April 5th to 9th (18:00 to 21:00), so definitely taking the time to check it out for yourself.
【Viewing Period】
Late March to Early April
【Type of Cherry Blossom】
Somei-Yoshino Cherry and Prunus Itosakura (Weeping Cherry)
【Entrance Fee】
Adult: ￥600
Middle and High school student: ￥400
Elementary school student: ￥300
【Directions】
10 Minute walk from JR Nara Line “Uji Station”
[google MAP] https://goo.gl/maps/YV7QNJdXHCs
| Address | 116 Uji Renge, Uji-shi, Kyoto 611-0021 |
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| Open Hours | Garden Gates 8:30am - 5:30pm * Reception area closes at 5:15pm Byodoin Museum Hoshokan 9am - 5pm * Reception area closes at 4:45pm Inside of Hoo-do Reception area 9:30am - 4:10pm Admission starts at 9:10am and 50 persons at a one time every 20 minutes. * Please understand that if there are many guests who desire to visit inside, reception area may be closed before the final reception time. * Due to Buddhist memorial services or events, admission inside may not be available. |
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Vanessa[ Sharing Kyoto Staff ] |
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