The head temple of the Jodo sect [Chion-in]. Cherry blossom trees line a wide area from Higashiyama Hwacho-zan to Higashioji-dori. The scene of one of the largest wooden double gates in Japan, the National Treasure Sanmon Gate, surrounded by cherry blossoms is also a must-see. At night, the Yuzen-en Garden, with its magnificent weeping cherry blossoms, the National Treasure Mikageido, and other areas of the temple grounds are lit up.

Best time to visit: Late March - early April
Hours: Yuzen-en 9:00-16:00, Hojo Garden 9:00-15:50
Common ticket sales end at 15:20.
*Gate closes at 16:30
admission fee
Yuzen-en / Adults 300 yen, elementary and junior high school students 150 yen
Hojo Garden/adults 400 yen, elementary and junior high school students 200 yen
Common garden ticket / adults 500 yen, elementary and junior high school students 250 yen

Chion-in Spring Light-up 2025
Period / Wednesday, March 26, 2025 - Sunday, April 6, 2025
Hours: 17:45-21:30 (reception closes at 21:00)
Admission fee: 800 yen for adults, 400 yen for elementary and junior high school students

The area along the Shirakawa River that runs from Higashiyama to the Gion area is called "Gion Shirakawa. The area around Tatsumi Bridge and Tatsumi Daimeishin Shrine in Gion, where stone-paved streets are lined with town houses with red latticework, is called "Gion Shinbashi Bridge" and is designated as an Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings. It is one of the most popular spots in Kyoto and is often used for filming. In spring, someiyoshino cherry trees and weeping cherry trees are in full bloom, adding color to the scenery that evokes the atmosphere of Kyoto. At night, the cherry blossoms are illuminated, creating a different, more glamorous atmosphere than in the daytime.

Best time to visit: Late March - early April

The 32nd Gion Shirakawa Yoizakura Light-up
Period / Friday, March 28, 2025 - Sunday, April 6, 2025
Hours/18:00-22:00
Fee/No charge

Kiyamachi-dori, one of Kyoto's most famous shopping streets, is an emotional townscape along the historically famous Takase River. Along the Takase River between Kiyamachi 2-jo and Kiyamachi 5-jo, approximately 360 Someiyoshino and other cherry trees are planted, delighting visitors. The cherry blossoms are sometimes illuminated when they are in bloom, so you can also enjoy the cherry blossoms at night.

Best time to visit: Late March - early April
free to stroll (i.e. to take a stroll)

The Keage Incline was built from the Meiji period to the Showa period (1868-1912) to allow ships traveling on the Biwako Sosui (Lake Biwa Sosui) to move without discharging their cargo. It connected the Keage Sosui and Nanzenji Sosui, which had a large difference in elevation, and was known as the world's longest incline railroad at the time of its construction. With the decline of the shipping industry, the line was abandoned and is now a cultural asset of Kyoto City. Visitors can freely walk on the tracks, which are decorated with someiyoshino cherry trees and yamazakura cherry trees in spring.

Best time to visit: Late March - early April

Kyoto's largest vermilion Otorii (Grand Gate) towers over Heian Jingu Shrine. About 300 cherry trees, including someiyoshino and red weeping cherry trees, are planted here, which contrast beautifully with the vermilion of the Otorii gate and the shrine pavilions. Every year, a cherry blossom viewing tea ceremony is held when the weeping cherry trees are at their best, and tea tables are set up. In the evening, the "Benishidare (red weeping weeping) Concert" is scheduled to be held. Gagaku (ancient Japanese court music), piano, and violin performances will be held, offering an extraordinary experience.

Best time to visit: Late March to mid-April
Visiting hours may change depending on the season. Detail isOfficial sitesee

"Cherry Blossom Viewing Tea Ceremony"
Period / Saturday, March 29, 2025 - Wednesday, April 9, 2025
Hours: Tea ceremony 9:00-16:00 (last admission at 15:30), Shrine Garden 8:30-17:30
Fee: Tea ticket 1,000 yen *Adult 600 yen and child 300 yen are required to enter the shrine garden.

［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.