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2023.3.16
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A must-see cherry blossom spot in Kyoto

[2023] 22 must-see cherry blossom spots in Kyoto

The cold winter has passed, and now we can feel the warmth of spring sunshine. If you come to Kyoto, you can't miss this spot! I definitely want to go there! This time, we would like to introduce some of Kyoto's representative cherry blossom viewing spots that will lead you to such a feeling.

Contents of this article

1.
Enjoy cherry blossoms for a long time [Ninna-ji Temple] / Along the Randen Kitano Line
2.
Cherry blossoms with a history of their own adorn the shrine grounds [Kamigamo Shrine] / Kamigamo
3.
Cherry blossom trees along the Kamo River [Hanki no Michi] / Kitayama
4.
To the splendidly decorated World Heritage Site [Nijo Castle] / Horikawa Oike
5.
Cherry blossoms adorn the stone garden and Kagayoike Pond [Ryoanji Temple] / Randen Kitano Line
6.
Beautiful contrast between the scenic garden and cherry blossoms [Tenryuji Temple] / Arashiyama
7.
Hirano Shrine is famous for its nighttime cherry blossoms illuminated by paper lanterns [Hirano Shrine] / Kitano Hakubai-cho
8.
To Daigo, the place of flowers loved by Hideyoshi [Daigoji Temple] / Daigo
9.
Admire 50-year-old weeping cherry trees [Myoshinji Temple, Tenzoin] / Hanazono
10.
The contrast of red weeping cherry blossoms and vermilion is beautiful [Heian Jingu Shrine] / Okazaki
11.
Tunnel of cherry blossoms loved by philosophers [Philosopher's Path] / Kitashirakawa area
12.
Kyoto Gyoen, where a variety of cherry blossoms bloom in elegance [Kyoto Imperial Park] / Kyoto Imperial Palace area
13.
To the stage of Kiyomizu surrounded by cherry blossoms! [Kiyomizu Temple
14.
Maruyama Park, Kyoto's most famous cherry blossom viewing spot.
15.
Sanmon Tower is open to the public for the first time in nine years during the spring lighting [Chion-in Temple]/Higashiyama
16.
Red weeping cherry trees with the five-story pagoda in the background [To-ji Temple] / To-ji Temple
17.
Enchanted by weeping cherry blossoms [Kodaiji Temple] / Gion
18.
A famous place called "Cherry Blossom Palace" [Kurumaori Shrine] / Randen Line
19.
Cherry blossoms on the stone pavement in Kyoto [Gion Shirakawa] / Gion, Kyoto
20.
Collaboration of brick buildings and cherry blossoms [Biwako Sosui Boat] / Okazaki
21.
Cherry blossom cruise with an Edo-era atmosphere [Fushimi Jujikkoku-bune] / Fushimi
22.
Enjoy cherry blossoms for a long time [Kiyamachi-dori] / Kiyamachi

1.Enjoy cherry blossoms for a long time [Ninna-ji Temple] / Along the Randen Kitano Line

Ninna-ji Temple is a monzeki temple with deep ties to the Imperial Family, and for many years has been headed by a member of the Imperial Family.
In addition to someiyoshino cherry trees in front of the Kondo Hall and weeping cherry trees in front of the bell tower, about 200 late-blooming "Omuro-zakura" cherry trees, known as a synonym for Ninna-ji Temple, bloom in the cherry garden from mid-April. The contrast between the elegant architecture and the cherry blossoms is magnificent.

Ninnaji Temple

Ninna-ji Temple Omuro Cherry Blossom, Goten, North Garden Photo by Sohonzan Ninna-ji Temple

Ninnaji Temple

Best time to visit: Early to mid-April
Hours: Mar-Nov 9:00-17:00, Dec-Feb 9:00-16:00 * Ninna-ji Gosho Garden
Admission: Gosho Garden, 800 yen for adults, free for high school students and younger

Ninnaji Temple

  • Nina
  • 33 Omuro Ouchi, Ukyo Ward, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture
  • A short walk from the bus stop "Omuro Ninnaji"
    5 minutes walk from Randen "Omuro-Ninnaji Station"
  • Tel.075-461-1155

2.Cherry blossoms with a history of their own adorn the shrine grounds [Kamigamo Shrine] / Kamigamo

Kamowakeikazuchi Shrine is one of the oldest shrines in Kyoto. It is commonly known as Kamigamo Shrine.
The 150-year-old Saio-zakura (cherry blossoms) with red, double-layered weeping branches, Gosho-zakura (cherry blossoms in the Imperial Palace) with white flowers that open in late March, Bade-shino-zakura (cherry blossoms at the shrine's entrance), and whipping-horse cherry blossoms line the side of the approach that extends in a straight line from Ichi-no-torii (first torii) to Ni-no-torii (second torii). In addition, there is a cherry tree with only red blossoms beyond the second torii (second shrine gate), and a variety of cherry trees with different origins are on display.

Kamigamo Shrine

(Photo courtesy of Kamigamo Shrine)

Kamigamo Shrine

Best time to visit: Mid-March to late April
Hours of visitation/5:30-17:00
Admission fee/free

Kamigamo Shrine (Kamowakeikazuchi Shrine)

  • Kamigamo Shrine
  • 339 Motoyama, Kamigamo, Kita Ward, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture
  • Short walk from Kamigamo Jinja-mae bus stop
  • Tel.075-781-0011

3.Cherry blossom trees along the Kamo River [Hanki no Michi] / Kitayama

[A walking path [half-tree path] on the west side of the Kyoto Botanical Garden.]
Along the Kamo River from Kitayama Ohashi Bridge to Kitaoji Bridge, double-stemmed weeping cherry trees create a tunnel of cherry blossoms that stretches for about 800 meters. From near Aoi Bridge to near Kamigamo Bridge, there is a row of Someiyoshino cherry trees, and the view from the other side of the river is beautiful.

shortcut
shortcut

Best viewing time: Early to mid-April
Hours & Fees / Free to explore

road of the half-tree

  • spirit of a child
  • Shimogamo-Hangi-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto
  • Kitayama Bridge side
    2 minutes walk from bus stop "Kitayama-bashi higashizume".
    10 min. walk from "Kitayama" subway station.
    Kitaoji Bridge side
    3 min. walk from bus stop "Botanical Garden-mae".
    10 min. walk from Kitaoji Subway Station

4.To the splendidly decorated World Heritage Site [Nijo Castle] / Horikawa Oike

Nijo Castle was built by Tokugawa Ieyasu and has been the setting for numerous historical events.
The castle is home to a wide variety of cherry trees, including someiyoshino cherry trees, mountain cherry trees, weeping cherry trees, and satozakura cherry trees, as well as approximately 300 cherry trees in 50 varieties. During the festival, the cherry blossoms are lit up at night and projection mapping is performed in the historical space. Enjoy the World Heritage Site in all its splendor.

Cherry blossoms at Nijo Castle
Nijo Castle

Best time to visit/Mid-March to mid-April (usual)
Opening hours/8:45-16:00 (Closing hours/17:00)
*The Honmaru Palace is currently closed for conservation and repair work.
Ninomaru Palace viewing reception hours/8:45-16:10


Nijo Castle Cherry Blossom Festival 2023
Period / Friday, March 17, 2023 - Saturday, April 15, 2023
Hours/8:45-16:00 (Closing time/17:00)
Admission: Adults 1,300 yen, junior high and high school students 400 yen, elementary school students 300 yen
Including admission to Ninomaru Palace
NAKED FLOWERS 2023 Cherry Blossoms at Nijo Castle, a World Heritage Site
Period / Friday, March 17, 2023 - Saturday, April 15, 2023
Hours/18:00-21:00 (Closing time/22:00)
Admission/ Mon-Thu, junior high school students and older: 1,600 yen, elementary school students: 1,000 yen
Friday-Sunday, national holidays: Junior high school students and older: 2000 yen, Elementary school students: 1400 yen
April 1 & 8: Junior high school students and older: 2,400 yen, Elementary school students: 1,800 yen
The above prices are for advance purchase; additional fees are required for day-of-performance tickets.
*Date-specific tickets for April 1 and 8

Nijo Castle

  • conjugated
  • 541 Nijojo-machi, Nijo-dori Horikawa-nishiiru, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto
  • A short walk from Nijojo-mae Subway Station
  • Tel.075-841-0096

5.Cherry blossoms adorn the stone garden and Kagayoike Pond [Ryoanji Temple] / Randen Kitano Line

Ryoan-ji Temple is an old temple famous for its dry landscape garden called "Ishi-niwa," which expresses the beauty of Zen.
The weeping cherry trees peeking over the wall of the Hojo Garden, a dry landscape stone garden, and the mountain cherry trees and someiyoshino cherry trees moving on the surface of the water of Kagayoike, a garden with a circular garden with a pond, are in full bloom. During the blooming season, approximately 400 cherry trees adorn the grounds of the temple and the cherry blossom garden can be enjoyed.

Ryoanji Temple

Image courtesy of Ryoanji Temple

Image courtesy of Ryoanji Temple

Best time to visit: Mid-March to early April
Hours of visitation / 8:30-16:30, 8:00-17:00 from March to November.
Entrance fee / 500 yen (600 yen from April 2023)

Ryoanji Temple

  • good judge of horses or cattle
  • 13, Ryoanji Goryonoshita-cho, Ukyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto
  • Short walk from bus stop "Ryoanji-mae".
    7 min. walk from Keifuku "Ryoanji" station.
  • Tel. 075-463-2216

6.Beautiful contrast between the scenic garden and cherry blossoms [Tenryuji Temple] / Arashiyama

It was built in 1339 by Ashikaga Takauji to mourn the loss of Emperor Godaigo.
The Sogen Pond Garden, designated as a historic site and a special place of scenic beauty, was created about 700 years ago by the monk Muso Kokushi, and is surrounded by approximately 200 cherry trees, including weeping cherry trees, someiyoshino cherry trees, and mountain cherry trees. From the hill on the hill, "Mangyo-no-oka", you can enjoy a panoramic view of Kyoto city and the cherry blossoms on the temple grounds, which is also a must-see.

Spring scenery of Tenryuji Temple
Tenryu temple

Best time to visit: Late March to mid-April
Garden 8:30-17:00 (Reception closes at 16:50)
Halls 8:30-16:45 (reception closes at 16:30)
Dharma Hall "Dragon and Cloud Viewing" is open Saturdays, Sundays, and national holidays only from 9:00 to 16:30 (reception ends at 16:20)
Open to the public every day during spring, summer, and fall.
Special outdoor seating."
Period / Tuesday, April 4, 2023
Time/10:00-15:00
Entrance fee/500 yen for garden visit *800 yen for green tea is not included

Tenryu temple

  • Tenryuji
  • Kyoto Prefecture Kyoto City
  • Immediately from Randen "Arashiyama Station"
    13 minutes walk from JR Saga-Arashiyama Station
  • Tel.075-881-1235

7.Hirano Shrine is famous for its nighttime cherry blossoms illuminated by paper lanterns [Hirano Shrine] / Kitano Hakubai-cho

Hirano Shrine is famous for its cherry blossoms, known as "Hirano no Yozakura" (night cherry blossoms of Hirano).
About 400 cherry trees of about 60 varieties are planted on the grounds, including many rare varieties that originated in this area. The blooming time of the cherry trees, including the early-blooming weeping cherry "Kai-zakura", varies from year to year, so visitors can enjoy viewing the cherry blossoms for about a month. During the special nighttime illumination, visitors can enjoy the fantastic scenery of the cherry blossom garden and grounds illuminated by lights such as bonbori (paper lanterns) and lanterns.

Cherry blossoms at Hirano Shrine
Hirano Shrine Main Hall

Best time to see: late March to mid-April
Hours of worship/6:00-17:00


Hirano Shrine Night Cherry Blossom Special Visit
Period / March 25 (Saturday) to April 16 (Sunday), 2023
Hours: Sunset - 21:00
Admission: Free (some sections charge a fee)

Hirano Shrine

  • Hira-no-jinja (shrine)
  • 1 Hiranomiyamoto-cho, Kita-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto
  • 3 min. walk from Kinugasa-school-mae bus stop.
  • Tel. 075-461-4450

8.To Daigo, the place of flowers loved by Hideyoshi [Daigoji Temple] / Daigo

Daigoji Temple, where Toyotomi Hideyoshi held his "Daigo no Hanami" cherry blossom viewing party, is also known as "Hana no Daigo," a famous cherry blossom viewing spot.
Approximately 700 cherry trees, including weeping cherry trees, someiyoshino cherry trees, mountain cherry trees, and double-flowered cherry trees, are in full bloom in turn, making cherry blossom viewing enjoyable over a long period of time. In addition, the Reihokan, which houses many cultural properties, holds a special spring exhibition every year. From among approximately 75,000 national treasures and 430 important cultural properties, temple treasures are exhibited according to themes.

Daigoji Temple
Cherry blossoms at Daigoji Temple

Best time to see: late March to early April
Visiting hours/9:00-17:00 (Last entry/16:30)
Admission fee: March 20th (Monday) to the last day of Golden Week: Adults 1,500 yen, junior high and high school students 1,000 yen (Samboin Garden, Garan, Reihokan Garden)


"Reihokan Spring Special Exhibition Daigoji Temple with Dancing Cherry Blossoms -Hanami of Hideyoshi Taiko-"
Period: Monday, March 20, 2023 to Sunday, April 23, 2023 *Closed from Wednesday, April 5 to Friday, April 7
Time/9:00-17:00 (Last entry/16:30)
Admission fee/Cultural property maintenance donation 500 yen
*Additional admission fee of 1,500 yen for adults and 1,000 yen for middle and high school students (Samboin Garden, Garan, Reihokan Garden) is required.

Daigoji Temple

  • great
  • 22 Daigo Higashiojicho, Fushimi Ward, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture
  • 5 minute walk from Daigo Subway Station
  • Tel.075-571-0002

9.Admire 50-year-old weeping cherry trees [Myoshinji Temple, Tenzoin] / Hanazono

The Myoshin-ji Retreat House is located just west of the south main gate of Myoshin-ji Temple.
The famous weeping cherry tree was planted about 50 years ago, when the famous garden, Yokoen, was completed. It is the granddaughter of the red weeping cherry tree at Heian Shrine, and the gradation of the color of its petals as the days go by is spectacular. When the cherry blossoms fall, "Hanafubuki", which looks like a shower of cherry blossoms, is also a beautiful sight to behold.

Myoshinji Temple

Image courtesy of Chizoin, the pagoda of Myoshinji Temple

Myoshinji Temple

Image courtesy of Chizoin, the pagoda of Myoshinji Temple

Best time to see: late March to early April
Visiting hours/9:00-17:00 (last reception)
Admission fee: 600 yen for adults, 300 yen for elementary and junior high school students

Myoshinji Temple

  • Myoshinji Taizoin
  • 35 Hanazono Myoshinjicho, Ukyo Ward, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture
  • 5 minute walk from Myoshinji Kitamon-mae bus stop
    10 minutes walk from JR Hanazono Station
  • Tel.075-463-2855

10.The contrast of red weeping cherry blossoms and vermilion is beautiful [Heian Jingu Shrine] / Okazaki

The largest vermilion Otorii (Grand Gate) in Kyoto towers over the shrine [Heian Jingu Shrine].
About 300 cherry trees, including red weeping cherry trees and someiyoshino cherry trees, are planted here, which contrast beautifully with the vermilion color of the Otorii gate and the shrine pavilions. Every year, a "cherry blossom viewing tea ceremony" is held during the peak of the cherry blossom season, and tea tables are set up. In the evening, for the first time in four years, the "Benishidare Concert" will be held, a traditional event that adds color to spring in Kyoto. Gagaku (ancient Japanese court music), piano, and violin will be performed, offering an extraordinary experience.

Heian Shrine
Heian Shrine

Best time to see: late March to mid-April
Visiting hours may change depending on the season. Detail isHPsee


"Cherry Blossom Viewing Tea Ceremony"
Period: Sunday, March 26, 2023, Thursday, March 30, 2023 to Sunday, April 9, 2023
Hours/Tea Ceremony 9:00-16:00, Shinen Garden 8:30-17:30
Fee: Tea ticket 1,000 yen *Separate entrance fee to Shinen Garden: Adults 600 yen, Children 300 yen
"Heian Jingu Shrine Sakura Otoyo Red Weeping Concert 2023"
Time/18:15-21:00 (Last entry/20:30)
*Two shifts from 18:40 to 19:20 and 19:50 to 20:30
*Implemented in an excursion style without replacement
*No seats
Fee: 3,500 yen for adults, 3,000 yen for elementary school students
Advance ticket: 2,500 yen for adults, 2,000 yen for elementary school students

Heian Shrine

  • Heianjingu
  • 97 Nishitennocho, Okazaki, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture
  • 5 minutes on foot from the bus stop "Okazaki Park Art Museum / Heian Jingumae"
    10 minutes walk from Higashiyama subway station
  • Tel.075-761-0221

11.Tunnel of cherry blossoms loved by philosophers [Philosopher's Path] / Kitashirakawa area

The name [Philosopher's Path] comes from the fact that philosophers and literary figures strolled along it.
The 2-km-long walking path along the Sosui that runs from Wakaoji-bashi Bridge to Jodoji-bashi Bridge has been selected as one of the "100 best paths in Japan. About 400 Someiyoshino cherry trees and others are planted along both banks of the Sosui, and when they are in full bloom, it looks like a tunnel of cherry blossoms.

road of philosophy
road of philosophy

Best time to see: late March to early April
Admission Hours and Admission Fee / Free to visit

road of philosophy

  • the way of philosophy
  • Jodoji-Shimonanda-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto
  • 2 min. walk from Ginkakuji-mae bus stop (near Ginkakuji, north end)
    5 min. walk from Nanzenji Eikando-michi or Higashi-tennocho city bus stop (south end, near Wakaoji Shrine)

12.Kyoto Gyoen, where a variety of cherry blossoms bloom in elegance [Kyoto Imperial Park] / Kyoto Imperial Palace area

[The Kyoto Gyoen (Kyoto Imperial Garden), a public house town in the vicinity of the Kyoto Imperial Palace, was developed and opened to the public as a park.]
About 1,000 cherry trees, including weeping cherry trees, Kuruma-zakura, and mountain cherry trees, are planted in the national park, which is rich in nature. The two most famous cherry trees are the "Izumi no edarezakura" and the "Chikamori no edarezakura. The early-blooming "Izumi no edarezakura" is a popular photo spot because of its beautiful shape, which resembles a spreading umbrella. From late March, about 60 large weeping cherry trees (itozakura) at the Chikamori Residence Site bloom in a beautiful gradation of colors, from light to dark. (Blue sheets are not allowed).

Kyoto Gyoen

Image courtesy of Kyoto Gyoen Management Office, Ministry of the Environment

[Recommendation to visit Kyoto Gyoen for blessings.

Best time to visit: Late March to mid-April
Admission Hours and Admission Fees / Free in the park

Kyoto Gyoen

  • deep-sea fisheries
  • 3 Kyoto Gyoen, Kamigyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto
  • 5 min. walk from Subway "Imadegawa" or "Marutamachi" station.
    7 min. walk from bus stop "Prefectural Medical University Hospital Mae".
  • Tel.075-211-6348

13.To the stage of Kiyomizu surrounded by cherry blossoms! [Kiyomizu Temple

Kiyomizu Temple is one of the representative temples of Kyoto.
In December 2020, the roof was re-thatched for the first time in half a century, and the main hall, known as the stage of Kiyomizu, was redecorated. The grounds of the temple are filled with approximately 1,000 wild cherry trees and someiyoshino cherry trees, and the view from the main hall is exceptionally beautiful. The view from the main hall is exceptionally beautiful. During the special nighttime viewing in spring, visitors can enjoy the ethereal scenery of the main hall surrounded by illuminated cherry blossoms at night.

Cherry blossoms at night at Kiyomizu-dera Temple
Kiyomizu Temple

Best time to see: late March to early April
Hours of visitation/6:00-18:00


Special Nighttime Viewing
Period / March 25, 2023 (Sat) - April 2, 2023 (Sun)
Hours/18:00 (receptionist/17:45) - 21:30 (last admission/21:00)
Entrance fee: 400 yen for adults, 200 yen for elementary and junior high school students

Kiyomizu Temple

  • Kiyomizudera
  • 1-294 Shimizu, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture
  • 13 minutes on foot from the bus stop "Kiyomizu"
  • Tel.075-551-1234

14.Maruyama Park, Kyoto's most famous cherry blossom viewing spot.

Maruyama Park, the oldest park in Kyoto, opened in 1886.
The grounds are a circular Japanese garden, dotted with restaurants and teahouses. The park is known as one of the best cherry blossom viewing spots in Kyoto, with approximately 680 cherry trees, including weeping cherry trees, someiyoshino cherry trees, and mountain cherry trees, and the entire park is decorated with cherry blossoms during the cherry blossom viewing season. In the center of the park is an 80-year-old second-generation weeping cherry tree, which is famous as the "Gion no Yozakura" (cherry blossoms at night in Gion) when it is illuminated. Hanami teahouses are also available for visitors to relax and enjoy the cherry blossoms.

Maruyama Park
Maruyama Park

Best time to see: late March to early April
Entry hours / Free in the park


Shidare-zakura lights up.
Period / Friday, March 24, 2023 - Sunday, April 9, 2023
Hours/18:00-22:00
(the public) is free to use the premises

Maruyama Park

  • Maruyama park
  • 473 Maruyama-cho, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto
  • Short walk from bus stop "Gion
    10 min. walk from Keihan "Gion Shijo" station
  • Tel. 075-643-5405

15.Sanmon Tower is open to the public for the first time in nine years during the spring lighting [Chion-in Temple]/Higashiyama

The head temple of the Jodo sect [Chion-in]. The rows of cherry blossom trees can be seen over a wide area from Higashiyama Hwacho-san to Higashioji-dori. During the illumination of the gate in late March, visitors can climb up to the top of the gate for the first time in nine years during the spring season. In addition, the Yuzen-en Garden, with its magnificent weeping cherry blossoms, and other areas of the temple grounds will also be illuminated.

Cherry blossoms at Chion-in Temple
Chion-in Temple

Best time to see: late March to early April
Hours: Yuzen-en 9:00-16:00, Hojo Garden 9:00-15:50
* Common ticket sales ~ 15:20
*Gate closes at 16:30


"Chion-in Spring Illumination 2023"
Period: Friday, March 24, 2023 to Sunday, April 2, 2023
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

Chion-in Temple

  • Zionin
  • 400 Hayashishitacho, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture
  • 10-minute walk from the bus stop "Chionin-mae"
    13-minute walk from Higashiyama Subway Station
  • Tel.075-531-2111

16.Red weeping cherry trees with the five-story pagoda in the background [To-ji Temple] / To-ji Temple

Toji Temple was founded as a temple to protect the nation.
The five-story pagoda, a national treasure, is one of the symbolic landscapes of Kyoto. About 200 cherry trees, including Someiyoshino cherry trees, are planted in the precincts of the temple. The "Fuji-zakura," a beautiful red weeping cherry tree said to be 130 years old, comes from Morioka City, Iwate Prefecture. Enjoy the beautiful contrast between the five-story pagoda, the tallest in Japan, and the Fuji-zakura.

Cherry blossoms at Toji Temple
Toji Temple

After enjoying the cherry blossoms in the garden, you can appreciate the majestic Buddha statues in the main hall, lecture hall, and dining hall near the Hytan Pond.

Best time to see: late March to early April
Visiting hours/Kondo, Auditorium 8:00-17:00 (Reception ends/16:30)
Treasure Museum, Kanchi-in Temple 9:00-17:00 (reception closes at 16:30)
*Gates open from 5:00 to 17:00


Treasure House Spring Special Open House
Period / Monday, March 20, 2023 - Thursday, May 25, 2023
Hours: 9:00 - 17:00 (Registration closes at 16:30)
Admission: Adults 500 yen, Junior high school students and younger 300 yen
Cherry blossoms illuminated at night (Kondo and Kodo special nighttime viewing)
Period / March 18 (Saturday) to April 16 (Sunday), 2023
Time/18:00 - 21:30 (Registration closes at 21:00)
Entrance fee: 1,000 yen for adults, 500 yen for junior high school students and younger

Toji Temple

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

17.Enchanted by weeping cherry blossoms [Kodaiji Temple] / Gion

Kodaidera Temple was built by Kotaisho, or Kita Masasho's wife, Nene, as a memorial to Hideyoshi Toyotomi and as a final resting place for her own family.
The weeping cherry trees in front of the Hojo and Hashinniwa gardens are beautifully set up during the spring special viewing period, adding to the splendor of the garden. At 5:00 p.m., the entire grounds of the temple are lit up, creating a fantastic scene that differs from that of the daytime.

Kodaiji cherry blossoms
Kodaiji Temple

Best time to visit: Early March to late April
Visiting hours: 9:00-17:30 (Reception closes at 17:00)


Spring Night Special Viewing in 2023
Period / Friday, March 17, 2023 - Sunday, May 7, 2023
Time/17:00-22:00 (reception ends/21:30) *No changeover
Admission/ Adults 600 yen (with admission ticket to Palm Art Museum), Junior high and high school students 250 yen
Discounted tickets for two temples (Kodaiji Temple, Palm Art Museum and Entokuin Temple): 900 yen

Kodaiji Temple

  • Koudaiji
  • 526 Kodaiji Shimogawaramachi, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture
  • 4-minute walk from the bus stop "Higashiyama Yasui"
  • Tel.075-561-9966

18.A famous place called "Cherry Blossom Palace" [Kurumaori Shrine] / Randen Line

Kurumaori Shrine is dedicated to Kiyohara Yoriyoshi, a Confucian scholar of the Heian period.
The temple is so deeply connected with cherry blossoms that there is an anecdote that Yoriyoshi Kiyohara loved cherry blossoms so much that he died in the temple. The attraction of this area is that visitors can enjoy the cherry blossoms from early March to late April, with 40 cherry trees of about 15 different varieties, including Kawazu-zakura, Kanhizakura, Keisen-zakura, and Yohkoh.

Kuruma-ori Shrine
Entrance to Kurumaori Shrine

Best time to visit: Early March to late April
Hours of visitation/9:30-17:00
Entrance fee/free in the precincts

Kuruma-ori Shrine

  • Kurumazaki-jinja Shrine
  • 23 Saga-Asahi-cho, Ukyo-ku, Kyoto City, Kyoto
  • 1 minute walk from Randen "Kurumaori Shrine Station".
    1 minute walk from bus stop "Kurumaori Jinja-mae".
  • Tel. 075-861-0039

19.Cherry blossoms on the stone pavement in Kyoto [Gion Shirakawa] / Gion, Kyoto

The area along the Shirakawa River that runs from Higashiyama to the Gion area is called "Gion Shirakawa. In particular, 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" and is an Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings.
It is one of Kyoto's representative spots often used for filming. In spring, someiyoshino cherry trees and weeping cherry trees are in full bloom, creating a scene that is reminiscent of Kyoto. At night, the area is illuminated, creating a different, more glamorous atmosphere than in the daytime.

Gion Shirakawa
Gion Shirakawa

Best time to see: late March to early April


The 30th Gion Shirakawa Yoizakura Light-up
Period / Thursday, March 30, 2023 - Saturday, April 8, 2023
Hours/18:00-22:00
Fee/No charge

Gion Shirakawa

  • imitation Japanese chickweed (Cicer arietinum)
  • Gion Shinbashi area, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto City, Kyoto
  • 3-minute walk from Keihan Gion-Shijo Station
    5 minutes walk from Hankyu Kawaramachi Station
  • Tel: None

20.Collaboration of brick buildings and cherry blossoms [Biwako Sosui Boat] / Okazaki

The Biwako Sosui, a canal built in the Meiji era to channel water from Lake Biwa from Shiga Prefecture to Kyoto City.
In 2018, the Biwako Sosui Boat, a graceful cruise down the Sosui, was revived, and cruising to view someiyoshino cherry trees and mountain cherry blossoms planted along the Sosui is popular. Another highlight is the collaboration with brick buildings such as Nanzenji Suijikaku, tunnels, and power plants.

Biwako Canal Boat

Best time to see: late March to early April
Hours/9:00 - 17:30 (Registration closes at 17:00)
Spring operating period / March 24, 2023 (Fri.) - June 11, 2023 (Sun.)
Fare/Otsu - Keage Adults and children 5,000-8,000 yen
*The entrance fee for details isHPThan

Biwako Canal Boat

  • loquat watermelon
  • Mitsuiji-cho, Otsu City, Shiga Prefecture, etc. (boarding area)
  • 5 min. walk from Keihan "Mitsui Temple Station".
    A short walk from "Mihogasaki" by Keihan Bus or Ewaka Bus
  • Tel.075-365-7768*Reservations not accepted by phone

21.Cherry blossom cruise with an Edo-era atmosphere [Fushimi Jujikkoku-bune] / Fushimi

The Fushimi Jujikkoku Boat is a restored version of the 30 stone boats that carried sake, rice, and passengers on the Yodo River during the Edo period (1603-1868).
It is a 50-minute round trip along the Uji River, which at that time was lined with wholesale stores and sake breweries. During the cherry blossom season, visitors can leisurely enjoy the 1km-long row of cherry trees, and at night, the reflection of the cherry blossoms on the surface of the river is a spectacular sight.

Fushimi Ju-seki Boat
Fushimi Jukkokubune

Best time to see: late March to early April


Fushimi Jusekifune
Period / March 18, 2023 (Sat) - December 3, 2023 (Sun) *Out of service from August 14 (Mon) to August 31 (Thu)
Time/10:00-16:20 *Last call at 15:40 from Nov. 25 (Sat.) to Dec. 3 (Sun.)
Fee/Junior high school students and older: 1,500 yen, Elementary school students: 750 yen

Fushimi Jukkokubune

  • Fushimijikkokubune
  • 247 Minamihama-cho, Fushimi-ku, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture
  • 5 minutes walk from Keihan Chushojima Station
  • Tel.075-623-1030 (Fushimi Tourism Association)

22.Enjoy cherry blossoms for a long time [Kiyamachi-dori] / Kiyamachi

Kiyamachi-dori is one of Kyoto's most famous shopping streets, where the historically famous Takase River flows and the streets are lined with Kyoto's traditional atmosphere.
Along the Takase River between Kiyamachi 2-jo and Kiyamachi 5-jo, about 360 Someiyoshino and other cherry trees are planted to delight visitors. The cherry blossoms are sometimes illuminated when they are in bloom, so visitors can enjoy the cherry blossoms at night while going downtown.

Kiyamachi Street
Kiyamachi Street

Best time to see: late March to early April
seeing is believing

Kiyamachi Street

  • street in front of a temple on which prayers for the repose of the soul of the deceased have been performed
  • Nakagyo and Shimogyo wards, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture
*Please note that the information contained herein is subject to change without notice.
*Since this site uses automatic translation, the translation may differ from the original Japanese content.

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