Local Guide
[2025 Edition] Recommended cherry blossom spots along the Arashiyama train line in the Kyoto Arashiyama area

Kyoto, with its beautiful seasonal scenery and historical architecture, is a tourist destination full of attractions that never cease to attract people. Among these, cherry blossom viewing is a classic Kyoto sightseeing experience that cannot be missed. In this article, we will introduce recommended cherry blossom viewing spots focusing on the Arashiyama area, beloved by Heian aristocrats and the Imperial family.

A dreamlike experience running through a tunnel of cherry blossoms

Once the peak viewing period has passed, you can see flurries of cherry blossom petals flying up in the wind from the passing trains (Image provided by Keifuku Electric Railroad)
Once the peak viewing period has passed, you can see flurries of cherry blossom petals flying up in the wind from the passing trains (Image provided by Keifuku Electric Railroad)

The Keifuku Electric Railroad (commonly known as Randen) is a streetcar that runs from Arashiyama Station to Kitano-Hakubaicho Station in the Kitano area, where Kitano Tenmangu Shrine is located. Tourists ride the line to see the atmosphere of the ancient capital, dotted with world heritage sites such as Ninnaji Temple and Ryoanji Temple.
Spring is the season when the Arashiyama Railway, which is usually a means of transportation for the people, attracts particular attention. About 70 cherry trees planted along the 200m tracks between Utano Station and Narutaki Station on the Kitano Line appear as a tunnel. You can Experience a dreamlike moment as if you are enveloped in a world of pale pink.

[Best time to see cherry blossoms] Late March to early April
[Type of tree] Somei-Yoshino cherry, etc.

Comments Local Guide
This is a famous cherry blossom spot that can only be seen by riding the train. For more information, please check the official Arashiyama Dentetsu website.
Arashiyama Railway Cherry Blossom Tunnel
  • 住所[Keifuku Electric Railroad Narutaki Station] Narutaki Sagaencho, Ukyo Ward, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture
    [Keifuku Electric Railroad Utano Station] Utano Nagaocho, Ukyo Ward, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture MAP
  • 営業時間Upbound: Departing Narutaki Station - Arriving Utano Station 5:52 - 23:29
    Downbound: Departs Utano Station - Arrives Narutaki Station 6:09 - 23:46
  • 入場料One way: Adults 250 yen, elementary school students 120 yen
  • TEL075-801-2511（京福電気鉄道 鉄道部運輸課）
  • 駐車場none
  • メモThe times are for up and down trains in the Arashiyama Dentetsu timetable as of January 2024.

View of the cherry blossoms of Arashiyama from a spectacular observation deck

The Kameyama area is surrounded by garden paths and has plazas and rest areas. In autumn, you can enjoy viewing the autumn leaves.
The Kameyama area is surrounded by garden paths and has plazas and rest areas. In autumn, you can enjoy viewing the autumn leaves.

The Arashiyama area has been known since the Heian period as a place where royalty and aristocrats had villas, and as one of Kyoto's most picturesque places. Arashiyama Park is a park that consists of the Nakanoshima, Rinsenji, and Kameyama districts along the Katsura River that runs through the area.
Kameyama, located in the southeast of Ogurayama, a famous spot for autumn leaves that also appears in waka poetry, is a place rich in nature where cherry blossoms and maples are planted, as well as mountain azaleas that grow in clusters. From the observation deck in the area, which is a hiking trail, you can see about 1,500 magnificent cherry trees blooming in Arashiyama, which is 382 meters above sea level.

[Best time to see cherry blossoms] Mid-March to late April
[Types of trees] Somei-Yoshino, Yamazakura, Weeping cherry, etc.

Comments Local Guide
The magnificent cherry blossoms of Arashiyama can be seen from the observation deck of Arashiyama Park (Kameyama area). The beauty of the valley in Oku-Arashiyama is also a must-see. You can enjoy the cherry blossoms and the magnificent view at the same time.
Arashiyama Park Kameyama District Observation Deck (Kameyama Park)
  • 住所Saga, Ukyo Ward, Kyoto City, Kyoto PrefectureMAP
  • アクセスApproximately 10 minutes on foot from Keifuku Electric Railroad Arashiyama Station (to the park entrance along the Hozu River on the Arashiyama side)

A famous temple in Saga-Arashiyama where the five-story pagoda stands out against the Omuro cherry blossoms

The scent of Omurozakura blooms right before your eyes. Because it is a small shrub, you can appreciate the fine details of the petals (Image provided by Ninna-ji Temple)
The scent of Omurozakura blooms right before your eyes. Because it is a small shrub, you can appreciate the fine details of the petals (Image provided by Ninna-ji Temple)

This famous temple, a World Heritage Site, was founded in 888 (4th year of the Ninna era). Since Emperor Uda served as the first chief priest, up until Prince Junin, the 30th head priest, it has been considered a prestigious temple, with all members of the imperial family serving as chief priests.
Known as a famous cherry blossom spot, Somei Yoshino and weeping cherry blossoms bloom within the temple grounds. Among them, the forest of late-blooming "Omurozakura" cherry blossoms is a unique sight at Ninna-ji Temple. When taking photos, you can take beautiful shots by placing the 2-3m tall Omurozakura cherry blossoms in the foreground and the five-story pagoda in the background.

[Best time to see cherry blossoms] Mid-April to late April
[Type of tree] Omurozakura (Omuro-Ariake), Somei-Yoshino, etc.

Comments Local Guide
The collaboration between the five-story pagoda, an important cultural property, and the Omuro cherry blossoms is magnificent. You can enjoy a different kind of cherry blossom viewing experience, as the cherry blossoms are at eye level.
Ninnaji Temple
  • 住所33 Omuro Ouchi, Ukyo Ward, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture MAP
  • アクセスAbout 3 minutes walk from Omuro-Ninnaji Station on the Keifuku Electric Railroad
  • バスアクセスTake Kyoto City Bus No. 26 from JR Kyoto Station and get off at "Omuro-Ninna-ji" stop
  • 営業時間March to November 9:00 to 17:00 (last admission 16:30)
    December to February 9:00 to 16:30 (last admission 16:00)
  • 入場料Imperial Palace Garden: Adults: 800 yen
    Omuro Flower Festival Special entrance fee: 500 yen for adults
    * Free for high school students and younger
  • TEL075-461-1155
  • 駐車場Paid
  • メモThere are few Parking nearby, so we recommend using public transportation.

Discover the beautiful cherry blossoms at a temple associated with the Tale of Genji

A weeping cherry tree near the Niomon Gate welcomes visitors with a serene atmosphere.
A weeping cherry tree near the Niomon Gate welcomes visitors with a serene atmosphere.

Saga no Mido was built by the Heian aristocrat Minamoto no Toru, who was the inspiration behind Hikaru Genji, the protagonist of The Tale of Genji. The temple houses the national treasure Shaka Nyorai (Shaka Buddha) made of red sandalwood, said to be a replica of Buddha when he was still alive at the age of 37, and the Seikaji Amida Triad (Seikaji Temple) (national treasure), three Buddhas modeled on Toru's face.
From mid-March every year, weeping cherry trees and Yoshino cherry trees begin to bloom within the temple grounds. Come and enjoy the elegant cherry blossoms that seem to be blooming gently around this historic temple.

[Best time to see cherry blossoms] Mid-March to late April
[Types of trees] Weeping cherry, Somei Yoshino, etc.

Comments Local Guide
Entering through the Niomon Gate, you can see the crimson branches of a weeping cherry tree spreading out in front of the Issaikyozo (storehouse of all scriptures) on the right. The Yoshino cherry tree stands on the Tahoto Pagoda, and a weeping cherry tree stands in front of the memorial tower of Emperor Saga. The vibrant cherry blossoms blend beautifully with the historic buildings.
(Image courtesy of Seiryoji Temple)
(Image courtesy of Seiryoji Temple)
Seiryoji Temple
  • 住所46, Saga Shakado Fujinokicho, Ukyo Ward, Kyoto City MAP
  • アクセスApproximately 12 minutes on foot from JR Saga-Arashiyama Station
    Take a Kyoto Bus or City Bus from JR Kyoto Station, get off at the "Saga Shakado-mae" bus stop, and walk for about 1 minute.
  • 営業時間9:00～16:00
  • 定休日None (visits may not be possible during events such as memorial services)
  • 入場料Adults 500 yen, middle and high school students 400 yen, elementary school students 300 yen
  • TEL075-861-0343
  • 駐車場Available (standard-sized car 800 yen/day)

The beautiful weeping cherry blossoms at the Niomon Gate are a famous feature of this temple.

The weeping cherry blossoms that grace the nature-rich mountains are breathtakingly beautiful (Image provided by Jojakkoji Temple)
The weeping cherry blossoms that grace the nature-rich mountains are breathtakingly beautiful (Image provided by Jojakkoji Temple)

Located on the scenic mountainside of Mt. Ogura, this mountain temple is dotted with the main hall, pagoda, kitchen, and Niomon gate, creating a beautiful landscape. In spring, wild cherry blossoms, weeping cherry blossoms, azaleas, wild grasses, and other flowers bloom in abundance, and birds chirp. The scene that unfolds before your eyes is reminiscent of paradise on earth. The weeping cherry blossoms near the Niomon gate are particularly popular.
In one corner of the temple grounds, there remains part of the Ogura Sanso mansion, where it is said that Fujiwara Teika, a master of waka poetry from the Kamakura period, selected the Ogura Hyakunin Isshu.

[Best time to see cherry blossoms] Mid-March to late April
[Types of trees] Yamazakura, Higan weeping cherry, etc.

Comments Local Guide
From the top of the stairs you can get a panoramic view of Kyoto city. On a clear day you can see Mt. Hiei beyond the cherry blossoms. The fresh greenery in early summer and the maple leaves in autumn are also beautiful.
Jojakkoji Temple
  • 住所Kyoto City Ukyo Ward Saga Ogurayama Oguramachi 3 MAP
  • アクセスApproximately 15 minutes walk from JR Saga-Arashiyama Station
  • 営業時間9:00-17:00 (last entry 16:30)
  • 入場料500円
  • TEL075-861-0435
  • 駐車場Paid

The cherry blossom path leading from the main gate to the main hall is a sight to behold

The approach to the temple is bathed in spring colors with Mount Ogura as a backdrop (Image provided by Nison-in Temple)
The approach to the temple is bathed in spring colors with Mount Ogura as a backdrop (Image provided by Nison-in Temple)

This Tendai sect temple was established between 834 and 848 (Jowa era). Located at the foot of Mount Ogura, which is also known as a famous spot for viewing autumn leaves, the temple's name comes from the fact that it enshrines the principal deities Shaka Nyorai and Amida Nyorai.
Once you step through the main gate, the approach to the temple stretches out in a straight line. Cherry trees and maple trees planted on both sides create a path of pale pink cherry blossoms in spring, and vibrant red and yellow autumn leaves in autumn. Don't miss the late-blooming Nison Infugenzozakura cherry blossoms next to the main hall and the photogenic flower water basin decorated with seasonal flowers.

[Best time to see cherry blossoms] Mid-March to early May
[Type of tree] Weeping cherry, Nison infugenzo cherry, etc.

Comments Local Guide
You can also enjoy the weeping cherry blossoms that decorate the main hall, which is designated as a cultural property by Kyoto City, and the rare double-flowered cherry blossom, the Nison Infugenzozakura.
Nison-in Temple
  • 住所27 Nagagamicho, Saga Nison-in Temple, Ukyo Ward, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture MAP
  • アクセスApproximately 15 minutes on foot from Arashiyama Station on the Keifuku Electric Railroad
    Take a Kyoto Bus or City Bus from JR Kyoto Station, get off at the "Saga Shakado-mae" bus stop, and walk for about 10 minutes.
  • 営業時間9:00-16:30 (last entry)
  • 入場料Adults (junior high school students and above): 600 yen, elementary school students and below: free
  • TEL075-861-0687

MAP

Along the Arashiyama Line
Arashiyama
Nearby Hoshino Resorts Property
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