If you want to enjoy Kyoto’s cherry blossoms like the locals do, look for a hanami party (blossom viewing party) for a quintessentially Japanese experience.
Hanami party at Maruyama-koen Park – image © Paul Crouse
The best way to enjoy the cherry blossoms is with a hanami (cherry blossom) viewing party. This involves setting out a picnic blanket or blue tarp under the loveliest (and biggest) cherry tree you can find and gorging yourself on festive food and drinks. Some of the more advanced partiers even bring portable karaoke systems. If you’re lucky, you might get asked to join a party as you walk by.
Be warned: if you join, there’s no escaping without imbibing a lot and perhaps even grabbing the mic to sing a few English songs. If you’re in the mood, this might be the highlight of your trip. But, don’t wait for someone to invite you: take matters into your own hands – buy the fixings and head to one of the following spots:
Maruyama-koen Park: It’s hard to find a spot of open ground here during cherry blossom season – almost every inch will be covered by a seething hanami party. On a weekend evening, the place goes off. Highly recommended.
Kamo-gawa Riverbanks: This is one long strip of hanami parties in season, but there enough room so it never feels crowded. The best trees and best parties are north of Imadegawa-dori.
Shidare-zakura trees in the Kyoto Gosho – image © Chris Rowthorn
Kyoto Gosho (Kyoto Imperial Palace Park): Like the Kamo-gawa, this place is big enough to soak up a lot of people without feeling crowded.
Kyoto Botanical Gardens: A favorite of many locals, but almost totally ignored by tourists.
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
- For all the essentials in a brief overview, see my First Time In Kyoto guide
- Check Kyoto accommodation availability on Booking.com and Agoda.com - often you can book with no upfront payment and free cancellation
- You can buy shinkansen (bullet train) tickets online from Klook - popular routes include Tokyo to Kyoto, Kyoto to Osaka and Kyoto to Tokyo
- Need tips on where to stay? See my one page guide Where To Stay In Kyoto
- See my comprehensive Packing List For Japan
- 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
- Compare Japan flight prices and timings to find the best deals
- 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
- World Nomads offers simple and flexible travel insurance. Buy at home or while traveling and claim online from anywhere in the world
- Do you want help planning your trip? Chris Rowthorn and his team of Japan experts at Japan Travel Consulting can help
