Kyoto's Best Cherry Blossoms Viewing Spots 2023
By Leila Sakamoto
As the chill of winter gradually fades away, spring in Kyoto brings with it a sense of rejuvenation and renewal. The season is marked by the blooming of cherry blossoms (sakura), which transforms the city into an enchanting wonderland of pink and white hues. Among the many destinations across Japan that embrace this beautiful spectacle, Kyoto stands out as a unique place to take in the beauty of these delicate flowers.
What is Hanami?
"Hanami" translates to 'flower viewing' and has been a Japanese tradition for over a thousand years. It was a pastime since at least the Heian Period, when aristocrats would sing, dance and recite Waka poems under cherry blossoms in banquet festivities. The blooming and scattering of flowers over a short span of time symbolizes the transience of life and happiness. It is a theme that is central to the Tale of Genji, where Hanami scenes have been depicted.
The cherry blossom season in Kyoto usually begins in late March and lasts for several weeks. During this time, locals and visitors alike flock to the city's parks and gardens to admire the vibrant colors and sweet scent of the blossoms.
Philosopher’s Path
Maruyama Park
One of the most popular viewing spots is Philosopher's Path, a trail along a canal lined with hundreds of cherry trees. As you stroll on the path, you'll find yourself amidst temples, shrines, cafes and traditional homes, all while being surrounded by the delicate pink petals. It is a favourite spot for photographers looking to capture the beauty of nature.
Another popular spot for cherry blossom viewing in Kyoto is Maruyama Park in the heart of the city. This park is one of the oldest and largest in Kyoto, and during the cherry blossom season, it comes alive with food vendors, street performers, and festive lanterns. The centerpiece of the park is a towering weeping cherry tree that is illuminated at night, creating a magical atmosphere not to be missed.
For a more serene and secluded cherry blossom viewing experience, visit the Kyoto Botanical Garden. Here you'll find over 100 varieties of cherry trees, including rare species not seen elsewhere in Japan. The garden also features a pond, a waterfall, and a greenhouse that showcase exotic flowers and plants from around the world.
Kyoto is home to many hidden gems well worth exploring. From temple gardens to riverside paths, there's no shortage of vistas to take in the beauty of the blossoms. Whether you're seeking a lively and festive atmosphere or a peaceful and contemplative one, Kyoto has something for everyone.
Keep reading to check out our list of top places to partake in the ancient tradition of "Hanami". We start from Genji Kyoto and the places in the hotel's vicinity. Places that we have marked with an *asterisk are likely to be less crowded.
Sky Forest Garden*
What better place to relax and view the beautiful cherry blossoms than a short elevator ride to our rooftop Sky Forest Garden? Sip on our Sakura Tea or Sakura Cocktail and admire cherry blossoms along Kamo River.
View of Kamo River from Genji Kyoto
Kamo River lined with clusters of sakura trees
Shoseien Garden*
Take in the beauty of cherry blossoms in the tranquil atmosphere of Shoseien Garden just 10 minutes walk from Genji Kyoto. This historical garden has tea houses, a large pond and a picturesque bridge.
Admission: ¥500
Opening times: 05:50~17:30
Kamo River
Take a leisurely stroll, or ride one of our complimentary bicycles along this scenic river to enjoy long stretches of cherry blossom clusters. Pack a bento lunch and picnic mat for when you take a break to sit down and take it all in!
Kodai-ji
Around 50 cherry trees of different varieties are planted in the temple grounds at Kodai-ji. The star of the show is the lone shidare-zakura, or weeping cherry tree, that stands in Hashin'tei, the rock garden. The pale pink blossoms fluttering in the breeze above the Zen garden makes for an otherworldly experience.
Peak: Mid March~start of April
Admission: Adult ¥600, children ¥250
Evening Illumination: 2023.03.17~2023.05.07 17:00~22:00 (21:30 last admission)
To-ji
Peak: Early April
Opening times: 8:00~17:00 (16:30 last admission)
General Admission: Adult ¥1,000, Children ¥500
Evening Illumination: 2023.03.18~2023.04.16. 18:30~21:30 (21:00 last admission)
★To-ji has a special opening from 2023.03.20~2023.05.25 of their Homotsukan, or "Treasure Hall". It contains 81 items considered to be National Treasures and some 25,000 Important Cultural Assets.
Kiyomizudera
A 30-minute walk from Genji Kyoto, Kiyomizudera is one of the most popular spots for viewing cherry blossoms.
Peak: Late March to early April
Opening times: 06:00~18:00
Admission: ¥400
Evening Illumination: 2023.03.25~2023.04.02 18:00~21:30 (last entry is 21:00)
Kiyomizudera, a temple 30 minutes walk from Genji Kyoto.
Gion Shirakawa
During peak season, lanterns are lit in the evening for flower viewing along this iconic cobblestone street. Walking beneath the cherry blossoms and weeping willows along the beautiful Shirakawa canal is a sublime experience not to be missed!
Peak: Late March~early April
Maruyama Koen
The oldest park in Kyoto, Maruyama Koen is home to hundreds of cherry blossom trees, including some of the oldest and largest in Japan. The centerpiece is a spectacular weeping cherry blossom tree illuminated at night during peak season.
In the evenings, there are food and beverage stalls along with seating areas, and lanterns get lit, making it a popular spot for nighttime hanami as well.
Peak: Early April
Admission: Free
Evening Illumination: 2023.03.24~2023.04.09 18:00~22:00
Keage Incline
The Keage Incline is a railway incline that once transported boats between Lake Biwa and Kyoto’s canal. The canal is long gone but the slope has been transformed into a stunning spectacle with hundreds of cherry trees. The juxtaposition of a disused railway and flowers that form a pink paradise is definitely a sight to behold!
Peak: Late March~early April
Admission: Free
Okazaki Canal
Stroll along this picturesque canal or take a boat ride. We suggest to visit in combination with the nearby Heian Jingu.
Peak: Early April
Admission: Free
★Okazaki Jikkokubune Boat Ride (25 min)
2023.03.18~2023.04.13 9:30~16:30 Departures every 15 minutes, but may vary depending on the day’s demand.
Adults ¥1,500; Children ¥800
The boat departs at Nanzenji boat pier and returns to the same pier via the Ebisugawa Dam.
Make reservations online at https://new.kyo-ryo.com/tour/jkkfe/ , or buy tickets at the pier at 08:30 on the day.
Heian Jingu
Heian Jingu boasts 4 stroll gardens, each influenced by a different period from history. Each of the gardens have cherry blossom trees, and they bloom a bit later than most areas of the city - starting in early April and lasting until mid-April. Heian Jingu is famous for the Yaebeni Shidare sakura, which blooms with a much deeper colour than the types more commonly seen around Kyoto.
Peak: Early April ~ mid-April
Opening times: 6:00~18:00
Free admission to the grounds.
Opening times for the Shrine Garden: 8:30 ~ 17:30
Admission to Shrine Garden: Adult ¥600; Children ¥300
Peak: Early April~mid-April
★Special Cherry Blossom Tea Service
Choushintei Tea Room in Heian Jingu
2023.03.26 & 30~2023.04.09 09:00~16:00 (15:30 last entry)
Tea ticket: ¥1,000 per person
★Yaebeni Shidare Sakura Music Evening
2023.04.05 ~ 2023.04.09
First seating: 18:40~19:20; second seating: 19:50~20:30
For the first time in 4 years, cherry blossom trees will be lit and a special concert will be held at Heian Jingu. There is no seating at this concert, but audience members will be able to enjoy the soothing music performed on stage while strolling through the illuminated garden.
Ticket Prices:
On the day: Adults ¥3,500; Children ¥3,000
Pre-purchased tickets: Adults ¥2,500; Children ¥2,000
Kamigamo Jinja
One of the 2 major Kamo shrines (both UNESCO World Heritage sites) along Kamo River, this shrine is very photogenic with pink cherry blossoms against the vermillion Torii gates, shrine buildings and bridges.
Peak: Early April~mid-April
Admmission: Free
Kumano Nyakuoji Jinja
This shrine is relatively hidden away, and hence a good spot for quietly enjoying cherry blossoms before starting your stroll from the southern end of Philosopher's Path. You may want to make your way to Oka-en to check out the grove of Yoko cherry trees that cover the hillside. These cherry blossoms have a slightly darker colour than the ones at the shrine.
Peak: End of March~April
Admission: Free
Philosopher's Path
One of the most popular places to view cherry blossoms is along Philosopher's Path, with hundreds of cherry trees on the banks of a canal. As you stroll on the path or stop on the bridges, you'll be amidst temples, shrines, cafes, shops and traditional homes. Head here early to beat the crowds, or borrow one of our complimentary bicycles to ride along the path from Nanzen-ji in the south to Ginkaku-ji in the north.
Peak: Early April
Admission: Free
Kyoto Imperial Palace
There are different types of cherry trees in this former residence of Japanese emperors on vast grounds with inner and outer parks.
Admission to the grounds (but not the Palace): Free
Nijo Castle
A Unesco World Heritage site, Nijo Castle has cherry blossoms that peak early and stay in bloom for longer than in many areas due to the wide variety of species planted on the grounds.
Peak: Late March to early April
Opening times: 08:45~16:00 (Castle closes at 17:-00)
Admission: Adults ¥1,300, Children ¥400
Cherry Blossoms Festival & Light Up event from 2023.03.17~2023.04.15
Evening Illumination entry: 18:00~21:00 (closes at 22:00)
Advance ticket prices:
Mon-Thu: Adult ¥1,600; Children ¥1,000
Fri-Sun and public holidays: Adult ¥2,000; Children ¥1,400
April 1 and April 8: Adult ¥2,400; Children ¥1,800 (only advance tickets can be purchased)
※ Prices for tickets purchased on the day (starting at 18:00 from ticket window): Adult ¥2,000; Children ¥1,600
Lunch options close by:
Adachi https://goo.gl/maps/kt4X1iktzaGdai8g9 , obanzai (Kyoto home-style cooking) restaurant
Shiki Nakamura https://goo.gl/maps/boh3YvC5jzw29auDA , a kaiseki restaurant
Seike Nijojo https://goo.gl/maps/7H4nWmuvbbFD2wE29 , a yuba (tofu skin) restaurant
喜Bun上Jo (Kibunjoujou) https://goo.gl/maps/t5ah91i62h59Hn2L6, Japanese with course and a la carte dishes (need advanced booking for courses)
Uho-in*
A relatively unknown spot amongst tourists, this small temple is canopied by cherry blossoms in April. They bloom here quite a bit later than most areas in Kyoto, usually starting around the middle of April.
Peak: Mid-April ~ end of April
Hirano Jinja
Boasting of a wide variety of cherry trees, some trees start blooming around mid-March and others are in bloom until almost the end of April.
Peak: Mid-March~end of April
★Oukasai (Cherry Blossom Festival)
The cherry blossom festival is held on April 10 every year at 10:00, followed by a parade to Emperor Hanayama's mausoleum at 11:00. The shrine procession is held at noon, when a procession of around 200 people parade through the neighborhood.
Ninna-ji
Ninna-ji is famous for its Omuro Sakura cherry trees, which are among the latest blooming cherries in Kyoto. These cherry trees only grow to be around 2~3 metres tall, allowing them to be enjoyed at a much closer proximity. Recommend to visit in combination with Ryoan-ji, Hirano Jinja and Kinkaku-ji.
Peak: Early April~mid April
Entry: 08:00~17:00
Admission: Adults ¥500, Children ¥200
Omuro Cherry Blossoms Festival：2023.03.18~2023.05.07 8:30～17:30 (last entry 17:00）
During Omuro Cherry Blossoms Festival, there are no admission charges for children.
Nakaragi-no-michi
Nakaragi-no-michi is a section of Kamo river, close by Kyoto Botanical Garden. The weeping cherry blossoms here create a photogenic flower tunnel. It is a great area to lay out a picnic mat and have some lunch while enjoying views of the river.
Peak: Mid-April
Admission: Free
Kyoto Botanical Gardens
Peak: Mid March~early April
Opening times: 09:00~17:00 (16:30 last admission)
Admission: Adult ¥200, Children free
Evening Illumination: 2023.03.25~2023.04.09 until 21:00 (20:00 last admission)
Arashiyama
Take a stroll, or find a sitting spot and enjoy views of the cherry blossom against a backdrop of mountains, bridges, and the river.
Admission: Free
Peak: Late March~early April
To see our google map for the viewing spots:
Genji Kyoto Cherry Blossom Viewing Spots