Kyoto Cherry Blossoms 2026 - When, Where and Travel Tips

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.

When 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 best time to view cherry blossoms in Kyoto is from April 2/3 to April 10, when the majority of cherry blossoms are in 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 Maruyama Park and Kodaiji Temple, while late blooms extend to mid-April at Heian Shrine and 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 10 Best Places to See Cherry Blossoms in Kyoto

Kyoto's cherry blossom season offers a unique charm with its historic atmosphere. To truly feel it, take a slow stroll along the Philosopher’s Path or explore the hillside views at Kiyomizu-dera Temple. For something unique, hop on a traditional boat along the Fushimi Jikkokubune Canal and glide beneath blooming sakura trees, surrounded by Kyoto’s old-town charm.

1. Philosopher's Path

• 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 named after a famous philosopher, Nishida Kitaro, who used to meditate while walking there.

The trail is a gorgeous place to enjoy a leisurely walk with your family or loved one. 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. The whole tour takes about 2 hours.

• 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. Don't miss the wooden stage, which offers breathtaking views of Kyoto.

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. Fushimi Jukkoku-bune: Cruise Through Cherry Blossoms on a Historic Canal

The Fushimi Jukkoku-bune was a crucial waterway connecting Kyoto and Osaka during the Edo period. This route was famous for transporting Fushimi's renowned sake. This area has long been celebrated for its sake brewing, thanks to the pure waters from nearby rivers.

Today, this historic canal offers a peaceful boat ride each spring. Sit inside a traditional wooden boat and glide under pink cherry blossoms as you travel through Kyoto’s sake district. It’s a unique way to see the city’s history and beauty all at once.

During your visit, we’ll arrange a stop at a sake brewery by the canal.

Tips:

• How to buy the ticket: To buy the tickets yourself is quite a challenge. It's best to book in advance online. On-site tickets are usually for afternoon slots or standby. If someone with a reservation doesn't show, you might get a spot, but it's a bit of a gamble
• The Fushimi Jukkoku-bune offers a round trip. At the endpoint, you can explore for about 20 minutes before heading back.
• The tour takes about 1 hour.

4.  Heian Shrine: A Truly Immersive Sakura Experience

Though the shrine is famous and attracts many visitors daily, the garden behind it is often overlooked. This tranquil space features numerous cherry trees surrounding a serene lake. As the garden bursts into a kaleidoscope of colors with blooming cherry blossoms and lush flora, the scenery is truly breathtaking. 

For a deeper experience, come in the evening.

The garden is softly illuminated from late March to early April, creating a dreamy sakura scene. If you're visiting in early April, don’t miss the traditional performance held during the illumination. 

The garden’s double-flowered cherry trees are Kyoto’s latest bloomers, usually peaking around April 10. If you’ve missed the main sakura season, this is your perfect second chance.

5. Uji River: Enjoy a Peaceful Sakura Stroll with Culture and Matcha

If you’re looking for a quiet, artistic vibe away from Kyoto’s crowds, Uji is your spot.

Enjoy a refined cherry blossom day trip to Uji. Walk along the serene Uji River lined with cherry trees, cross the iconic Uji Bridge, and soak in the view from Nakajima Island. Visit the stunning Byodoin Temple (a UNESCO site). Step into the timeless beauty of Byodoin Temple, then stroll down the old riverside street and enjoy a quiet moment over matcha at a teahouse.

It is a perfect spring escape, and if you have time, add a stop at Ujigami Shrine for a touch of ancient magic.

6. Yamashina Canal – Enjoy Sakura and Rapeseed Flowers Off the Beaten Path

Take a walk along the Yamashina Canal, a historic waterway built in the late 19th century to connect Kyoto with Lake Biwa. Stroll the peaceful path or hop on a boat for a relaxing ride under the blossoms. You'll see pink sakura trees lining the canal with bright yellow rapeseed flowers. 

Enjoy a Peaceful Cherry Blossom Day.

Start your day at Daigo-ji Temple, where ancient cherry trees surround UNESCO-listed pagodas. Then take a quiet stroll along the Yamashina Canal, with sakura and rapeseed flowers lining the historic waterway. Finish at Mii-dera Temple near Lake Biwa, where centuries-old grounds come alive with blossoms. 

7. Nanzen-ji Temple

Nanzen-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.

8. Arashiyama

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.

9. Daigo-ji Temple: Cherry blossoms around 1000+ Old Pagoda

Daigo-ji is a historic temple with over 1,000 years of history. It's renowned for its majestic five-story wooden pagoda, serene Japanese gardens, and its connection to Toyotomi Hideyoshi.

Sambō-in features stunning painted screens and a beautiful garden with water features, bridges, and pines. Designed by Toyotomi Hideyoshi, it was the site of his famous cherry blossom viewing party. Today, the annual Sakura Festival is held here on the second Sunday of April, celebrating this rich tradition.

In spring, the garden is adorned with exquisite weeping cherry blossoms, providing a picturesque backdrop to the grand pagoda. Today, the annual Sakura Festival is held on the second Sunday of April, celebrating this rich tradition.

Tips:

• The weeping cherry blossoms here bloom about three days earlier than most Yoshino cherry blossoms in places like the Philosopher's Path.
• While the park itself is free, the main attractions—Sambō-in and the wooden pagoda—require an entry fee.

10. Ninna-ji  - Enjoy 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 garden is large and peaceful. You could take a relaxing stroll among the tall cherry trees in the early morning before the crowds arrive. The trees there are very tall, and you would experience sakura all around you at close quarters, 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.

The Top Cherry Blossom Festivals in Kyoto

Don't just view the cherry blossoms; immerse yourself in the festival atmosphere of old Kyoto. Don't miss the beautifully lit cherry blossoms in the evening and the light show at Nijo Castle.

Nijo Castle is renowned for its extravagant architecture, featuring exquisite and luxurious designs with intricate details. In the evening, the blooms are illuminated here. The highlight is the light show. The beautiful water patterns and falling cherry petals, with music and lights, are amazing.

See below a Cherry blossom festival schedule 2026:

How Crowded Is Kyoto during the Cherry Blossom Season?

Kyoto's attractions can get crowded during the 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 downside is that you might need to spend more time at attractions, so you need to keep a more flexible itinerary.

Tips to avoid the crowds

• To avoid the crowds, arrive early in the morning before 10 am or later in the afternoon after 3 pm
• Be prepared for larger crowds on weekends, as they are the busiest times.

Where to Stay in Kyoto during Cherry Blossom Season?

Staying in a Japanese inn during cherry blossom season enhances your experience. Immerse yourself in the Japanese atmosphere with onsens, gardens, and traditional meals, offering an authentic experience beyond just the blossoms.

The areas around Gion and near Nijo Castle provide a traditional Kyoto ambiance, making them excellent choices for accommodation.

If you plan to use Kyoto as a base to explore the surrounding areas, consider staying near Kyoto Station for convenient access.

Tips for Planning Your Cherry Blossom Itinerary in Kyoto

Seeing cherry blossoms in Kyoto is easy, but planning a trip that captures both their beauty and the rich tradition requires careful thought. Here are some tips to enhance your experience:

• It's not necessary to view cherry blossoms in every city on your itinerary. Choose Kyoto for its unique blend of blossoms and historic buildings. This offers an authentic Japanese experience.
• Choosing one or two spots for cherry blossom viewing is enough, as the scenery is quite similar. It is not necessary to chase the blooms in so many parks, you should focus on other interests.
• Don't just look—experience the festive atmosphere. Try sakura ice cream, attend festivals, and stay in a traditional ryokan.
• Book 6-12 months in advance to secure good prices and accommodations..

Plan Your 2026 Japan Cherry Blossom Trip with Us

Embark on a dreamy cherry blossom journey through Japan with our expert arrangements and personally crafted itineraries.

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