1Toji Temple

Fujizakura, a weeping cherry tree blooming proudly at a World Heritage temple

Toji Temple is the only World Heritage site in Kyoto that still retains the appearance of Heian-kyo. As the first esoteric Buddhist temple in Japan, founded by Kobo Daishi, it is a prestigious temple, but it has also been loved by locals for a long time, with people from outside the city coming to visit the Kobo Market, a festival held on the 21st of every month.
In spring, about 200 cherry trees, including Yoshino cherry trees, bloom, attracting many tourists. The highlight of the park is the Fujizakura, a double-flowered red weeping cherry tree that was transplanted from Mie Prefecture in 2006 and is over 130 years old. When the cherry blossoms are lit up at night, you can see them emerge from the dark night along with the five-story pagoda.

[Best time to see cherry blossoms] Early April
[Type of tree] Fujizakura, Somei Yoshino, etc.
[Direction from OMO3 Kyoto Toji by Hoshino Resorts] 10 minutes on foot

▼ Cherry blossoms illuminated at night (special night viewing of the Kondo and Kodo)
Period: Saturday, March 15, 2025 to Sunday, April 13, 2025
Time: 18:00-21:30 (last entry 21:00)
Nighttime admission fee: 1,000 yen, junior high school students and younger 500 yen
Overnight parking fee: 1,000 yen

Toji Temple

• https://toji.or.jp/
• 1 Kujo-cho, Minami-ku, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture MAP
• About 10 minutes walk from Kintetsu Toji Station
• 5:00～17:00
• Free (some admission fees apply)
• 075-691-3325
• Paid

2Rokusonno Shrine

Within walking distance from Kyoto Station. A hidden cherry blossom viewing spot that enshrines the ancestor of the Seiwa Genji clan.

Founded in 963, it is known as the birthplace of the Seiwa Genji clan. The shrine, which enshrines Minamoto no Tsunemoto, the grandson of Emperor Seiwa, eight generations before Minamoto no Yoritomo, the first shogun of the Kamakura shogunate, has also been the setting for stories such as Lafcadio Hearn's "Kwaidan."
After mid-March, the cherry blossoms in the temple grounds begin to change color. In addition to Somei-Yoshino cherry trees, the rare yellow-green Ukon-zakura cherry tree gradually comes into full bloom, and the small temple grounds are decorated with cherry blossoms. Don't miss the spot for good luck, also known as "Koi no Kakehashi" (Love Bridge), which is built using the carp swimming in the pond as a bridge.

[Best time to see cherry blossoms] Early April to mid-April
[Types of trees] Somei-yoshino cherry, Turmeric cherry, Gyoiko cherry, etc.
[Direction from OMO3 Kyoto Toji by Hoshino Resorts] 15 minutes on foot

Rokusonno Shrine

• http://www.rokunomiya.ecnet.jp/
• Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture, Minami Ward, Mibu-dori Hachijo cornerMAP
• Approximately 13 minutes walk from JR Kyoto Station
• free
• 075-691-0310
• Paid
• Parking is free only when visiting the temple.

3Umekoji Park

Only on a former cargo depot! The cherry blossoms decorating the park are photogenic

It is about a 15-minute walk west from JR Kyoto Station. It is a vast urban park of about 13.7 hectares that opened in 1995 on the site of a freight railway that was actively used from the Meiji to Taisho eras. You can enjoy sightseeing at the Kyoto Aquarium and the Kyoto Railway Museum, one of the largest railway museums in Japan, located very close to the park. From April, when the cherry blossoms are in full bloom, we recommend taking photos with the tram that runs through Suzaku Yume Square.

[Best time to see cherry blossoms] Early April to mid-April
[Types of trees] Somei-yoshino, Ukonzakura, Yaezakura, etc.
[Direction from OMO3 Kyoto Toji by Hoshino Resorts] 15 minutes on foot

Umekoji Park

• http://www.kyoto-ga.jp/umekouji/index.html
• 56-3 Kankijicho, Shimogyo Ward, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture MAP
• A short walk from JR Umekoji Kyoto-nishi Station
• Always open
  *Suzaku Garden, Forest of Life 9:00-17:00 (last entrance 16:30)
• Open daily
  *Suzaku Garden and Forest of Life Mondays (open on national holidays and closed the following day), December 28th to January 4th
• free
  *Suzaku Garden, Forest of Life: 200 yen for elementary school students and above
• 075-352-2500
• Paid
• There are few Parking nearby, so we recommend using public transportation.

4Takasegawa Ichino Funairi

Cherry blossom petals fluttering down the canal of an ancient city built by a wealthy merchant

Takasegawa River is a shallow canal that runs through the city, only 30cm deep. It was completed by one of Kyoto's wealthy merchants, Kadokura Ryoi, who invested a huge amount of his personal wealth into it, over a period of three years, starting in 1611 (Keicho 16) in the early Edo period. "Funairi" refers to the docks where the "Takasebune" boats that ply the Takasegawa River anchor to load and unload cargo, and the first dock is called "Ichinofunairi."
When the Yoshino cherry trees lining the riverbank at the anchorage bloom, the petals flutter down onto the surface of the river. The beauty is like a scene from a movie. It's a must-see.

[Best time to see cherry blossoms] Late March to early April
[Type of tree] Somei-Yoshino cherry, etc.
[Direction from OMO5 Kyoto Sanjo by Hoshino Resorts] 10 minutes on foot

Takasegawa Ichino Funairi

• https://ja.kyoto.travel/tourism/single02.php?category_id=9&tourism_id=184
• Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture, Nakagyo Ward, Kiyamachi Street, Nijo Sagaru Ichinofunairicho MAP
• About 4 minutes walk from Kyoto City Hall Station on the Kyoto Municipal Subway Tozai Line
• 075-343-0548（京都総合観光案内所）

5Kyoto Imperial Palace

A hidden cherry blossom spot where you can take a leisurely stroll

From the Heian period to the early Meiji period, the Kyoto Imperial Palace served as the residence and government office of the Imperial Family. The remains of the palaces of the Imperial Family and nobles that were built around it are now Kyoto Gyoen National Gardens. Currently open to the public as a place of relaxation, you can take your time to look around the carefully preserved plum, peach, cherry and other trees.
Approximately 1,000 cherry trees, including early-blooming weeping cherry trees and wild cherry trees, are planted and can be enjoyed for a long period from mid-March to mid-May. The magnificent weeping cherry trees at the Konoe Residence Ruins in the northwest of the garden are particularly famous.

[Best time to see cherry blossoms] Mid-March to mid-May
[Types of trees] Somei-yoshino, Yaebenishidarezura, Satozakura, Yamazakura, etc.
[Direction from OMO5 Kyoto Sanjo by Hoshino Resorts] 15 minutes on foot

Kyoto Imperial Palace

• https://www.env.go.jp/garden/kyotogyoen/
• Kyoto Imperial Palace 3, Kamigyo Ward, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture MAP
• About 5 minutes walk from Marutamachi Station on the Kyoto Municipal Subway
• free
• 075-211-6348（（一財）国民公園協会 京都御苑）
• Paid

6Former Imperial Palace Nijo Castle

The Tokugawa castle and cherry blossoms that have watched over Japan's history

In 1603 (Keicho 8), Tokugawa Ieyasu built the castle and held a ceremony to praise the Shogun of the Edo Shogunate. In 1867 (Keio 3), the last Shogun, Tokugawa Yoshinobu, declared his intention to return power to the Imperial Court in a "Taisei Hokan" (Return of power to the Emperor) at the Ninomaru Palace of Nijo Castle. As well as conveying the beginning and end of the Edo Shogunate, this World Heritage Site also preserves the National Treasure Ninomaru Palace, as well as many other gorgeous and luxurious buildings and sliding screen paintings.
There are about 300 cherry trees of 50 varieties in the castle, ranging from early to late blooming. Why not enjoy the gorgeous beauty of the magnificent garden and the cherry blossoms? The Nijo Castle Cherry Blossom Festival will also feature illuminations.

[Best time to see cherry blossoms] Mid-March to late April
[Types of trees] Somei-yoshino, Satozakura, Yamazakura, etc.
[Direction from OMO5 Kyoto Sanjo by Hoshino Resorts] 3 minutes walk

▼Nijo Castle Cherry Blossom Festival 2025
Period: Friday, March 14th, 2025 to Sunday, April 13th, 2025
Hours: 8:45-16:00 (closes at 17:00), illuminations at 18:00-21:00 (closes at 22:00)
Price: Check the website for admission fees for the illumination event
Note: There is a rotation system between normal daytime viewing and the illumination.
URL: https://www.kyoto-kankou.or.jp/event/928 Please check.

Former Imperial Palace Nijo Castle

• https://nijo-jocastle.city.kyoto.lg.jp/
• 541 Nijojocho, Nakagyo Ward, Nijo-dori, Horikawa-nishiiru, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture MAP
• A short walk from Nijojo-mae Station on the Kyoto Municipal Subway
• 8:45-16:00 (closes at 17:00)
• December 29-31
  Ninomaru Palace is closed on Tuesdays (January, July, August, December), January 1st to 3rd, December 26th to 28th
• Adults: 1,300 yen, Junior and Senior High School Students: 400 yen, Elementary School Students: 300 yen (including admission to Ninomaru Palace)
• 075-841-0096
• Paid

7Maruyama Park (Yasaka Shrine)

Some say that "When it comes to cherry blossom viewing, Maruyama Park is the place to go." One of Kyoto's most famous cherry blossom spots

Maruyama Park is one of the top choices for a casual cherry blossom viewing spot in Kyoto City. In the center of the park, which is dotted with several shrines, temples, and Property such as Yasaka Shrine, Maruyama Music Hall, and Chion-in Temple, is the symbol of the park, the Gion Weeping Cherry Blossom.
The current weeping cherry tree has a circumference of 4m and a height of 12m. It is the second generation grown from seeds taken from the original tree, which is over 200 years old, and is still a young tree. However, the branches already have a majestic presence that overwhelms those who see it. Every year from late March to early April, the annual night illumination of the cherry blossoms is held, allowing you to enjoy a different beauty from that of the daytime.

[Best time to see cherry blossoms] Mid-March to late April
[Type of tree] Weeping cherry tree, etc.
[Direction from OMO5 Kyoto Gion by Hoshino Resorts] 1 minute walk

Maruyama Park (Yasaka Shrine)

• https://kyoto-maruyama-park.jp/
• Maruyamacho, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto City, Kyoto PrefectureMAP
• Approximately 10 minutes walk from Gion-Shijo Station on the Keihan Electric Railway
• free
• 075-561-1350（京都市都市緑化協会）
• Paid

8Tatsumi Bridge

The cherry blossoms stand out against a typical Kyoto postcard-like landscape

Gion Shirakawa, which has often been used as a location for TV dramas and movies, is a place where you can feel the atmosphere of Kyoto with its Bengala lattice townhouses, cobblestone streets, and swaying willows on the banks of the Shirakawa River. In spring, the cherry blossoms that add a touch of splendor to the Tatsumi Bridge over the Shirakawa River are particularly beautiful, and the area is bustling with tourists taking photos.
Near the small bridge is Tatsumi Daimyojin Shrine, which has been worshipped by the people of Gion, who place great importance on the arts. If you're lucky, you might be able to see maiko and geisha praying at the shrine.

[Best time to see cherry blossoms] Mid-March to late April
[Types of trees] Somei-Yoshino cherry, weeping cherry, etc.
[Direction from OMO5 Kyoto Gion by Hoshino Resorts] 5 minutes walk

▼The 32nd Gion Shirakawa Evening Cherry Blossom Illumination
Period: Saturday, March 22, 2025 to Monday, March 31, 2025
Time: 18:00-22:00
Location: Around Gion Shinbashi, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto City
Shirakawa Minami Street (Kawabata Street to Tatsumi Daimyojin Shrine/220m)
remarks: https://ja.kyoto.travel/event/single.php?event_id=4544

Tatsumi Bridge (Gion Shirakawa)

• Gion, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture MAP
• Approximately 7 minutes walk from Gion-Shijo Station on the Keihan Electric Railway

9Mount Juho Kodaiji Temple

Weeping cherry blossoms in the Hojo Garden at Hideyoshi and Nene's temple

This temple was built in 1606 (Keicho 11) by Toyotomi Hideyoshi's wife, Nene (Kita no Mandokoro), to mourn his death. The Kodaiji Garden (a scenic spot) on the temple grounds contains the mausoleum of Hideyoshi and Nene, decorated with gorgeous lacquerware known as Kodaiji makie, as well as teahouses.
During the cherry blossom season, many tourists visit the temple to catch a glimpse of the weeping cherry blossoms at Hashintei Garden. The temple also holds an annual "Spring Night Special Viewing." You can enjoy the cherry blossoms at night in a fantastic atmosphere that is different from the daytime.

[Best time to see cherry blossoms] Mid-March to late April
[Type of tree] Weeping cherry
[Direction from OMO5 Kyoto Gion by Hoshino Resorts] 8 minutes walk

▼Special night viewing in spring
Period: Friday, March 14, 2025 to Tuesday, May 6, 2025
Time: 17:00-22:00 (last entry 21:30)
Admission fee: 600 yen for adults, 250 yen for junior and senior high school students

Mount Juho Kodaiji Temple

• https://www.kodaiji.com/
• 526 Shimokawaracho, Kodaiji, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture MAP
• Approximately 10 minutes walk from Gion-Shijo Station on the Keihan Electric Railway
• 9:00-17:30 (last entry 17:00)
  
• Adults: 600 yen, Junior and Senior High School Students: 250 yen
• 075-561-9966
• Paid parking available * Paid visitors receive 1 hour parking service

10Kiyomizu Temple

The majestic Kiyomizu stage and the beautiful cherry blossoms

Needless to say, Kiyomizu-dera Temple, a World Heritage Site in Kyoto, is also famous nationwide as a cherry blossom viewing spot. The temple, which was founded about 1,200 years ago, was built on the middle slope of Mt. Otowa in the Higashiyama district. More than 30 valuable historical heritage sites, including national treasures and important cultural properties, are carefully preserved.
In spring, about 1,500 cherry trees bloom beautifully around the "hinoki stage" of the main hall that juts out from the cliff. You can view the scene from the inner sanctuary, or admire the cherry blossoms with the three-story pagoda in the background. This famous temple is picturesque from any angle.
During this time, a "Spring Night Special Viewing" is also held, allowing you to enjoy the beautiful illuminated cherry blossoms at night.

[Best time to see cherry blossoms] Mid-March to late April
[Type of tree] Somei-Yoshino, Yamazakura, etc.
[Direction from OMO5 Kyoto Gion by Hoshino Resorts] 16 minutes on foot

▼Special night viewing in spring
Period: Tuesday, March 25, 2025 to Thursday, April 3, 2025
Time: 18:00-21:00 (last entry)
Admission fee: 500 yen for adults, 200 yen for elementary and junior high school students
URL: https://www.kiyomizudera.or.jp/event/yakan.php

Kiyomizu Temple

• https://www.kiyomizudera.or.jp/
• 294 Shimizu 1-chome, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture MAP
• Take the bus from JR Kyoto Station, get off at "Gojozaka" and walk for about 10 minutes
• 6:00-18:00 *Closing time varies depending on the year and season.
• Adults: 500 yen, elementary and junior high school students: 200 yen
• 075-551-1234