If you need to choose one place to see Japan's cherry blossoms, that should be Kyoto. Kyoto's cherry blossoms offer the most beautiful scenery of delicate sakura (cherry tree flowers) set against ancient buildings, within historical temples, and amid charming gardens.
The cherry blossom season in Kyoto is similar to that of Tokyo and Osaka. Here is a guide to the Kyoto cherry blossom season: when and where to see the cherry blossoms and travel suggestions.
Hirano Shrine cherry blossomWhen to See Cherry Blossoms in Kyoto 2026?
- Best time to see: April 2/3-April 10
- Cherry blossom season: Late March to mid-April
The cherry blossoms and red shrine create an ultimate sense of beauty The best time to view cherry blossoms in Kyoto is from April 2/3 to April 10. If you travel during this period, you can see the full blossoms. If you visit a few days before or after, you may still enjoy the cherry blossoms, but they might not be as spectacular as some trees have faded or have not yet reached their full bloom.
Kyoto's cherry blossom season lasts from late March to mid-April, with most trees blooming in early April. Early blooms can be seen in late March at Heian Shrine, while late blooms extend to mid-April at Ninna-ji Temple. If you travel in spring with us, our guide will help you find the best cherry blossoms around.
In 2025, the full blooms occurred around April 5, and the best viewing periods were from April 3 to April 10. When we visited on April 7th, we saw the spectacular full blooms. In 2026, the cherry blossom season in Kyoto is likely to fall within this period.
The Best Places to See Cherry Blossoms in Kyoto
Kyoto's cherry blossom season offers a unique charm, with historic buildings set against white or pink blossoms. To experience this blend of nature and tradition, stroll along the Philosopher's Path and visit Kiyomizu-dera Temple. If you're visiting before April 1, Heian Shrine is perfect for early blooms. For late blooms after April 10, consider Ninna-ji Temple.
1. Philosopher's Path
Philosopher's Path cherry blossom, April 7, 2025- Best viewing time: early April
Philosopher's Path is a tranquil stone path along a winding, narrow canal. Both sides of the canal are densely lined with tall cherry trees. It is a gorgeous place to enjoy a leisurely walk with your family or loved one to enjoy the dense blooms around you.
To make the most of your visit, start your walk along the path and continue to Nanzen-ji Temple, with a detour to explore Ginkaku-ji Temple. This popular Kyoto trail offers more than just cherry blossoms; you'll also encounter historic buildings and two hidden temples. Most importantly, enjoy a relaxing walk. The whole tour takes about 2 hours.
Travel tips:
- Visit before 10 a.m. for a peaceful stroll away from the crowds. The period from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. is the busiest, so it's best to avoid this time if you prefer a quieter experience.
- The path is illuminated in the evening.
- Along the path, there are small houses serving as restaurants and coffee shops.
- The path is smooth and accessible, with no steps or inclines, making it suitable for strollers, wheelchairs, and prams.
2. Kiyomizu-dera Temple
The white and pink cherry blossoms against the red buildings of Kiyomizu-dera create an intimate beauty. During my visit, I was so captivated by the scenery that I couldn't stop saying "wow." I couldn't help but keep taking photos, capturing every corner.
Beyond the cherry blossoms, the temple itself is a must-visit. The traditional streets leading to the temple are lined with wooden shops and cafes, exuding the quaint, historic charm of old Kyoto. Perched on a hill, the temple offers breathtaking views of Kyoto in the distance and the surrounding cherry blossom forest.
Travel Tips
- Arrive early to avoid the crowds. When we visited around 10 a.m., the streets and temple were not too crowded. However, by noon, the temple was packed with tourists.
- It’s about a 15-minute uphill walk to the temple, so be sure to wear comfortable shoes.
3. Nanzen-ji Temple
Nanzen-ji Temple Cherry blossoms on April 7 2025Nanzen-ji Temple is a hidden gem known for its tranquil surroundings, stunning gardens, and a unique waterway structure built from Meiji-era bricks.
We walked along Philosopher's Path to arrive at this temple. The cherry blossoms in the temple grounds are in full bloom. The temple grounds are free to explore, but we paid to visit the Sanmon Gate. We climbed the very steep wooden ladder up to the top. The views from the top were super, as there are no tall buildings around. You will see the cherry blossoms, the lush forest, and the old temple buildings.
The waterway at Nanzen-ji Temple was designed to bring water from Lake Biwa to Kyoto. Its red brick construction is truly impressive.
The red bricks used to build this waterway are said to be from the Meiji Era.The temple is an ideal place to enjoy a relaxing stroll.
4. Arashiyama
Sagano Romantic Train.Arashiyama makes for a delightful day trip from Kyoto. You can ride the charming Sagano Romantic Train through the "cherry blossom tunnel" to take in the stunning scenery, or opt for a boat ride to enjoy the lush forests and rural beauty.
The Arashiyama Bamboo Grove offers a unique experience. Walking amidst the towering bamboo makes you feel as if you've entered another world.
5. Ninna-ji -Cherry Blossoms in Mid-April
If you're visiting around mid-April and have missed the peak time for blooms, Ninna-ji offers a wonderful opportunity to enjoy the cherry blossoms later in the season. The cherry trees in the temple's garden bloom about a week later than in other parks. When the cherry blossoms in other locations have gone, the sakura there is in full bloom.
The garden is large and peaceful. You could take a relaxing stroll among the cherry trees in the early morning before the crowds arrive. The trees there are human tall, and you would experience sakura all around you closely, presenting a great opportunity for photos.
Compared to other Kyoto temples, such as nearby Kinkaku-ji, Ninna-ji boasts a larger and quieter complex. Inside, the rhythmic chanting of monks can often be heard.
Arrive early to beat the crowds — the temple opens at 9 am. During peak hours, the temple grounds can become quite crowded, making it challenging to capture photos without disturbances.
FAQs on Viewing Cherry Blossoms in Kyoto
Can I See Cherry Blossoms in Early March in Kyoto?
Yes, you could see an early-blooming variety in Kyoto in early March known as Kawazu-zakura. However, the scenery would not be as spectacular as later on due to Kyoto's small number of Kawazu-zakura trees.
The best place to see this cherry blossom variety is at the Yodo Suiro Waterway in Kyoto. Other places to see this early blooming sakura are located in Tokyo, including Yoyogi Park and Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden.
How Crowded Is Kyoto during the Cherry Blossom Season?
Kyoto's attractions are popular year-round, and they do get crowded during cherry blossom season. However, the crowds are generally manageable. While there are many visitors, the atmosphere remains orderly.
Even when attractions are bustling with travelers, you can still capture photos without people in the frame, as everyone waits patiently. I remember in Philosopher's Path when I filmed my friends walking under the cherry blossoms people kindly waited behind us.
The main effect is that you may need to spend more time on attractions as allow a flexible itinerary. To make the most of your visit, plan for a flexible itinerary. Arriving early in the morning before 10 am or later in the afternoon after 3 pm can help you avoid the peak crowds.
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