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Looking for the best places to see cherry blossoms in Kyoto? Seeking out the most sublime Sakura in Kyoto? We’ve got you covered as we spent several days in 2023 running around photographing the best Kyoto cherry blossom spots all over the city and in the countryside.
Kyoto is undoubtedly one of the best spots in Japan for cherry blossoms, a rich mix of historic sites, tranquil temples and wonderful waterside settings – all of these places look pretty in pink!
From the Kyoto cherry blossom beer garden at Maruyama Park to the awesome Arashiyama cherry blossom riverbanks, there are lots of super spots to see cherry blossoms in Kyoto.
Popular cherry blossom spots in Kyoto include the Philosopher’s Path, Keage Incline and Gion’s Shinbashi-dori street but we’ll also mention hidden gems like the Munetada-jinja Shrine.
Featuring lots of Kyoto cherry blossom photos plus helpful hints and tips about sakura searching, here is our guide to the best sakura and cherry blossom spots in Kyoto in 2024:
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Kyoto Accommodation
As cherry blossom season in Kyoto and Japan is so popular, be sure to book up your accommodation at least several months in advance.
We booked our Kyoto Cherry Blossom hotel over six months in advance to ensure we had accommodation and get better rates – any last minute cherry blossom hotels in Kyoto will likely be expensive, such is the demand.
Plan My Japan tip – if you can, book cancellable hotels way in advance so you can change your plans should the Kyoto cherry blossom forecast change (which happened to us in 2023, when the cherry blossom bloomed earlier than the forecast).
Recommended Kyoto hotels and accommodation for the cherry blossom include:
Budget ($)
The Pocket Hotel Kyoto Karasuma Gojo
Cheap and clean budget accommodation located 1 subway station away from Kyoto station. All rooms are private (on the small side), and bathrooms are shared. Facilities include a lounge and laundry.
Mid-Range ($$)
HOTEL UNIZO Kyoto Karasuma Oike
Centrally located 3 star hotel in a quiet area just a few minutes walk from the subway and a 10 minute walk from Nishiki market. Rooms were spacious for Japan and there are laundry facilities plus a Matsuya chain restaurant onsite.
Luxury ($$$)
Hotel The Celestine Kyoto Gion
Beautifully designed 5 star hotel with spacious rooms located in the Gion neighbourhood. Facilities include an onsite restaurant and onsen spa.
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When are the 2024 Kyoto Cherry Blossom Dates?
The current Kyoto cherry blossom forecast for 2024 is late March to early April.
Usually, cherry blossom forecasts include when cherry blossoms begin to flower (“kaika”) and when the sakura cherry blossoms are in full bloom (“mankai”).
The latest forecast for the 2024 cherry blossom Kyoto dates is:
- 25th March 2024 for the Kyoto cherry blossoms to begin flowering
- 2nd April 2024 for full cherry blossom bloom to take place
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What month is sakura / cherry blossom in Kyoto?
Typically, each year, Kyoto Cherry Blossom occurs between late March and early April but always be sure to recheck the latest Kyoto Cherry Blossom dates online in early March.
Often, Kyoto cherry blossom forecast dates change based on seasonal factors like hotter than expected weather.
There are usually 8 to 10 Kyoto cherry blossom forecasts each year in the run-up to the cherry blossom fully blooming so do keep checking updates.
Practical tips for visiting Kyoto’s cherry blossom
- There are several cherry blossom apps such as Sakura Navi that you can download to keep an eye on key cherry blossom dates, and which Japanese cities have sakura like Kyoto, Osaka and Tokyo.
- Regularly check the latest cherry blossom forecasts for Kyoto throughout the month of March as flowering and full bloom dates can change.
- Book refundable hotels (possibly two different sets) so you can change your hotel plans should Kyoto cherry blossom dates change.
- For the very popular cherry blossom places in Kyoto like Philosopher’s Path and the Keage Incline, be sure to visit very early in the morning to beat the crowds.
- Many Kyoto cherry blossom sites are open 24/7 (often with lights) so also check out Kyoto at night for unique cherry blossom photography opportunities.
Kyoto cherry blossom tours
If you would like to see the best Kyoto cherry blossom spots and sakura sites in expert hands, there are several 2024 Kyoto Cherry Blossom Tours to choose from including:
Top Kyoto Cherry Blossom with Viator >
Kyoto Tours including Cherry Blossom Viewing with GetYourGuide >
Or try these Top Kyoto Cherry blossom Activities with Klook >
Japanese Words associated with cherry blossom season
You’ll see lots of terms associated with cherry-blossom whilst in Japan. These include
Hanami – flower viewing
Sakura – cherry blossom
Kaika – flowering
Mankai – full bloom
Kyoto cherry blossom sakura spots map
Best spots for viewing cherry blossom in Kyoto
1. Maruyama Park
Easily one of the best Kyoto cherry blossom gardens, Maruyama Park is one of the main meeting places for cherry blossom viewing in Kyoto, complete with dozens of food stalls, fairground games plus the most beautiful cherry blossom beer garden we have EVER seen.
Close to the Yasaka shrine and the Kyoto Kodaiji temple, Maruyama Park blooms into life during sakura season and is a great place to finish your day of cherry blossom sightseeing.
Sit amongst the cherry blossom trees and drink craft beer or eat yakitori plus other izakaya style food options.
Maruyama Park is also a popular evening spot to meet friends and enjoy Kyoto’s cherry blossom at night. The stalls and beer garden stay open until late and all the cherry blossom trees are lit up with floodlights – Maruyama Park during cherry blossom season is a truly magical place.
Maruyama Park Google Maps link >
Try this – Cherry Blossom Season Evening Hanami and Food Tour in Kyoto >
2. Philosopher’s Path
Perhaps the best known cherry blossom viewing spot in Kyoto, this also means the Philosopher’s Path is the most popular sakura spot in Kyoto (so beautiful but SO busy!)
The Philosopher’s Path is a must do when visiting Kyoto any time of the year but particularly in cherry blossom season, especially in full bloom (‘mankai’). We’d recommend going very early in the morning to beat some of the cherry blossom tour bus crowds.
Located in the Higashiyama district running between Nanzen-ji and Ginkaku-ji, the canal walkway in spring becomes a sea of cherry blossom (and the canal turns partially pink because of all the petals).
As the breeze flutters, the Philosopher’s Path cherry blossom leaves in Kyoto fall like snow and it is an idyllic setting when not overcrowded earlier on in the day.
Check out these tours to that include the Philosopher’s Path (Tetsugaku-no-michi) >
Philosopher’s Path Google Maps link >
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3. Arashiyama
One of the most beautiful day trips from Kyoto and easily accessible by train, Arashiyama is known for its gorgeous riverside setting, bamboo forests and traditional boat rides.
Be sure to visit Arashiyama during cherry blossom season in Kyoto – the Katsura River in Arashiyama blooms into life with riverside cherry blossom trees. It is also a very popular place to rent kimonos and stroll amongst the sakura streams.
The best places to spot cherry blossom in Arashiyama is the riverbank by Togetsukyo Bridge, around the Arishiyama Park Nakanoshima area and the weir by Nakanoshima Bridge.
Another great sakura viewing spot in Arashiyama is watching the rickshaw drivers speed past the cherry blossom on the main street.
You might like to check out this Arashiyma Kimono Rental on Klook, or Arashiyama Tours with GetYourGuide.
Arashiyama station Google Maps link >
4. Okazaki Canal
Have you ever seen the pictures of a Japanese boat floating along a river next to a torii gate surrounded by cherry blossoms?
The chances are that it will be Kyoto’s Okazaki Canal where they run seasonal cherry blossom boat rides. During Kyoto’s cherry blossom season, Japanese jikkokubune boats depart every 25 minutes.
The 2024 Ozazaki Canal Boat Cherry Blossom Rides run from 20 March 2024 to 14 April 2024 costing 2,000 Yen per person.
Even if you don’t want to take a ride (or tickets have sold out), this is a top place to see reflecting riverside cherry blossoms in Kyoto (it is also a very short walk from here to the Keage Incline cherry blossom viewing spot).
Ozazaki Canal Google Maps link >
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5. Keage Incline
A former railway line, the Keage Incline is one of the busiest and best cherry blossom viewing spots in Kyoto.
Just under 600 meters in length, the Keage Incline is free to visit and becomes a colourful cavalcade of cherry blossoms every spring, from late March.
As the trains no longer run here, hamami hunters and sakura seekers scramble onto the tracks (often in traditional kimono costume) and pose for photos.
The whole line is dotted with cherry blossom trees and the Keage Line is just an easy two minute walk from Keage Station or the Ozazaki Canal Cherry blossom boat pier.
Such is the popularity, it is best to visit the Keage Incline early in the morning before the masses arrive. We arrived at Keage Incline at 10am and it was already pretty busy (but manageable to sakura snaps).
Keage Incline Google Maps link >
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6. Shinbashi-dori street, Gion
If you watched the recent 2024 / new episode of Somebody Feed Phil in Kyoto, the pretty area where Phil Rosenthal stayed was the Shinbashi-dori area.
A popular filming location for Japanese historical movies and travel documentaries, Shinbashi-dori street in Kyoto’s Gion district represents the very best of what Kyoto has to offer – side-streets to explore, sublime shrines and riverside streams.
Better still, during Kyoto’s cherry blossom season, Gion’s Shinbashi-dori street becomes awash with cherry blossom blooms and sakura filled street-scenes.
Kimono wear can be seen all around plus the herons love to catch fish in the water. A super setting and classic part of Kyoto during cherry blossom season.
Shinbashi-dori street Google Maps link >
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7. Kiyomizudera
Kyoto’s iconic Kiyomizudera temple is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the best things to do when in Kyoto.
In the spring-time, the whole hillside area around Kiyomizudera is covered in a carpet of cherry blossoms (and the views at sunset from inside the temple are superb).
You can see cherry blossoms by the Kiyomizudera Nio-mon main entrance gate (which is free to visit) – from here, there is also a cool view of the clocktower covered in cherry blossoms.
We think the best Kyoto cherry blossom view at Kiyomizudera is from within the grounds themselves, looking out at dusk towards the city from the side of the Hondo (main hall).
Please note there is an entrance fee of 400 Yen to access the Kiyomizudera Main Hall and grounds around it.
Kiyomizudera Google Maps link >
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8. Kamo River
Kyoto’s Kamo River is a popular spot fot cherry blossom picnics, with locals sitting on the riverbanks, enjoying food and drink (and often lots of sake!) sitting under cherry blossom trees.
There is a lot of room here along the Kamo River meaning it isn’t as busy as Maruyama Park in terms of cherry blossom picnics, plus there are lots of convenience stores nearby or restaurants to grab takeaway food and snacks from.
The best cherry blossom spots by Kyoto’s Kamo River include Pontocho Park, Kamo Ohashi Bridge and Kawabata Park (close to the famous Kamo River stepping stones).
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9. Eikan-dō Zenrin-ji temple
Kyoto temples are always beautiful but even more so when set against a backdrop of colourful cherry blossom.
Welcome to Eikan-dō Zenrin-ji temple, built in 1912 and a classic Kyoto cherry blossom spot that can be easily combined with the the Philosopher’s Path (a very short walk) and the Keage Incline (it is a 15 minute walk between the two).
As well as sakura season, Eikan-dō Zenrin-ji temple is one of the best spots to see Kyoto’s Autumn colours, especially when they are reflected in the famous Hojo Pond.
Eikan-dō Zenrin-ji temple Google Maps link >
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10. Kiyamachi Dori / Takase River
In addition to Shinbashi-dori street, Kiyamachi Dori is another central (downtown) Kyoto location popular for its waterways and babbling brooks that run along the streets includin the Takase River.
Here you’ll see a smattering of cherry blossoms shedding their pink petals into the waterways, whilst herons patiently wait for their fish dinners – locals sit on the banks eating snacks or sharing conversations under the sakura trees.
During cherry blossom season, there is also a small boat operated by volunteers where you can be towed along the stream to view the sakura up-close.
If you want to drink beers whilst looking at Cherry blossom in Kyoto along Kiyamachi Dori, check out the Kyoto HUB British Pub Sanjokiyamachi branch – also check out our guide to the Japanese Hub Pub chain (and their very ‘happy hours’) here >
Kiyamachi Dori Google Maps link >
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11. Kyoto Gyoen National Garden / Kyoto Imperial Palace Park
The former home of Japan’s Royal Family unti the 1860s (when the capital moved from Kyoto to Tokyo), the Gyoen Garden in Kyoto Imperial Palace is free to visit and has several sakura hotspots and cherry blossom orchards (including near Konoe Pond).
We visited the Kyoto Imperial Palace grounds in the week during last year’s Kyoto cherry blossom season and it was quite quiet compared to most viewing spots.
Whilst light on trees compared to say the Philosopher’s Path or Maruyama Park, it is still a nice way to combine Kyoto’s history whilst snapping pink trees.
Tours of the Kyoto Imperial Palace are also available but may need to be booked in advance during peak season.
Kyoto Imperial Palace Park Google Maps link >
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12. Konkai Komyo-ji temple (Kurodani)
Another Kyoto cherry blossom temple within walking distance of the Philosopher’s Path, Konkai Komyo-ji temple (Kurodani) is free to visit with some cherry blossom trees in its immediate vicinity.
Kurodani was founded in 1175 – although the current temple was built in 1942, as previous incarnations were destroyed several times.
Konkai Komyo-ji temple Google Maps link >
13. Munetada-jinja Shrine
Continuing our list of joyful Japanese shrines in Kyoto blessed with cherry blossom, Munetada-jinja Shrine is a Shinto shrine with white torii gates that dates back to the 1860s and closed to the better known Yoshida-jinja.
For the best cherry blossom photo spot, stand at the bottom of the steps and look up towards the Munetada-jinja Shrine – you’ll see several cherry blossom trees which almost create a pink stairway leading upto the main shrine.
Munetada-jinja Shrine Google Maps link >
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14. Shinshō Gokuraku-ji (Shinnyo-dō) Temple
Ready for some more Kyoto cherry blossom spots but want to avoid the crowds?
Shinshō Gokuraku-ji (Shinnyo-dō) is a Buddhist temple in Kyoto built in 984AD (rebuilt several times in subsequent years) and the three storied pagoda here is picturesque, with several cherry blossom photography spots.
We visited Shinshō Gokuraku-ji in the height of cherry blossom season after Philosopher’s Path and the difference couldn’t be more apparent.
This is MUCH quieter and we only saw a handful of people during our visit. A very tranquil temple, this is one of the more serene sakura spots in Kyoto.
Shinshō Gokuraku-ji (Shinnyo-dō) Temple Google Maps link >
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15. Nijo Castle
Nijo Castle is a World Heritage Site which dates back to the start of the 17th century and is renowned for its annual Nijo Castle Kyoto cherry blossom festival which has over 300 cherry blossom trees in its grounds. This is one of the best Kyoto cherry blossom spots at night.
The 2024 NAKED Sakura Festival at World Heritage Nijo Castle runs from 8th March 8 2024 to 7th April 2024 combining the real life cherry blossom trees lit up at night with immersive digital installations.
Check out the 2024 ‘NAKED Sakura’ Festival Ticket at World Heritage Nijo Castle here >
Nijo Castle Google Maps link >
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16. Daigoji Temple
Established in the 870s and reconstructed in the 1990s, the Daigoji Temple is a World Heritage Site and its five storey pagodas is one of the oldest buildings in Kyoto, built in 951AD.
There are over 1,000 sakura / cherry blossom trees at Daigoji Temple and it once hosted one of the most famous hamami viewing parties in Japan’s history.
Toyotomi Hideyoshi held a huge hanami viewing party and parade in the 1598, planting several hundred new sakura trees (which we still get to benefit from today).
To visit the Daigoji Temple cherry blossom orchards, it costs 1,500 Yen per person during the spring season (1,000 Yen during the rest of the year).
Daigoji Temple Google Maps link >
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17. Heian Shrine
Heian Jinju Shrine is famous for its gorgeous gardens which ‘spring’ into life every March and April with a carnival of cherry blossoms.
The gardens at Heinan Shrine surround a lake and it has a huge torii gate which makes for some excellent photo opportunities.
Near to the popular Okazaki Canal cherry blossom boating spot, Heinan Shrine costs 600 Yen to visit the public gardens and peruse the sakura-scape.
Heian Shrine Google Maps link >
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18. Kyoto Botanical Gardens
With around 500 blooming marvellous sakura trees, our final Kyoto cherry blossom viewing spot is the Kyoto Botanical Gardens, established in 1912 and a popular spot for families, easily accessible from the Kamo River.
The oldest Japanese public botanical garden with one of the largest conservatories in the country, Kyoto Botanical Gardens entrance fee as of Spring 2024 is 200 Yen to access the grounds and an additional 200 Yen to enter the Conservatory.
Close to Kitayama Station, the cherry trees at Kyoto Botanical Gardens are usually lit up until 9pm – after that, why not head to the beer garden and food stalls to see the cherry blossom at Kyoto’s Maruyama (our number 1 spot for sakura) which stays lit until midnight.
Kyoto Botanical Gardens Google Maps link >
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