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, 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 7 Best Places to See Cherry Blossoms in Kyoto
Kyoto's cherry blossom season offers a unique charm with its historic atmosphere. To experience this blend of nature and tradition, stroll along the Philosopher's Path and explore Kiyomizu-dera Temple. If you're visiting before April 1, Maruyama Park is perfect for early blooms. For late blooms after April 10, consider Heian Shrine.
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 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.
Ginkaku-ji Temple - 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. 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.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. Fushimi Jukkoku-bune: A Journey Through Time and Beauty
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, the Jukkoku-bune has transformed into a delightful springtime boat ride. You'll sit in traditional Edo-period houseboats and enjoy cherry blossoms lining the canal.
While Kyoto boasts many cherry blossom spots, the Fushimi Jukkoku-bune offers a uniquely historic and beautiful experience.
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.
6. 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.
7. Heian Shrine - Late-Blooming Cherry Blossoms
Cherry blossoms in Hirano Shrine The double-flowered cherry blossoms in the garden are the latest to bloom in Kyoto, typically reaching full bloom around April 10. If you miss the early blossoms, this is an ideal choice.
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. Plan to spend about an hour exploring this hidden gem.
The Top Cherry Blossom Festivals in Kyoto
Nijo Castle light showDon'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:
| Date | Festival | Venue | Activities |
|---|---|---|---|
| Late March - Early April | Kiyomizu-dera Temple Night Illumination | Kiyomizu-dera Temple | Illuminated cherry blossoms and temple |
| April 10 | Hirano Shrine Cherry Blossom Festival | Hirano Shrine | Parade in traditional clothes, traditional shows |
| April 12 | Daigo-ji Temple Toyotomi Hideyoshi's Cherry Blossom Parade | Daigo-ji Temple | Traditional clothes, colorful parade, dance, sword fighting |
| Mid-March to Mid-April | Nijo Castle Cherry Blossom Festival | Nijo Castle | Light Show |
| Mid-March to End of April | Spring Special Viewing and Night Illumination | Kodaiji Temple |
Illuminated cherry blossoms and gardens |
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?
japanese ryokanStaying 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..
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