hanami Archives | Japan Cheapo

How do you make one of the most beautiful places in Japan even more stunning? Add cherry blossoms. Here are all the best places in Kyoto to see them, plus bonus spots in neighboring Nara. Kyoto will be very busy during this season, but for good reason. So embrace the crowds, join the yukata wearers, and take a deep breath (just don't inhale any petals). Trust us -- it's worth it. When is cherry blossom season in Kyoto? According to the 2025 cherry blossom forecast, the blossoms in Kyoto are expected to appear around March 28 and to reach full bloom by April 6. As always, be sure to check the latest updates on the forecast, as it can change depending on the weather. Pro tip: Remember to book accommodation in Kyoto early during the cherry blossom season. Where are the best cherry blossom spots in Kyoto? Most of our favorite spots are in Higashiyama, which is also where many of Kyoto's most famous sites are located. To avoid the crowds, we recommend venturing to the northern edge of the city. And don't forget Osaka! The nearby city has its own top cherry blossom spots. If you're heading to Tokyo, we have the best blossom spots for the capital, too. Pro tip: If you have limited time in Kyoto, consider joining a cherry blossom tour. On this walking tour, you'll visit some of Kyoto's best sakura spots and learn all about the city's history from a local guide. There are half-day and full-day options available, but we recommend the full-day option because it includes lunch and a tea ceremony with a maiko or geisha. Read on for all the best cherry blossom spots in Kyoto. 1. Kamo River Free Central Kyoto The Kamo River runs through central Kyoto, and like many rivers in Japan, come spring, the cherry trees lining the banks burst into bloom. Also alongside the river are paths for strolling, which will no doubt be filled with cute couples. This area is especially nice towards the end of the season as petals begin to fall and float along the river. Check out these other must-do Kyoto experiences. 2. Nijō Castle – Central Kyoto With both early- and late-blooming cherry blossom trees, Nijō Castle is a great option if you're avoiding peak season. Thanks to some serious replanting efforts in the 1960s and 70s, there are over 500 trees and 50 different species to admire. During peak season, there are evening illuminations from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. (last entry 9 p.m.). 3. Kyoto Gyoen National Garden Free Central Kyoto Kyoto Gyoen, which surrounds the Imperial Palace and the Sentō Imperial Palace, has over 1,000 cherry trees. These include both early- and late-blooming trees and a real variety of mature examples to enjoy. Of particular note are the weeping cherry trees, which are famed for their beauty. According to local legend, the trees were so beautiful that a passing emperor ordered his carriage to turn and pass them again. This variety of sakura is now nicknamed mikurumagaeshi ("turn of the royal carriage"). Pro tip: Take your sakura strolls up a notch by renting a kimono in Kyoto. 4. Philosopher's Path Free Higashiyama What is today known as the Philosopher's Path was once the walking route of famous Japanese philosopher Nishida Kitarō. He would meditate on the Meiji-era canal path as he made his way to Kyoto University each day. It's a fantastic way to start the day in Higashiyama during the Kyoto cherry blossom season. There are many temples and shrines around the Philosopher's Path, which stretches for two kilometers between Ginkaku-ji Temple and Nanzen-ji Temple, as well as cafes along the route. Pro tip: The Philosopher's Path is one of the most popular spots, so early morning is your best bet for a peaceful walk. 5. Kiyomizu-dera Temple Higashiyama Prepare yourself for crowds, but brave them because the views are worth it. This temple is already a contender for Kyoto's top attraction on a regular day, but Kiyomizu-dera really comes into its own when filled with cherry blossoms. From the temple's balcony, you can look out over the city and the blossoms beneath you. There are evening illuminations from March 25 to April 3, from 6 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. (last entry 9 p.m). 6. Maruyama Park Free Higashiyama This public park is Kyoto's most popular hanami spot and a local favorite. It's definitely more lively than peaceful. Don't miss the Gion Shidare-zakura, a weeping cherry tree grown from the seed of its 200-year-old predecessor. The tree will be illuminated for a limited period as well. 7. Shimbashi Street Free Higashiyama Shimbashi Street is considered one of the prettiest stretches in Gion -- picture cherry blossoms strewn across flagstones. It follows the course of the Shirakawa Canal. The most popular section is between Nawate-dōri and Kawabata-dōri, but you can't really go wrong whichever end you find yourself in. During the evening, the blossoms are illuminated, and you can peer into the (expensive!) bars and restaurants that line the river. Gion, of course, is one of Kyoto's famous geisha (geiko, in the Kyoto dialect) districts. Find out how and where to see the geiko and maiko in Kyoto. 8. Heian Shrine (day price); (evening concert) Higashiyama Heian Shrine is another very popular spot, thanks to the weeping cherry trees, whose reflections appear in the shrine garden's pond. This variety blossoms slightly later than most -- great if you've caught the end of the season. The shrine grounds are free to enter, but you do have to pay to enter the garden with the cherry trees situated just behind the main buildings. 9. Okazaki Canal Free to view; for boat ride Higashiyama Okazaki Canal is a very, very popular spot and even has seasonal boat rides beneath the blossoms. This area is always filled with keen photographers and selfie snappers. You can stroll along the paths and watch boats go by; they're actually not extortionate, costing around per person. The canal runs past Heian Shrine from south to east and connects the Kamo River with Lake Biwa's canal network. 10. Keage Incline Free Higashiyama The Keage Incline, which was used to transport boats between canals, is a beautiful spot with some picturesque old tracks. A relatively steep incline, it was in use from 1891 to 1950. In 1977, it was restored as a site of industrial heritage, becoming a National Historical Site in 1996. 11. Daigo-ji Temple during spring Daigo General Hideyoshi once held a hanami party on the grounds of Daigo-ji, and the temple has been a popular spot ever since. The blossom-filled landscape garden dates to 1598 and was expanded for the famous hanami event. It's an excellent place to enjoy a variety of Kyoto cherry blossoms. The entrance fee is higher than most places, which means it may be a little quieter, too. And the temple is worth exploring -- parts of it date all the way back to 1115! 12. Ninna-ji Temple Northwest Kyoto Great for late-blossoming varieties of sakura, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is more than picturesque when surrounded by spring blooms. Ninna-ji has open grounds, which are usually free to enter; however, during cherry blossom season, there is an entry charge of . The temple also hosts a flower festival, which also includes exhibitions. Ninna-ji is on the same bus route as the Golden Pavilion from central Kyoto. It can also easily be visited alongside Arashiyama, as it is a short walk from Omuro Ninna-ji Station on the Keifuku Line, which runs between Arashiyama and Kitano. Just be sure to change at Katabiranotsuji Station from the Keifuku Arashiyama Line to the Keifuku Kitano Line if coming from Arashiyama. 13. Kyoto Botanical Gardens Kitayama A little farther north than you might have been planning to go, Kyoto's Botanical Gardens is a great spot for all sorts of flora, but cherry blossoms especially. They have over 500 trees, including weeping cherries and Somei-yoshino trees, which are best for picnicking beneath. It costs to enter, and you can walk from Kitayama Station. 14. Arashiyama Northwest Kyoto A short train journey away, the west side of Kyoto is usually associated with its bamboo grove, but the river here means there are plenty of stunning cherry blossoms, too. The Katsura River is lined with blossoming trees, and you can take a rowboat out to enjoy it from the water. Other top cherry blossom spots in Arashiyama include the temple Tenryū-ji and Togetsukyō Bridge, along with small parks like Katsuragawa Ryokuchi. Pro tip: Combine a visit to Arashiyama with a ride on the Sagano Romantic Train, which travels past several blossom-rich vistas. Book tickets online in advance, to ensure you get a seat. Coming from Osaka? This one-day bus tour departing from Umeda hits Arashiyama, Kiyomizu-dera, the Golden Pavilion, and more. 15. Haradani-en Garden One of the slightly lesser-known and quieter (because it's harder to reach) spots, Haradani-en Garden, is often nicknamed Kyoto's Eden. A private garden with 24 different sakura varieties, this is a good spot if you really want to avoid the crowds. You will most likely require a taxi though, and there's an entrance fee of approximately depending on the day of the week and blossom peak. A taxi from Kinkaku-ji is under . There is an M1 bus which gets you much closer, but only a few run each day. 16. Kasagiyama Natural Park For a free Kyoto cherry blossom spot that offers both history and hiking, Kasagiyama Natural Park ticks all the boxes. Ranked among Japan’s Top 100 Cherry Blossom Sites (as voted by the Japan Cherry Blossom Association), this scenic park near the Kyoto-Nara border explodes with sakura in spring, especially along the Kizu River. It's home to around 3,000 cherry blossom trees, including the iconic Somei-yoshino and yamazakura, which grows wild in some mountainous regions. From Kyoto Station, take the JR Nara Line to Kizu Station. Transfer to the Yamatoji Line and ride to Kamo Station. From there, switch to the JR Kansai Main Line and get off at Kasagi Station. The Kizu River is about a 10-minute walk, while reaching Mount Kasagiyama and Kasagidera Temple takes around 45 minutes on foot. Where are the best cherry blossom spots in Nara? Easily reached from Kyoto, Nara is a fantastic place to enjoy spring’s cherry blossoms in a setting rich with history and nature. From temples and shrines to scenic mountains and parks, the city offers a variety of hanami experiences. We’ll introduce two of the best spots where you can see Nara’s sakura in full bloom. Pro tip: Make a day of it with our guide to Nara. 1. Nara Park Central Nara Nara Park is home to 1,700 cherry trees, ranging from classic Somei-yoshino to higanzakura and yaezakura, blooming in waves from late March to early May. The park is always open and totally free, meaning you can enjoy the blossoms any time, alongside Nara’s famous deer, of course. 2. Mount Yoshino Central Nara With 30,000 cherry trees covering its slopes, Mount Yoshino in Nara Prefecture has been Japan’s premier sakura-viewing destination for centuries. Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it may even be one of the best cherry blossom spots in the country. The blooms unfold in waves, offering a month-long hanami season from late March to late April. The view from Yoshimizu Shrine gives visitors a breathtaking panorama of cherry blossoms stretching across the mountainside. Frequently asked questions Is Kyoto too crowded during cherry blossom season? Kyoto during the sakura season is beautiful but packed. Famous spots like Maruyama Park, Kiyomizu-dera, and the Philosopher’s Path get swarmed with tourists and locals alike, especially on weekends. If you want to dodge the worst of the crowds, aim for early mornings or weekday visits, and consider exploring lesser-known hanami spots like Keage Incline. How long do cherry blossoms last in Kyoto? Kyoto’s cherry blossoms typically last one to two weeks, peaking in early April. However, exact timing varies each year depending on the weather. If you miss the main bloom, don’t worry. Late-blooming varieties like yaezakura can still be found at spots like Ninna-ji Temple well into mid April. While we do our best to ensure it's correct, information is subject to change. This article was first published in March 2018. Last updated in February 2025 by Aarohi Narain.

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