Kyoto is arguably the most popular city for sakura (桜) or cherry blossom viewing in Japan! Locals and tourists alike flock to this former capital given the number of beautiful Kyoto cherry blossom spots that are perfect, not only as photo backdrops, but also as hanami spots.
TRIVIA: Hanami (花見) or “flower viewing” is an ancient tradition in Japan wherein locals take the time to enjoy the cherry blossoms or sakura trees. Nowadays, the Japanese typically celebrate it by having an outdoor party or picnic under the trees during daytime or nighttime (called yozakura or “night sakura”).
After all, the dreamy pink hue of this spring flower only lasts for a week or two every year, so it is a fleeting yet magical sight that you must witness for at least once in your life!
Kyoto cherry blossom flowers usually start blooming in late March and reach their full bloom in early April. To give you an idea of Japan’s sakura forecast, check out the map below for this year:
So if you’re planning on including Kyoto in your upcoming Japan itinerary this spring season, here are the best places to enjoy the cherry blossoms in their full glory!
Kyoto Cherry Blossom Spots
» Arashiyama (嵐山)
Cover and top photo by: Shutterstock
Including the district of Arashiyama on your Kyoto cherry blossom viewing list is a MUST! It holds a number of attractions not limited to the famous Bamboo Grove Forest — and of course, during sakura season, you’ll be greeted by a townscape that’s wonderfully draped in pink right from the moment that you step out of the train station!
Walk a bit further and you’ll witness the long Tegetsukyo Bridge that will be backdropped by a picturesque mountain speckled with a mixture of pretty pink and green hues.
If you want to go to an area that is filled with more sakura trees, consider going to Nakanoshima Park as well as the Tenryuji Temple — a UNESCO World Heritage Site that is famous for its scenic garden that will hold about 200 cherry trees in its beautiful landscape!
NOTE: Consider riding the Sagano Romantic Train to Kameoka from Arashiyama. This famous scenic train ride will take you through a lot of panoramic sceneries as well as through a “tunnel” of cherry blossoms!
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» Daigoji (醍醐寺)
Photo by: Shutterstock
Daigoji Temple is another UNESCO World Heritage Site and a famous Kyoto…
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