Best Spots to See Cherry Blossoms (Sakura) in Kyoto 2025

Kyoto is a famous city for viewing the cherry blossoms (sakura) from late March to early April. With a wealth of traditional Japanese architecture, it is an ideal place blend of delicate sakura blossoms and timeless elegance. As for the best places to experience the cherry blossoms in Kyoto, below is more information to help you find the top viewing spots during your trip to Japan.

Arashiyama

Just a 30-minute drive from downtown Kyoto, Mt. Arashi offers breathtaking scenery all year round, especially during the cherry blossom season.

Home to some 700-year-old cherry trees, Arashiyama is a popular hanami spot to capture the spring colors, with the mountains bathed in pink hues and beautifully mirrored in the calm waters of the Katsura River.

The iconic Togetsukyo Bridge in the foreground adds to the charm, creating a picturesque scene that encapsulates Kyoto's ancient atmosphere in a single photo. For a different perspective, head to the mountainside Arashiyama Monkey Park Iwatayama, where you can enjoy a panoramic view of the blossoms alongside playful snow monkeys.

Sakura, Arashiyama

Philosopher's Path

The Philosopher's Path is a picturesque, 2-km stone pathway connecting Ginkakuji and Nanzenji, lined with rows of cherry trees and bordered by a peaceful canal.

You can pace the flowery path like the philosophers who once strolled here in contemplation, admiring the blossoms overhead and the gentle murmur of flowing water beside you.

The other side of the street offers plenty of cafes, restaurants, and gift shops, making it an ideal spot for a leisurely stroll. Mid-April is another enchanting time to visit, as the cherry blossoms begin to fall, creating a delicate carpet of petals along the canal and paths. Treat yourself to wagashi at an open-air cafe, where the occasional drifting petals add a touch of poetic charm to the experience.

Kiyomizu-Dera

Though the cherry trees around Kiyomizu Temple are relatively few in number, this ancient temple remains a beloved hanami spot, located about 30 minutes east by train from Kyoto Station.

Perched above the canopy, the temple is surrounded by soft pink and white blossoms in spring, creating the enchanting illusion of a boat floating on a sea of cherry blossoms.

Another popular cherry blossom viewing spot within Kiyomizu-dera is the "butai" stage, where you can capture panoramic views of the blossoms spreading across Kyoto. Additionally, Kiyomizu-dera often holds a special night viewing, where the temple is beautifully lit up, enhancing the magical ambiance of the cherry blossoms after dark.

Sakura in Kiyomizu-Dera

Nijo Castle

Within a 15-minute drive from the city center, the stunning Nijo Castle reveals a hidden gem: a royal garden bursting with the vibrant colors of spring. Home to 300 cherry trees spanning 50 varieties, the garden offers a captivating hanami experience, further enhanced by a sophisticated lighting system.

By day, you can admire the elegant contrast of the castle's black architecture and golden decorations set against the soft pink of the blossoms. As night falls, the soft glow highlights the cherry blossoms under the serene moonlight, while colorful neon lights add an imaginative touch to the garden and castle.

Pair the enchanting views with sweet sake or matcha for an unforgettable night flower experience, making it one of Kyoto's best spots for evening hanami.

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Maruyama Park

Maruyama Park, famous for its magnificent 100-year-old weeping cherry tree, is a favorite hanami spot where you can enjoy vibrant cherry blossoms and lively celebrations.

Nestled in the historic Gion district, this traditional Japanese garden is also home to luxurious restaurants and open-air teahouses, making it an ideal place to savor the beauty of the blossoms while indulging in delicious food and drinks.

Joining the locals for a daytime picnic amidst the festive atmosphere is a wonderful experience. However, a night visit offers a unique charm. Bring a coat for your after-dinner stroll and immerse yourself in the magical sight of illuminated weeping cherry blossoms. You might also discover special night-viewing tearooms where you can enjoy the blossoms in an entirely new light.

Weeping Sakura

Shinbashi-Dori

Located in Gion, Kyoto's historic geisha district, the charming Shinbashi-dori retains its authentic old-world atmosphere. The cobbled street is lined with wooden houses, cherry trees, and willows, creating a picturesque scene reminiscent of classic Japan.

Cherry blossoms adorn the riverbanks and rooftops, making it an ideal place for a kimono stroll to immerse yourself in the colors of spring. Pause at one of the open-air teahouses to enjoy a cup of matcha paired with hanami dango, sampling the flavors of spring as petals gently fall around you.

For a magical evening experience, take a leisurely post-dinner walk here after enjoying a kaiseki meal. With glowing lanterns lighting the way and the occasional sight of passing geisha or maiko, Shinbashi-dori offers an unforgettable blend of history, culture, and seasonal beauty.

Capture Japan's Spring Colors with the Best Sakura Spots

Cherry blossom viewing may be quite common in Japan, which has long been considered a kind of Japanese elegance. For the most authentic, old-timey feeling of this custom, the ancient city of Kyoto could be one of your best choices. Whether it is a delicate garden or a mountain temple with hundreds of years of history, let Odynovo know your requirements, and we will be happy to help you plan your Japan tour of sakura viewing.