1
Toji Temple

Weeping "Fuji-zakura" cherry blossoms in full bloom at this World Heritage temple

Toji Temple is the only temple in Kyoto that still preserves the atmosphere of the Heian-kyo period (794-1192), a World Heritage Site. As Japan's first esoteric Buddhism temple founded by Kobo Daishi, To-ji Temple is a temple of high prestige and has long been popular with the citizens of Kyoto, with people from outside the city visiting the temple on the 21st day of every month for "Koboichi.
In spring, about 200 cherry trees, including Someiyoshino cherry trees, bloom, attracting many tourists. Among them, "Fuji-zakura," a 130-year-old double weeping cherry tree transplanted from Mie Prefecture in 2006, is the most impressive. When the cherry blossoms are lit up at night, you can see them floating in the darkness along with the five-story pagoda.

Cherry blossom viewing season】Early April
Tree species】Fujizakura, Someiyoshino, etc.
Direction】10 min. walk from OMO3 Kyoto Toji by Hoshino Resorts.

▼Lighting up the cherry blossoms at night (Special nighttime viewing of Kondo and Kodo)
Period: March 15 (Sat) - April 13 (Sun), 2025
Hours: 18:00 - 21:30 (last admission at 21:00)
Nighttime admission fee: 1,000 yen; junior high school students and younger: 500 yen
Nighttime parking fee: 1,000 yen

Toji Temple

• 1 Kujo-cho, Minami-ku, Kyoto MAP
• Approx. 10 min. walk from Toji Station on the Kintetsu Line
  15 minutes walk from JR Kyoto Station
• 5:00-17:00 (Kondo and Auditorium 8:00-16:30 closing at 16:30)
• Free of charge (some parts of the museum are open to visitors for a fee)
• 075-691-3325
• Paid admission (600 yen for 2 hours)

2
Rokusonoo Shrine

Within walking distance from Kyoto Station. A great place for cherry blossom viewing, dedicated to the founder of the Seiwa Genji clan.

Founded in 963, this shrine is known as the birthplace of the Seiwa Genji clan. The shrine, which enshrines Minamoto no Tsunemoto, a grandson of Emperor Seiwa, eight generations before Minamoto no Yoritomo, the first shogun of the Kamakura Shogunate, has been the setting for stories such as Koizumi Yakumo's "Ghost Stories.
After mid-March, the cherry blossoms on the shrine grounds begin to change color. In addition to Someiyoshino cherry trees, the rare yellow-green turmeric cherry trees gradually come into full bloom, and the cozy shrine grounds are decorated with cherry blossoms. Don't miss the "Koi (carp) Bridge," which is also called "Koi (carp) Bridge," a bridge over the carp swimming in the pond, to bring good luck.

Cherry blossom viewing season】Early April to mid-April
Kind of trees】Someiyoshino、Ukonzakura、Gyoikozakura etc.
Direction from OMO3 Kyoto Toji by Hoshino Resorts] 15 min. walk

Rokusonoo Shrine

• Hachijo corner of Mibu-dori, Minami-ku, Kyoto MAP
• 13 min. walk from JR Kyoto Station
• Free of charge
• 075-691-0310
• Charged
• Parking is free only when visiting the shrine.

3
Umekoji Park

Unique to the former freight site! The cherry blossoms decorating the park are photogenic!

About 15 minutes on foot from JR Kyoto Station to the west. This is a vast urban park of about 13.7 hectares opened in 1995, utilizing the former site of a freight railroad that was actively used from the Meiji to Taisho periods. The Kyoto Aquarium and the Kyoto Railway Museum, one of the largest railroad museums in Japan, are located in the immediate vicinity of the park, making it a great place for sightseeing. From April, when the cherry blossoms are at their best, it is recommended to take pictures with the chin-chin train running through "Suzaku Yume Hiroba" (Suzaku Dream Square).

Cherry blossom viewing season: Early April to mid-April
Someiyoshino cherry trees, turmeric cherry trees, yaezakura cherry trees, etc.
Direction】15min walk from OMO3 Kyoto Toji by Hoshino Resorts

Umekoji Park

• 56-3 Kankiji-cho, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto City, Kyoto MAP
• A short walk from JR Umekoji Kyoto Nishi Station
• Always open
  Suzaku Garden, Inochi-no-Mori (Forest of Life) 9:00-17:00 (last admission 16:30)
• No holidays
  Suzaku Garden and Inochi-no-Mori (Forest of Life): Mondays (open if Monday is a national holiday, closed the following day), December 28 - January 4
• Free of charge
  Suzaku Garden, Inochi-no-Mori (Forest of Life): 200 yen for elementary school students and older
• 075-352-2500
• Charged
• Public transportation is recommended as there is almost no Parking in the neighborhood

4
Takasegawa Ichino Funairi

Cherry petals fluttering down the canal in the old city built by a wealthy merchant

The Takase River, a shallow canal about 30cm deep, runs through the city. Ryoi Kadokura, one of Kyoto's leading wealthy merchants, spent three years from 1611 in the early Edo period (1603-1868) to complete the canal with his enormous private fortune. Funairi" refers to the anchorage where Takase-bune, boats that sail along the Takase River, dock to load and unload their cargo, and the first anchorage is called Ichinofunairi.
When someiyoshino cherry trees lining the riverbank bloom, petals flutter down to the surface of the river. It is like a scene from a movie.

Cherry blossom viewing season: Late March to early April
Kind of trees】Someiyoshino etc.
Direction】10 min. walk from OMO5 Kyoto Sanjo by Hoshino Resorts

Takasegawa Ichino Funairi

• Ichinofunairi-cho, Nijo-sagaru, Kiyamachi-dori, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto MAP
• 4 minutes walk from Kyoto Shiyakusho-mae Station on Kyoto Municipal Subway Tozai Line
• 075-343-0548（Kyoto General Tourist Information Center)

5
Kyoto Gyoen

A hidden cherry blossom viewing spot where you can take a leisurely stroll

The Kyoto Imperial Palace served as the regent and residence of the Emperor from the Heian period (794-1192) to the early Meiji period (1868-1912). The Kyoto Imperial Gardens are the remains of the residences of the imperial family and court nobles that surrounded the Imperial Palace. Today, the garden is open to the public as a place of recreation and relaxation, and visitors can take their time to view the carefully preserved plum, peach, cherry, and other trees.
About 1,000 cherry trees, including weeping cherry trees that bloom early and mountain cherry trees that bloom late, are planted in the garden, which can be enjoyed over a long period from mid-March to mid-May. The magnificent weeping cherry trees at the Konoe-tei Ato (Konoe Residence Site) in the northwest part of the garden are especially famous.

Cherry blossom viewing season: Mid-March to mid-May
Tree species】Someiyoshino, Yaeveni weeping cherry, Satozakura, Yamazakura, etc.
Direction】15 min. walk from OMO5 Kyoto Sanjo by Hoshino Resorts.

Kyoto Gyoen

• 3 Kyoto Gyoen, Kamigyo-ku, Kyoto MAP
• 5 min. walk from Marutamachi Station on the Kyoto Municipal Subway Line
• Free of charge
• 075-211-6348（Kyoto Gyoen, National Park Association
• Charged

6
Nijo Castle, Motorikyu

Cherry blossoms and the Tokugawa family's castle, which has watched over Japan's history

The castle was built in 1603 by Tokugawa Ieyasu, and the shoguns of the Edo Shogunate paid their respects at the castle, and in 1867, the last shogun, Tokugawa Yoshinobu, announced his intention to return power to the Imperial Court in the Ninomaru Palace of Nijo Castle. This World Heritage site tells the story of the beginning and end of the Edo shogunate, and preserves the Ninomaru Goten, a National Treasure, and many other gorgeous architectural structures and barrier paintings.
The castle is home to approximately 300 cherry trees of 50 varieties, ranging from early bloomers to late bloomers. The magnificent garden and cherry blossoms are a beautiful feast for the senses. The Nijo Castle Cherry Blossom Festival is held in mid-March.

Cherry blossom viewing season】Mid March to late April
Kind of trees】Someiyoshino, satozakura, yamazakura, etc.
Direction from OMO5 Kyoto Sanjo by Hoshino Resorts] 3 min. walk

▼ Nijo Castle Cherry Blossom Festival 2025
Period: March 14 (Fri.) - April 13 (Sun.), 2025
Hours: 8:45-16:00 (castle closes at 17:00), light-up 18:00-21:00 (castle closes at 22:00)
Fee: Check website for admission fee for illumination
Note: Regular daytime viewing and light-up viewing are interchangeable.
URL: https: //www.kyoto-kankou.or.jp/event/928 Please check with us at.

Nijo Castle

• 541 Nijojojo-machi, Nijo-dori Horikawa-nishiiru, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto MAP
• A short walk from Nijojo-mae Station on the Kyoto Municipal Subway Line
• 8:45-16:00 (castle closes at 17:00)
• December 29-31
  Closed: Tuesdays (January, July, August, December), January 1-3, December 26-28
• General admission: 1,300 yen, junior high and high school students: 400 yen, elementary school students: 300 yen (including admission to Ninomaru Palace)
• 075-841-0096
• Charged

7
Maruyama Park (Yasaka Shrine)

Some people say "Maruyama Park is the best place for cherry blossom viewing. One of the most famous cherry blossom viewing spots in Kyoto

Maruyama Park is one of the most popular places for cherry blossom viewing in Kyoto. In the center of the site, which is dotted with several shrines, temples, and Properties such as Yasaka Shrine, Maruyama Ongakudo, and Chion-in Temple, is the symbol of the park, the weeping cherry tree in Gion.
The current weeping cherry tree, with a root circumference of 4 m and a height of 12 m, is a second generation tree grown from seeds collected from the first generation tree, which is over 200 years old, and is still young. However, its branches already have an imposing appearance that overwhelms the viewer. The cherry blossoms are illuminated at night from late March to early April every year, and visitors can enjoy their beauty in a different way from that of the daytime.

Cherry blossom viewing season: Mid-March to late April
Tree species】Hitoe shirohigan shidare-zakura (weeping cherry), etc.
Direction】1 minute walk from OMO5 Kyoto Gion by Hoshino Resorts

Maruyama Park (Yasaka Shrine)

• Maruyama-cho, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto MAP
• 10 min. walk from Keihan Electric Railway Teien-Shijo Stn.
• Free of charge
• 075-561-1350（Kyoto City Urban Greenery Association)
• Charged

8
Tatsumi Bridge (Tatsumi-bashi)

Cherry blossoms are reflected in the postcard-like scenery of Kyoto.

The Gion Shirakawa River has often been used as a filming location for TV dramas and movies. The Bengara latticework townhouses, stone-paved streets, and swaying willows along the banks of the Shirakawa River give the area an atmosphere typical of Kyoto. Especially in spring, the cherry blossoms that grace the Tatsumi Bridge over the Shirakawa River are a spectacular sight and attract many tourists taking pictures.
Near the small bridge is the Tatsumi Grand Myojin shrine, which has been worshipped by the people of Gion, who value the performing arts. If your timing is good, you may be able to see maiko and geiko praying at the shrine.

Cherry blossom viewing season】Mid March to late April
Kind of trees】Someiyoshino, weeping cherry, etc.
Direction】5 minutes walk from OMO5 Kyoto Gion by Hoshino Resorts

The 32nd Tsukuen Shirakawa Yoizakura Light-up
Period: Saturday, March 22 - Monday, March 31, 2025
Time: 18:00-22:00
Place: Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto City, around the Shimbashi Bridge in Sugien
Shirakawa Minami Dori (Kawabata Dori - Tatsumi Daimeishin / 220m)
Remarks: https://ja.kyoto.travel/event/single.php?event_id=4544

Tatsumi Bridge (Gion Shirakawa River)

• Gion, Higashiyama-ku, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto MAP
• Approximately a 7-minute walk from Gion-Shijo Station on the Keihan Electric Railway Line

9
Kodaiji Temple on Mt.

Weeping cherry trees in Hojo Garden, the temple of Hideyoshi and Nene

This temple was built in 1606 by Hideyoshi Toyotomi's wife, Nekoto Kita Masasho and Kodai-in to mourn Hideyoshi. The "Kodaiji Garden (a noted historical site)" in the precincts of the temple is decorated with gorgeous makie (maki-e), a mausoleum for Hideyoshi and Nene, as well as tea rooms scattered throughout the garden.
During the cherry blossom season, many visitors come to see the weeping cherry trees in Hashintei. The temple also holds an annual "Spring Night Special Viewing". The nighttime viewing of the cherry blossoms is a fantastic experience.

Cherry blossom viewing season: Mid-March to late April
Kind of trees】shidare-zakura (weeping cherry)
Direction】8 min. walk from OMO5 Kyoto Gion by Hoshino Resorts

▼Spring Night Special Viewing
Period: Friday, March 14, 2025 - Tuesday, May 6, 2025
Hours: 17:00-22:00 (last admission at 21:30)
Admission: Adults 600 yen, Junior high and high school students 250 yen

Kodaiji Temple

• 526 Shimogawara-cho, Kodaiji, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto MAP
• Approx. 10 min. walk from Gion-Shijo Station on the Keihan Electric Railway Line
• 9:00-17:30 (last admission at 17:00)
  
• Adults 600 yen, Junior high and high school students 250 yen *For elementary school students and younger, free admission for up to 5 persons accompanied by an adult guardian (no visit for elementary school students and younger alone)
• 075-561-9966
• Charged

10
Shimizu-dera Temple

The majestic Kiyomizu-no-butai (stage of Kiyomizu) and beautiful cherry blossoms

Kiyomizu-dera Temple, a well-known World Heritage site in Kyoto, is also nationally famous for its cherry blossoms. The temple, opened about 1,200 years ago, was built halfway up Otowa Mountain in the Higashiyama district. More than 30 valuable historical assets, including national treasures and important cultural properties, have been carefully preserved.
In spring, approximately 1,500 cherry trees bloom beautifully around the "hinoki-butai" (cypress stage) of the main hall, which is overhanging the cliff. You can view them from the inner sanctuary or admire the cherry blossoms against the backdrop of the three-story pagoda. No matter which way you look at it, it is a picturesque temple.
During this season, the temple holds a "Spring Night Special Viewing," during which visitors can enjoy the beautiful cherry blossoms lit up at night.

Cherry blossom viewing season】Mid March to late April
Tree species: Someiyoshino, yamazakura, etc.
Direction】16 minutes walk from OMO5 Kyoto Gion by Hoshino Resorts

▼Spring Night Special Viewing
Period: Tuesday, March 25 - Thursday, April 3, 2025
Hours: 18:00 - 21:00 (last admission)
Admission: 500 yen for adults, 200 yen for elementary/junior high school students
URL: https: //www.kiyomizudera.or.jp/event/yakan.php

Kiyomizu Temple

• Kiyomizu 1-294, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto City, Kyoto MAP
• Take a bus from JR Kyoto Station, get off at Gojozaka (Gojozaka slope), and walk about 10 minutes.
• 6:00-18:00 *Closing time varies according to the year and season.
• Adults: 500 yen, Elementary/junior high school students: 200 yen
• 075-551-1234