If you plan to be in Kyoto for cherry blossom season, it’s important that you book your accommodation well in advance. Here are some of the best places to stay for the most convenient access to the cherry blossoms.
Sannen-zaka during cherry blossom season – image © Sean Pavone / Shutterstock.com
If you plan to be in Kyoto during cherry blossom season, book your accommodations WELL IN ADVANCE. Ideally, book several months in advance. If you wait until the last minute, you might find everyplace fully booked.
Check Current Kyoto Hotel Availability
You can check current Kyoto hotel availability for mid-March to mid-April, when the cherry blossoms bloom, on Booking.com and Agoda.com. Please have a read of When Is Cherry Blossom Season in Kyoto? to help you decide on the exact time to go.
Recommended Places To Stay In Kyoto During Cherry Blossom Season
One thing to keep in mind is that some of the main roads in the Southern Higashiyama and Northern Higashiyama districts becomes gridlocked during this season. (These are two of the most popular areas visited by tourists, both domestic and foreign). Thus, you might consider staying someplace near Kyoto Station or in Downtown Kyoto or Central Kyoto. Here are a few good options for cherry blossom season:
- Granvia Hotel Kyoto
The Kyoto Hotel Granvia is not only the best hotel in the Kyoto Station area, it’s also the most convenient, since it located directly above the station itself. - Kyoto Hotel Okura
The Kyoto Hotel Okura has the most convenient location of any hotel in Kyoto (it’s right downtown and directly above a subway line). It’s a luxury hotel with reasonable prices. - Genji Kyoto
A short walk from downtown, this little hotel is a real gem. Some rooms have private balconies overlooking the Kamo River. You can enjoy the cherry blossoms from the rooftop garden. - Hotel Kanra Kyoto
A modern boutique hotel with Japanese touches relatively close to Kyoto Station, the Hotel Kanra is a stylish and unique place to be based in Kyoto. - Nohga Hotel Kiyomizu Kyoto
With a great restaurant and a rooftop bar that offers amazing views over the city, this well-designed hotel is within walking distance of the major sights of southern Higashiyama (but on Gojo-dori, so traffic isn’t that bad). - Citadines Karasuma-Gojo Kyoto
A reasonably priced serviced apartment/hotel a short walk from downtown, Citadines Kyoto Karasuma Gojo is a great choice for families, groups and couples
Shimbashi (Shirakawa) in cherry blossom season – image © Travelpixs / Shutterstock.com
Alternatives To Staying In Kyoto
If all accommodation is sold out in Kyoto during cherry blossom season, don’t despair:
Osaka has a lot of hotels and it’s less than 15 minutes from Osaka to Kyoto by shinkansen (bullet train) and about 45 minutes by regular express train.
:: Check availability and pricing for hotels in Osaka on Booking.com or Agoda.com.
Likewise, even Nagoya is within striking distance if you’re willing to take the shinkansen (no sweat if you’ve got a Japan Rail Pass).
:: Check availability and pricing for hotels in Nagoya on Booking.com or Agoda.com.
Nara would be another option.
:: Check availability and pricing for hotels in Nara on Booking.com or Agoda.com.
See my guide to Where To Stay If Kyoto Is Fully Booked for more suggestions and info.
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
