[2025] 20 Best Cherry Blossom Spots in Kyoto. From classics to hidden gems, enjoy the spectacular spring scenery while viewing the flowers.

A classic cherry blossom viewing spot

Hirano Shrine: Enjoy a variety of cherry blossoms for a long time

Hirano Shrine is one of Kyoto's most famous cherry blossom spots, beloved by Heian aristocrats. These trees were first planted during the Heian period as a symbol of increased vitality, and today there are around 400 cherry trees of 60 different varieties, including Sakigake Sakura, Nezame Sakura, Hirano Imose Sakura, Taoyame Sakura, and Tsukubane Sakura.

Another distinctive feature of the cherry blossoms at Hirano Shrine is that because the blooming periods vary depending on the variety, you can enjoy the cherry blossoms for about two months, from early March to late April.

The area is illuminated from late March to mid-April, and the Sakura Festival called "Oukasai" is held every year on April 10th, attracting many visitors who come to enjoy the cherry blossoms.

Hirano Shrine

Arashiyama: Kyoto's premier tourist destination, bathed in the pink of cherry blossoms

You can also see beautiful cherry blossoms in Arashiyama, one of Kyoto's most famous scenic tourist spots.

Don't miss the cherry blossoms along the Katsura River, where Togetsukyo Bridge spans. Approximately 1,500 cherry trees bloom in this area, attracting many visitors. The view of Togetsukyo Bridge over the cherry blossoms from Nakanoshima Park, located on a sandbank in the Katsura River, is particularly picturesque, making you feel as if you have traveled back in time to the Heian period.

In Arashiyama, cherry blossoms can be seen in many places other than around Togetsukyo Bridge, so we recommend admiring the cherry blossoms while sampling Kyoto gourmet food.

Arashiyama

Kiyomizu-dera Temple: Kyoto's iconic cherry blossoms are best seen at night

When talking about Kyoto, one cannot leave out Kiyomizu-dera Temple. Kiyomizu-dera Temple is famous as a famous spot for viewing autumn leaves, but it is also well-known for the beauty of its cherry blossoms.

Approximately 1,500 cherry trees, including mountain cherry and Someiyoshino cherry trees, are planted on the vast grounds, and the magnificent combination of the cherry blossoms and the buildings, including the main hall (stage) famous for "Kiyomizu no Butai," is a sight to behold.

During the "Spring Night Special Viewing" from March 25th (Tue) to April 3rd (Thu), 2025, the cherry blossoms will be lit up, creating a fantastic atmosphere. Kiyomizu-dera Temple is inevitably crowded during the day, but at night you can enjoy the cherry blossoms in a more tranquil atmosphere.

Kiyomizu Temple

Daigoji Temple: The cherry blossoms that Hideyoshi Toyotomi also loved

Daigoji Temple, also known as "Flower Daigo," is another essential spot when talking about cherry blossoms in Kyoto.

Within the grounds of Daigoji Temple, where Hideyoshi Toyotomi once held his "Daigo cherry blossom viewing" ceremony, there are approximately 700 cherry trees in full bloom, including weeping cherry trees, Someiyoshino, Yamazakura, and Yaezakura.

Daigoji Temple is a place where you can enjoy a wide variety of cherry blossoms, but the must-sees are the Taiko weeping cherry blossoms at Sanboin and the cherry blossom tunnel that decorates the approach to the temple in front of the Reihokan. Why not feel the arrival of spring with the cherry blossoms that Hideyoshi loved?

Daigoji Temple

Maruyama Park: The place to see cherry blossoms at night. The Gion weeping cherry blossoms are a must-see.

Speaking of must-see cherry blossom viewing spots in Kyoto, this is one you can't miss.

Maruyama Park, the oldest park in Kyoto, opened in 1886 and is a famous cherry blossom spot loved by locals for many years. In spring, about 650 cherry trees, including Somei Yoshino and Yamazakura, bloom in full force.

The large 12m tall weeping cherry tree that stands in the center of the park as the symbol of the park has an overwhelming presence. It is lit up at night, and because of its particularly bewitching appearance, it is affectionately known as "Gion's Night Cherry Blossoms."

Maruyama Park

Heian Jingu Shrine: Cherry Blossoms and Music

There is a concert held every April at Heian Shrine that colors the spring in Kyoto. It is called "Heian Shrine Sakura Otoyo ~ Red Weeping Cherry Blossom Concert 2025 ~". This concert allows you to enjoy music while admiring the red weeping cherry blossoms that bloom in the gardens of Heian Shrine, which also appeared in Junichiro Tanizaki's "The Makioka Sisters".

There are no seats in the concert venue, so you can listen to the music while strolling through the illuminated gardens. Experience the spring with both your eyes and ears in this elegant space reminiscent of Heian-kyo.

Heian Shrine

Keage Incline: A photogenic sight! A spectacular view of the railway and cherry blossoms

At the Keage Incline, you can see a spectacular view of the railway tracks and cherry blossoms. Originally, it was an inclined railway that was built to allow boats to travel up and down the slope from Keage Boat Reservoir to Nanzenji Boat Reservoir, but since it is no longer in use, it has become a popular photo spot where you can enter the tracks and take photos that are sure to look great.

Keage Incline

Yamashina Canal: Cherry blossoms and rape blossoms blooming along the canal

Along the artificial canal "Yamashina Canal," which connects Kyoto and Lake Biwa in Shiga, about 410 cherry trees (excluding Higashiyama Nature Park) are in full bloom along with cute rape blossoms.

There is a 4km long walking path along the canal, so you can enjoy a leisurely cherry blossom viewing while being invited by the spring weather, or you can hop on a sightseeing boat, the Lake Biwa Canal Boat, and enjoy the magnificent view of the cherry blossoms and rape blossoms from the water.

Yamashina Canal

Kyoto Gyoen: Discover the cherry blossoms associated with the imperial family and nobles

Kyoto Gyoen National Garden, a vast park that surrounds the Kyoto Imperial Palace and covers an area of approximately 65 hectares with a circumference of approximately 4 km, is also bathed in the pink of cherry blossoms in spring.

During the Edo period, the mansions of the imperial family and nobles gathered here, so one of the joys of visiting this area is seeing cherry blossoms associated with the emperor and nobles. The "Kuruma-gaeshi Sakura" near Nakadachiuri-gomon Gate is so beautiful that Emperor Gomizunoo had his carriage turn back, hence its name.

You will be greeted by many other varieties of cherry blossoms, including the "itozakura" (droopy-branch cherry tree) with branches stretching out horizontally so as to cover the sky, and the "Izumi weeping cherry" (weeping cherry blossoms) with their beautiful and dignified appearance.

Kyoto Gyoen

Toji Temple: Graceful weeping cherry blossoms and five-story pagoda illuminated in the twilight

At Toji Temple, you can see the magnificent collaboration of the five-story pagoda and cherry blossoms. The double-petaled weeping cherry blossoms that bloom against the backdrop of the five-story pagoda are named "Fujizakura" after the "Fuji teachings" of Kobo Daishi, and their graceful appearance catches the eye of all who see them.

With a height of 13m and a branch spread of 10m, this overwhelming tree is as impressive as the five-story pagoda. It is also lit up at night for a limited time. Why not burn the picturesque sight of the five-story pagoda and cherry blossoms reflected in the pond into your memory?

Toji Temple

Nijo Castle: Gorgeously lit up

Nijo Castle, a World Heritage Site built by Ieyasu Tokugawa and famous for the fact that Yoshinobu Tokugawa expressed his intention to restore of imperial rule at the end of the Edo period, will hold the "Nijo Castle Cherry Blossom Festival 2025" from March 14, 2025 (Friday). There are about 300 cherry trees in 50 varieties from early to late blooming, including Someiyoshino, Yamazakura, weeping cherry blossoms, and Satozakura, and you can see the cherry blossoms for about one month.

From Friday, March 14th to Sunday, April 13th, 2025, the castle will be lit up and a gorgeous projection mapping will be held on the inner moat, with the Kano School's partition wall paintings as the motif. Enjoy the unique fusion of cherry blossoms and art.

Nijo Castle

Umekoji Park: Perfect for cherry blossom viewing and leisure. A nature-rich park beloved by locals

Umekoji Park, located on the west side of Kyoto Station and popular as a place of relaxation for local residents, is a great spot for picnicking while admiring the cherry blossoms. You can spend a peaceful time with your family and friends surrounded by about 130 cherry trees of 26 varieties.

Another reason for its popularity is its easy access location, just a few steps from Kyoto Station. The Kyoto Aquarium and Kyoto Railway Museum are annexed to it, so it's recommended that you enjoy both here and there.

Umekoji Park

A hidden cherry blossom viewing spot

Kyoto Botanical Gardens: A popular spot to enjoy seasonal flowers

The first little-known cherry blossom viewing spot we'll introduce is Kyoto Botanical Gardens, known as the oldest public botanical garden in Japan. When you think of cherry blossom viewing, you might imagine parks or shrines and temples, but botanical gardens are also treasure troves of cherry blossoms. You can enjoy the vibrant spring scenery along with other plants such as tulips.

The Kyoto Botanical Gardens has a wide variety of cherry blossoms, with around 500 trees of 180 different varieties, allowing you to enjoy the blossoms for a long period of time.

The area will be lit up at night from March 25th (Tuesday) to April 6th (Sunday), 2025.

Kyoto Botanical Gardens

Philosopher's Path: Take a leisurely stroll along the cherry blossom-lined streets in full bloom in spring

The Philosopher's Path, which has been selected as one of the 100 Best Roads in Japan, is also a hidden cherry blossom spot.

The Philosopher's Path is a walking path that stretches for about 2 km from Nyakuoji Shrine to Ginkakuji Temple. It is said to have been named after the philosopher Nishida Kitaro, who used to walk this path every morning in the early 20th century, lost in thought.

The Philosopher's Path is beautiful in all seasons, but in spring, it creates a tunnel of cherry blossoms with about 400 Somei-Yoshino cherry trees. Nearby are other tourist attractions such as Ginkakuji Temple, Nanzenji Temple, and Heian Shrine, so it might be a good idea to visit them all at the same time.

Philosopher's Path

Kodaiji Temple: A magnificent collaboration of dry landscape garden, projection mapping and cherry blossoms

A famous spot for cherry blossom viewing in Higashiyama is Kodaiji Temple. This Zen temple was built by Toyotomi Hideyoshi's wife, Nene, as a memorial for her husband and as her own grave. From the south of the temple grounds, you can get a panoramic view of the Kyoto cityscape, including Yasaka Pagoda (Hokanji Temple) and Kyoto Tower.

Don't miss the weeping cherry blossoms in full bloom in the Hashintei garden, the front garden of the Hojo. The sight of a pale pink shower falling on the dry landscape garden with its beautiful sand ripples is truly magnificent.

A special nighttime viewing period will be held from Friday, March 14th, 2025 to Tuesday, May 6th, 2025 (National Holiday). The entire temple grounds will be lit up. You can enjoy a fantastical space that is different from the daytime, with the reflection of Garyo Pond, projection mapping in Hashintei Garden, and the bamboo forest.

Kodaiji Temple

Gion Shirakawa: Full of Kyoto charm. Cherry blossoms decorating the entertainment district

If you feel like cherry blossom viewing after eating in the city, then you should definitely visit "Gion Shirakawa." Gion Shirakawa refers to the area around Shirakawa Minami Street, where tea houses with latticed doors line on the stone-paved streets.

Between Friday, March 28th and Sunday, April 6th, 2025, the cherry blossom trees along the Shirakawa River will be lit up at night, creating a Kyoto-like atmosphere alongside the cherry blossoms.

There are also bars and cafes nearby that use teahouse buildings, so it might be a good idea to spend some relaxing time here after viewing the cherry blossoms.

Gion Shirakawa

Fushimi Momoyama Castle: A photogenic cherry blossom viewing spot known only to those in the know

Take a short trip out of downtown Kyoto to Fushimi, home to sake. After enjoying the spectacular view of the cherry blossoms and sake breweries along the Uji River from the Jikkokubune boat, you should visit Fushimi Momoyama Castle, one of the few places in Kyoto where you can enjoy both a castle and cherry blossoms.

This is a famous cherry blossom spot that is popular among locals, and the area around the castle tower is filled with gorgeous Someiyoshino and red weeping cherry blossoms, creating a gorgeous atmosphere. Compared to cherry blossom viewing spots in the city, this place is less crowded and you can enjoy cherry blossom viewing in peace and quiet.

Fushimi Momoyama Castle

Ninnaji Temple: Omurozakura Cherry Blossoms, beloved since the Edo Period

Ninna-ji Temple is famous for its late-blooming cherry blossoms. In spring, the entire temple grounds are decorated with cherry blossoms and Mitsuba azaleas in full bloom, but Ninna-ji Temple is especially famous for its late-blooming cherry blossoms called Omuro-zakura. Omuro-zakura is at its best from early to mid-April, when the Somei-Yoshino cherry blossoms have fallen.

One of the reasons why Omurozakura is so popular is that the trees are short, so you can enjoy the blossoms right in front of you. You can see the five-story pagoda on the other side of the cherry blossom forest, and enjoy a spectacular spring view that is full of Kyoto-like charm.

Ninnaji Temple

Oharano Shrine: Admire the mysterious cherry blossoms that only bloom for three days

Oharano Shrine is known as the tutelary shrine of Murasaki Shikibu. It is also called "Kyo Kasuga" and is the first branch shrine of Kasuga Taisha Shrine in Nara. The "Senganzakura" here is called the phantom cherry blossom because it only blooms for three days a year. The usual peak bloom date is around April 8th.

Compared to the Somei-Yoshino cherry tree, the Sengan cherry tree has a whitish, delicate bloom. It is said that if you are lucky enough to see it in full bloom, a thousand wishes will come true.

Oharano Shrine

Myoshinji Taizoin: Magnificent weeping cherry blossoms blooming at the Zen temple

Myoshinji Taizoin has a history of over 600 years. The red weeping cherry blossoms blooming in the pond stroll garden "Yokoen," which is about 3300m2 in size, are a spectacular sight. You can enjoy the magnificent contrast between the weeping cherry blossoms and the rock garden. The best time to see them is around April 10th every year.

In 2025, a special night-time viewing will be held only on Friday, April 4th (reservations must be made in advance on the Taizoin Temple official website). Enjoy the crimson weeping cherry blossoms at night, which is a little different from the daytime.

Myoshinji Taizoin

A cherry blossom viewing map to enjoy the cherry blossoms of Kyoto

We have introduced you to some classic and little-known cherry blossom viewing spots that you'll want to visit in spring in Kyoto. In addition to the ones we have introduced, there are many other cherry blossom viewing spots in Kyoto. Explore the magnificent spring scenery and find your favorite cherry blossom viewing spot.

Originally posted: March 1, 2024
*Some content was updated on March 21, 2025.

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