Here are the best places in Kyoto to see the cherry blossoms based on my experience of about 20 cherry blossom seasons in the city. Some of these places are well known and can get a bit crowded, but they’re worth it for their magnificent cherry trees.
Munetada-jinja Shrine steps with cherries © Chris Rowthorn
There are cherry trees (sakura) almost all over Kyoto, but I would recommend the following as the best places to see sakura in Kyoto:
Maruyama-koen Park: This is cherry blossom central, the most popular spot in Kyoto for cherry blossom viewing (hanami) parties. On a weekend evening, the place will be packed – it’s a lot of fun if you have the energy.
The Path of Philosophy (Tetsugaku-no-Michi): The entire path is lined with cherry trees and they’re a beautiful sight when in bloom. Expect crowds during the day. An evening walk is highly recommended – the crowds have gone home and the trees are illuminated (especially at the northern end, near Ginkaku-ji Temple).
Shidare-zakura trees at Kyoto Gosho © Chris Rowthorn
Kyoto Gosho (Imperial Palace Park): There are cherry trees throughout the park, but the highlights are the shidare-zakura (weeping cherry trees) at the north end of the park, just south of Imadegawa-dori, roughly midway between Karasuma and Kawaramachi.
Kamo-gawa River: The Kamo-gawa River is lined with cherry trees for much of its length. The trees south of Gojo-dori are often the earliest to bloom in the city. North of Imadegawa-dori, the river is lined with huge cherry trees, making it a popular hanami spot.
Kiyomizu-dera Temple: The grounds at this bustling temple are festooned with cherry trees. DO NOT MISS the evening light ups held here during cherry blossom season.
Gion Shimbashi in full bloom © Chris Rowthorn
Shimbashi (Shirakawa): This is the loveliest street in Gion and it looks magical in cherry blossom season, particularly after dark. It will be packed, but it’s worth it. Check out the far west end, where it empties out onto Kawabata-dori – the cherry trees form a tunnel, which is illuminated by night.
Hanami party in the Kyoto Botanical Gardens © Chris Rowthorn
Kyoto Botanical Gardens (Kyoto Shokubutsu-en): There are plenty of cherry trees here, some of which bloom much later than others in the city, making it a late-season favorite. This is a good spot for a relaxed hanami party.
Ninna-ji Temple: The yae-zakura (eight-petalled cherries) bloom very late here, making it another late-season favorite.
All that said, wherever you go in Kyoto, you’re sure to see some magical cherry blossoms sights. If you’re specifically looking for uncrowded cherry blossom spots, see our Best Places To See Cherry Blossoms Away From The Crowds. And if you’d like a full itinerary built around cherry blossom spots, see our cherry blossom itineraries listed below.
Kyoto Cherry Blossoms Guide
- When Do Cherry Blossoms Bloom In Kyoto?
- Where Is The Best Place To See The Cherry Blossoms In Kyoto?
- Where To Stay In Cherry Blossom Season In Kyoto
- Where To Stay If Kyoto Is Fully Booked
- Best Places To See Cherry Blossoms Away From The Crowds
- Best Places For A Cherry Blossom Viewing Party (Hanami Party) In Kyoto
Kyoto Cherry Blossom Itineraries
- Kyoto 2-Day Cherry Blossom Itinerary
- Kyoto One-Day Cherry Blossom Off-The-Beaten-Track Itinerary
- Kyoto Evening Cherry Blossom Itinerary
- Kyoto Romantic Cherry Blossom Itinerary
Cherry Blossoms In Other Japanese Cities
- Japan Cherry Blossoms
- Hiroshima and Miyajima Cherry Blossoms
- Kanazawa Cherry Blossoms
- Kobe Cherry Blossoms
- Nara Cherry Blossoms
- Takayama Cherry Blossoms
Visiting Tokyo or Osaka?
See my guides to viewing cherry blossoms in Tokyo and the best Osaka cherry blossom spots too.
You can check availability of Kyoto hotels during cherry blossom season (mid-March to mid-April) on Agoda.com and Booking.com
Kyoto Vacation Checklist
- ESSENTIALS – For all the essentials in a brief overview, see my First Time In Kyoto guide
- HOTELS – Check Kyoto accommodation availability on Booking.com and Agoda.com - often you can book with no upfront payment and free cancellation
- BULLET TRAIN – You can buy shinkansen (bullet train) tickets online from Klook - popular routes include Tokyo to Kyoto, Kyoto to Osaka and Kyoto to Tokyo
- WHERE TO STAY – Need tips on where to stay? See my one page guide Where To Stay In Kyoto
- PACKING LIST – See my comprehensive Packing List For Japan
- SIM CARDS – You can buy an eSim to activate in Japan or buy a data-only SIM card online for collection when you arrive at Tokyo's Narita or Haneda Airports or Kansai International Airport. You can also rent an unlimited data pocket wifi router
- FLIGHTS – Compare Japan flight prices and timings to find the best deals
- JAPAN RAIL PASS – If you're making frequent train journeys during your visit, you might save money with Japan Rail Pass – see if it's worth it for you
- TRAVEL INSURANCE – World Nomads offers simple and flexible travel insurance. Buy at home or while traveling and claim online from anywhere in the world
- WANT HELP? – Do you want help planning your trip? Chris Rowthorn and his team of Japan experts at Japan Travel Consulting can help
Kyoto District Map
Click a Kyoto District for detailed info on attractions, places to eat and accommodation
About InsideKyoto.com and Chris Rowthorn
- Chris Rowthorn is the co-founder of InsideKyoto.com and has an unparalleled travel knowledge of Kyoto spanning three decades. Chris has written or commissioned and edited every page on the Inside Kyoto website.
- A former author of Lonely Planet Kyoto and Lonely Planet Japan guidebooks, Chris is also the director of the Kyoto walking tour company Chris Rowthorn Tours, and Japan Travel Consulting, where you can get bespoke travel advice for your Japan trip.
- InsideKyoto.com has been cited by the New York Times and The Times of London, among many other publications and websites.
