Top 10 Cherry Blossom Spots in Kyoto 🌸
Experience the Magic of Sakura in Japan’s Cultural Capital
Kyoto is one of the best places in Japan to see cherry blossoms. With its historic temples, scenic rivers, and ancient streets, sakura season here is like stepping into a fairytale. Whether you’re visiting ancient temples, strolling along riversides, or enjoying hanami under glowing lanterns, Kyoto offers unforgettable cherry blossom experiences.
Here are the 10 best places to experience the beauty of cherry blossoms in Kyoto!
10. Ninna-ji Temple (仁和寺) 🌸🏯
Ninna-ji is famous for its late-blooming cherry trees, known as Omuro Sakura, which are shorter than typical cherry trees. This means you can still catch beautiful sakura views even if you visit Kyoto a little late! The backdrop of the five-story pagoda surrounded by pink blossoms makes this spot extra special.
📍 Best time to visit: Early – Mid-April
🚉 Nearest station: Omuro-Ninnaji Station (Keifuku Line)
9. Kyoto Botanical Garden (京都府立植物園) 🌸🌳
A hidden gem in Kyoto, the Kyoto Botanical Garden has over 500 cherry trees, including rare varieties that bloom at different times. This means you’ll see a mix of pink and white blossoms throughout the season. If you love photography or a quiet hanami experience, this is the place to go!
📍 Best time to visit: Late March – Early April
🚉 Nearest station: Kitayama Station (Karasuma Line)
8. Kamogawa River (鴨川) 🌸🌊
The Kamogawa River is one of Kyoto’s best spots for a relaxing cherry blossom stroll. The trees line the riverside, creating a pink tunnel of sakura. Locals love to cycle or walk along the riverbanks, and it’s also a great spot for a peaceful picnic with views of Kyoto’s skyline.
📍 Best time to visit: Late March – Early April
🚉 Nearest station: Demachiyanagi Station (Keihan Line)
7. Daigo-ji Temple (醍醐寺) 🌸🏯
Daigo-ji is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Kyoto’s most spectacular hanami spots. The temple is famous for its Daigo Hanami Festival, a tradition that started over 400 years ago when Toyotomi Hideyoshi (a famous samurai ruler) held a grand cherry blossom viewing party here. Expect over 1,000 cherry trees, a majestic five-story pagoda, and traditional tea ceremonies under the blossoms.
📍 Best time to visit: Late March – Early April
🚉 Nearest station: Daigo Station (Tozai Line)
6. Maruyama Park (円山公園) 🌸🎉
Maruyama Park is Kyoto’s most famous hanami spot, known for its massive weeping cherry tree (Shidarezakura) that glows beautifully when illuminated at night. This park has a festive atmosphere with food stalls, street performances, and lively picnics under the sakura trees.
📍 Best time to visit: Late March – Early April
🚉 Nearest station: Gion-Shijo Station (Keihan Line)
5. Heian Shrine (平安神宮) 🌸⛩️
The gardens of Heian Shrine are one of the best places in Kyoto for late-blooming cherry blossoms. The famous pink weeping cherry trees (Yaebeni Shidarezakura) create a romantic, dreamlike atmosphere, making this spot a favorite among photographers and couples.
📍 Best time to visit: Early – Mid-April
🚉 Nearest station: Higashiyama Station (Tozai Line)
4. Kiyomizu-dera (清水寺) 🌸🏯
One of Kyoto’s most iconic temples, Kiyomizu-dera offers breathtaking panoramic views of cherry blossoms covering the city. The temple’s wooden stage, built without nails, provides one of the most spectacular sakura photo spots in all of Japan. Visit at night for enchanting sakura illuminations.
📍 Best time to visit: Late March – Early April
🚉 Nearest station: Kiyomizu-Gojo Station (Keihan Line)
3. Hirano Shrine (平野神社) 🌸🎊
Hirano Shrine is famous for its night hanami with sakura lanterns that create a magical atmosphere. It has over 60 cherry tree varieties, so sakura season here lasts longer than in most places. The annual cherry blossom festival at Hirano Shrine dates back over 1,000 years!
📍 Best time to visit: Late March – Early April
🚉 Nearest station: Kitano-Hakubaicho Station (Keifuku Line)
2. Arashiyama (嵐山) 🌸🌉
Arashiyama is one of Kyoto’s most famous sightseeing areas, and during cherry blossom season, it turns into a breathtakingly beautiful pink landscape. The sakura trees near the Togetsukyo Bridge and the hillside scenery create a picture-perfect hanami spot. You can even take a romantic boat ride on the Hozu River under the blossoms!
📍 Best time to visit: Late March – Early April
🚉 Nearest station: Arashiyama Station (Keifuku Line)
1. The Philosopher’s Path (哲学の道) 🌸🏞️
At the top of the list, The Philosopher’s Path is Kyoto’s most enchanting cherry blossom walk. This 2-kilometer canal-side trail is lined with hundreds of cherry trees, creating a dreamy pink tunnel. The path was named after philosopher Nishida Kitaro, who used to walk here daily. It’s peaceful, scenic, and truly embodies the spirit of Kyoto during sakura season.
📍 Best time to visit: Late March – Early April
🚉 Nearest station: Keage Station (Tozai Line)
Where Will You See Cherry Blossoms in Kyoto?
Kyoto’s cherry blossoms blend history, culture, and natural beauty, making it one of the best destinations in Japan for sakura season. Whether you want a lively festival experience, a quiet temple retreat, or a romantic riverside walk, Kyoto has the perfect hanami spot for you!
👉 Which place will you visit first? Let us know! 🌸