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2025.3.19
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Light up the cherry blossoms at night in spring in Kyoto

[2025] Cherry Blossoms Light Up at Night in Spring in Kyoto! 18 recommended cherry blossom viewing spots

The cherry blossom season has come again this year. Depending on where and when you view them, the cherry blossoms will show you different expressions. In this issue, we will introduce information on cherry blossom illumination in Kyoto, from famous temples where you can enjoy nighttime viewing only, to hidden places where you can stroll freely. Enjoy the fantastic nighttime cherry blossoms, which are different from those in the daytime.

Contents of this article

1.
[Nighttime Special Viewing at Kiyomizu-Dera Temple / Kiyomizu-Dera Temple, Gion, Gion<br>
2.
Heian Jingu Shrine, Sakura Oto Yoru - Benishidare Concert 2025" / Okazaki, Japan<br>
3.
Cherry blossoms illuminated at night with the five-story pagoda in the background [Toji Temple] / Kyoto Station area<br>
4.
[Projection mapping to decorate Nijo Castle / Nijo Castle area<br>
5.
[Chion-in Temple] Spring Light-up 2025 / Gion<br>
6.
[Kodaidera Temple: Special nighttime viewing in spring 2025 / Gion, Gion, Kyoto<br>
7.
[Cherry blossoms with weeping branches are illuminated in Maruyama Park in Gion, Kyoto.<br>
8.
[Kyoto Botanical Garden] 300 cherry trees are illuminated / Kitayama<br>
9.
[Special nighttime cherry blossom viewing at Hirano Shrine / Kitano Hakubai-cho<br>
10.
Nighttime cherry blossoms floating on Hachijogaike Pond [Nagaoka Tenmangu Shrine] / Nagaokakyo City
11.
[Sagano Trolley Train] Spring Light-up & Illumination / Arashiyama
12.
[Gion Shirakawa: Cherry blossoms lit up in the evening in Gion, Kyoto.<br>
13.
A sea of cherry blossoms [Shoju-in Temple] / Ujitawara
14.
Beautiful nighttime cherry blossoms floating on the river [Kiyamachi-dori]
15.
[The solemn weeping cherry blossoms of Myokenji Temple / Nishijin
16.
Weeping cherry trees in full bloom in the cherry orchard [Myoman-ji Temple].
17.
Light up the cherry blossoms at night at Sumizome-ji Temple, which is deeply connected with cherry blossoms / Fujimori<br>
18.
Nighttime cherry blossoms along the canal "Biwako Canal of Cherry Blossoms" / Kyoto area, Otsu<br>

1. [Nighttime Special Viewing at Kiyomizu-Dera Temple / Kiyomizu-Dera Temple, Gion, Gion<br>

Kiyomizu Temple is one of the representative temples of Kyoto.
During the special nighttime viewing in spring, spots on the temple grounds, such as the cherry blossoms at night and the 31-meter-high three-story pagoda, are lit up, offering visitors an ethereal view of the city. Visitors can also enjoy the night view of Kyoto from the Kiyomizu-no-butai (stage of Kiyomizu) along with the nighttime cherry blossoms.

Cherry blossoms at night at Kiyomizu-dera Temple

Photo courtesy of Kiyomizu Temple

Cherry blossoms at night at Kiyomizu-dera Temple

Photo courtesy of Kiyomizu Temple

Cherry blossoms at night at Kiyomizu-dera Temple

Photo courtesy of Kiyomizu Temple

Best time to see: late March to early April
Period / Tuesday, March 25, 2025 - Thursday, April 3, 2025
Hours of visitation: 18:00 - 21:00 (reception closes at 21:00)
Admission: 500 yen for adults, 200 yen for elementary and junior high school students

Kiyomizu Temple

  • Kiyomizudera
  • 1-294 Shimizu, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture
  • 11-minute walk from Kiyomizu-michi bus stop, 13-minute walk from Gojozaka bus stop
  • Tel.075-551-1234

2. Heian Jingu Shrine, Sakura Oto Yoru - Benishidare Concert 2025" / Okazaki, Japan<br>

The largest vermilion Otorii (Grand Gate) in Kyoto towers over the shrine [Heian Jingu Shrine].
The "Heian Jingu Shrine Sakura Oto Yo (Night of Cherry Blossoms)" will be held again this year, with nighttime cherry blossoms and the sounds of artists adding color to the night in Kyoto. The red weeping cherry blossoms reflected on Seiho Pond in the South Garden, which writer Junichiro Tanizaki described as "clouds of crimson" in his novel "Hoso-Yuki," will be lit up. The Higashi Shinen Kihin Kan will be the stage for performances of Hichiriki, shamisen, koto, piano, and other instruments.

Heian Jingu Shrine Cherry Blossom Light-up
Heian Jingu Shrine Cherry Blossom Light-up
Heian Shingu Cherry Blossom Light-up

Best time to visit: Late March to mid-April
[Heian Jingu Shrine, Sakura Oto Yoru - Benishidare Concert 2025]
Period / April 2 (Wed) to 6 (Sun), 2025
Time/ 18:15 - 21:00, Part 1: 18:40 - 19:10 (Entrance reception/18:15 - 19:15), Part 2: 19:55 - 20:25 (Entrance reception/19:35 - 20:30)
*Parts 1 and 2 are completely interchangeable.
*No seats
※Detail isOfficial sitesee
Admission ticket with concert
Fee / 4,000 yen
Advance sale / 3,000 yen
Admission Ticket
Fee/2000 yen
Advance sale / 1,500 yen
All charged for elementary school students and older.

Inquiries: Tel. 075-241-6171 (Weekdays 10:00-17:00, "Heian Jingu Cherry Blossom Night" Office)
*Please refrain from contacting the Heian Jingu Shrine office.
No parking

Heian Jingu Shrine: Sakura Oto Yoru - Red Shidare Concert 2025

  • Heianjin Shrine Sakura Otoyobe ni shidare concert 2025
  • 97 Nishitennocho, Okazaki, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture
  • Short walk from bus stop "Okazaki Park, Museum & Heian Jingu-mae".
    10 minutes walk from Higashiyama subway station
  • https://pr.kyoto-np.jp/event/benishidare/

3. Cherry blossoms illuminated at night with the five-story pagoda in the background [Toji Temple] / Kyoto Station area<br>

Toji Temple was founded as a temple to protect the nation.
There are approximately 200 cherry trees, including Someiyoshino cherry trees, planted in the precincts of the shrine, and the "Fuji-zakura," a beautiful red weeping cherry tree said to be 130 years old, is famous. The "Fuji-zakura" is a must-see when illuminated against the backdrop of the five-story pagoda, a national treasure that symbolizes Kyoto.

Toji Temple Cherry Blossom Light-up
Toji Cherry Blossom Light-up
Toji Cherry Blossom Light-up

Best time to visit: Late March - early April
Toji Temple: Cherry blossoms illuminated at night (Kondo and Kodo halls: special nighttime viewing)
Period / March 15, 2025 (Sat) - April 13, 2025 (Sun)
Visiting hours: 18:00-21:30 (reception closes at 21:00)
Entrance fee: 1,000 yen for adults, 500 yen for junior high school students and younger
No group rates

Toji Temple

  • touji
  • 1 Kujocho, Minami Ward, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture
  • 11 minute walk from Kintetsu Toji Station
    4-minute walk from the bus stop "Toji Higashimon-mae"
  • Tel.075-691-3325

4. [Projection mapping to decorate Nijo Castle / Nijo Castle area<br>

Nijo Castle, a World Heritage Site, was built by Ieyasu Tokugawa and has been the setting for numerous historical events.
In spring, visitors can enjoy a wide variety of cherry blossoms, about 300 cherry trees of 50 varieties, including mountain cherry trees, village cherry trees, and double-red weeping cherry trees. During the festival, the cherry blossoms are lit up at night and projection mapping is performed in the historical space.

Nijo Castle Cherry Blossom Light-up
Nijo Castle Cherry Blossom Light-up
Nijo Castle Cherry Blossom Light-up

Best time to visit: Mid-March to mid-April
NAKED meets Nijo Castle 2025 Cherry Blossoms
Period / Friday, March 14, 2025 - Sunday, April 13, 2025
Hours/18:00-22:00 (last admission/21:00)
Admission/Junior high school students and older: 2,000 yen, elementary school students: 1,000 yen on Monday through Thursday.
Friday-Sunday and holidays: 2,500 yen for junior high school students and older, 1,500 yen for elementary school students

*Purchase specific date tickets for March 22 (Sat), March 29 (Sat), April 5 (Sat), and April 12 (Sat). No admission with other tickets.
Tickets for specific days are ¥2,800 for junior high school students and older, ¥1,800 for elementary school students.

【inquiry】
Tickets/0570-200-888(Kyodo Information 12:00-17:00 during the period *Closed on Saturdays, Sundays and national holidays)
Others/050-1750-3979 (NAKED meets Nijo Castle Management Office, weekdays during the period 17:00-22:00, Saturdays, Sundays and national holidays 12:00-22:00)
*Please do not contact the Nijo Castle Office directly.
https://event.naked.works/nijojo/spring//

NAKED meets Nijo Castle 2025 Cherry blossoms

  • Naked Meats Nijo 2025 Sakura
  • Kyoto Prefecture, Kyoto City, Nakagyo Ward, Nijo-dori, Horikawa Nishiiri, Nijo Castle Town 541
  • 3 minutes walk from Exit 1 of "Nijojo-mae" subway station.

5. [Chion-in Temple] Spring Light-up 2025 / Gion<br>

The head temple of the Jodo sect [Chion-in].
Cherry blossom trees can be seen in a wide area from Higashiyama Hwacho-zan to Higashioji-dori. During the special nighttime viewing, the Yuzen-en Garden, with its magnificent weeping cherry blossoms, and other areas of the temple grounds are lit up. During the period, there will be Dharma talks, an event to experience "Namu Amidabutsu" by touching a wooden fish, and "Tsukikage Premium Tour," a 1.5-hour tour of the illuminated area with a monk.

Chion-in Temple Light-up
Chion-in Light-up of Cherry Blossoms

Best time to visit: Late March - early April
Chion-in Spring Light-up 2025
Period / Wednesday, March 26, 2025 - Sunday, April 6, 2025
Tsukikage Premium Tour" will be held on Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays during the period.
*Applications can be made byhere
Hours of visitation: 17:45 - 21:30 (reception closes at 21:00)
Admission fee: 800 yen for adults, 400 yen for elementary and junior high school students

Chion-in Temple

  • Zionin
  • 400 Hayashishitacho, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture
  • 5 min. walk from bus stop "Chion-in-mae".
    8 minutes walk from Higashiyama Subway Station
  • Tel.075-531-2111
The information is subject to change. Please contact each store or facility directly for the latest information.
All prices include tax.
※内容の誤りや閉店情報などお気づきの点がございましたら、info@leafkyoto.co.jp までお知らせください。
*Since this site uses automatic translation, the translation may differ from the original Japanese content.

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