Written by Aarohi Narain
This is a breathtaking cherry blossom festival in Kyoto’s Yodogawa River Park, featuring a stunning sakura tunnel, local food stalls, and scenic river views.
What happens?
A 1.4 km-long tunnel of cherry blossoms lines the riverbank, creating one of Kyoto’s most picturesque hanami spots. As branches stretch toward each other and intertwine overhead, the blossoms overlap densely, creating a cloud-like canopy that softens the light and bathes the path below in a delicate, rosy glow.
In addition, you can try local foods from 38 different festival stalls, sip seasonal drinks, and pick up unique souvenirs at the market. There are also interactive workshops and traditional festival games for families. Looking for that panoramic shot? Climb the observation tower for a spectacular bird’s eye view.
Schedule 2025
The event runs for an undetermined seven days sometime between March 22 and April 12 — the exact dates will be released when the festival committee declares peak bloom.
The official festival website posts weekly updates every Friday on the latest cherry blossom conditions.
Event highlights 2025
The Sewari Tsutsumi Sakura Festival offers two sakura boat experiences, letting you soak in the pink canopy from a fresh perspective.
Uji River Sightseeing Cruise
For those looking to take in the cherry blossoms at a leisurely pace, the Uji River Sightseeing Cruise offers a 20-minute round-trip journey from the Sewaritei District Boat Dock. The boat departs every 30 minutes, on the hour and half-hour, with the first ride setting off at 10 a.m. and the last at 4 p.m.
Tickets are available at the ticket booth at the pier, and a limited number can be purchased online up until 15 minutes before departure. Prices are ¥2,000 for adults, ¥1,000 for students (junior high through university, with student ID), and ¥500 for elementary school children. Each adult passenger can bring one child under elementary school age for free, with additional children requiring a ticket.
The cruise will run on select dates during the festival period, but schedules may shift depending on the cherry blossoms and river conditions. In case of high water levels on the river, operations may be suspended entirely.
Cherry Blossom Viewing E-Boat
If you’re up for something more hands-on, the Cherry Blossom Viewing E-Boat lets you take in the scenery while rowing down the river. This 20-minute journey starts at the Sewari Tsutsumi Area Boat Dock and takes you to a temporary downstream dock, offering a more immersive way to enjoy the blooms.
Boats depart every 30 minutes, on the hour and half-hour, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. When demand is high, additional departures may be added. Tickets are available on the day at the booth next to the tourist bus parking lot. The price is ¥1,000 for adults (junior high school and older) and ¥500 for children (elementary school and younger).
As with the sightseeing cruise, the E-Boat’s availability depends on the cherry blossom season and water levels.
Tickets 2025
Admission is free. However, while the Observation Tower is usually free, you will need to pay to get in during the festival. A ticket costs ¥300 for adults and ¥100 for kids.
How to get there
From Kyoto Station, take the Kintetsu-Kyoto Line to Kintetsu-Tambabashi, then switch to the Keihan Main Line to Iwashimizu-Hachimangu Station. Finally, walk 10 minutes to the festival. The whole journey should take around 45 minutes.
Organizers may cancel events, alter schedules, or change admission requirements without notice. Always check official sites before heading to an event.