Cherry blossoms in Kyoto are a quintessential symbol of springtime beauty in Japan. Kyoto, known for its traditional temples, gardens, and historic streets, becomes particularly enchanting during cherry blossom season.
Throughout Kyoto, there are numerous spots renowned for their cherry blossom viewing opportunities.
We’ve tried to create a guide devoted to the cherry blossom season in Kyoto; keep reading to get more details about must-visit places in the city during the season, cherry blossoms forecasts and day tours to join for an even more unique experience in 2024.
Kyoto Cherry Blossoms Forecast 2024
According to the data, provided by Japan Meteorological Corporation and its cherry blossoms forecast for Japan 2024, sakura season in Kyoto is expected to start on 23rd of March, it will reach full bloom on 31st of March. Please note, that the forecast provides approximate information, the actual cherry blossoms period can differ depending on the weather and temperature.
Best Cherry Blossoms Day Tours in Kyoto
If you don’t want to walk, enjoy the ride on hop-on hop-off sightseeing bus in Kyoto, click here to buy tickets.
Guided tour to Nijo castle and Ninomaru castle can be booked here.
Enjoy the scenic views from the train by joining Kyoto Sagano Train Trip from Osaka, click here to book.
You can also join best historical sites day tour in Kyoto by bus, click here to get more details and complete your booking.
5 Best Places to See Sakura in Kyoto
There are plenty of places in Kyoto prefecture where you can enjoy cherry blossoms. We’ve tried to highlight the most popular ones, that you can start with.
Nijo Castle
Nijo Castle, with its stunning gardens and historic architecture, is a captivating destination to visit during cherry blossom season in Kyoto. The expansive grounds of Nijo Castle feature several carefully manicured gardens where cherry trees are planted. In total, there are around 500 cherry trees of different varieties.
In the evening, you can witness an illuminated interactive show that will take place from March 8th to April 7th. This is an annual event that takes place at Karamon Gate.
- Address: 541 Nijojocho, Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto, 604-8301, Japan
- Opening hours: Mon – Sun – 8.45 am – 5.00 pm
- Official website: https://nijo-jocastle.city.kyoto.lg.jp/
Arashiyama
Arashiyama is a well-known area in Kyoto, famous for its scenic beauty, historic sites, and, in spring for cherry blossoms. The Togetsukyo Bridge and the surrounding area are particularly popular spots for hanami (cherry blossom viewing) during this time.
You can enjoy walks along the Katsura River, lined with cherry trees in full bloom. During the cherry blossom season, Arashiyama can get quite crowded, especially on weekends and peak bloom days. It’s advisable to plan your visit accordingly and arrive early in the day to avoid the crowds.
Additionally, consider exploring other nearby attractions such as the famous Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, Tenryu-ji Temple and the Iwatayama Monkey Park for a comprehensive experience of Arashiyama’s beauty and charm.
- Address: Ukyo Ward, Kyoto, 616-0007, Japan
Maruyama Park
Maruyama Park is a picturesque public park located in the Higashiyama district of Kyoto, Japan. It’s renowned for its stunning cherry blossoms during the spring season, making it one of the most popular spots for hanami, or cherry blossom viewing, in Kyoto.
The park’s centerpiece is a large weeping cherry tree (shidarezakura), which is illuminated at night during the cherry blossom season, creating a magical ambiance.
In addition to cherry blossoms, Maruyama Park features ponds, walking trails, and various species of trees and flowers, offering visitors a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. The park is also home to the historic Yasaka Shrine, which is adjacent to the park and adds to its cultural significance.
- Address: Maruyamacho, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto 605-0071, Japan
- Entrance: Free
Ninna-ji Temple
Ninna-ji Temple is a prominent Buddhist temple located in the northwest part of Kyoto, Japan. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is one of the many temples that make up Kyoto’s Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto.
The temple complex features several buildings, including the main hall (Kondo), the five-story pagoda, the Goten (former palace), and various sub-temples and gardens.One of the most famous features of Ninna-ji Temple is its Omuro cherry trees, known as late-blooming cherry variety.
- Address: 33 Omuroouchi, Ukyo Ward, Kyoto, 616-8092, Japan
- Opening hours: daily, 9.00 am – 4.30 pm
- You can buy entrance ticket here.
Philosopher’s Path
Philosopher’s Path (Tetsugaku no michi) is a picturesque walking trail located in the Higashiyama district of Kyoto, Japan. It follows a canal lined with hundreds of cherry trees, making it one of the most popular spots for cherry blossom viewing in Kyoto during the spring season.
The name “Philosopher’s Path” comes from Nishida Kitaro, a famous Japanese philosopher who was said to have used this path for daily meditation while he was a professor at Kyoto University.
The path stretches for approximately two kilometers from Ginkaku-ji (Silver Pavilion) in the north to Nanzen-ji Temple in the south, passing through residential neighborhoods, small shops, cafes, and temples along the way.
During the cherry blossom season the Philosopher’s Path comes alive with vibrant pink and white cherry blossoms. It’s a popular spot for both locals and tourists to stroll and relax.
Aside from the cherry blossoms, the Philosopher’s Path is also beautiful throughout the year, with seasonal changes offering different scenery. It’s particularly tranquil and serene, making it a perfect place for contemplation and relaxation.
