The cherry blossom season is an enchanting time to visit the beautiful city of Kyoto, Japan. From late March to early April each year, the former imperial capital of Japan turns into a vivid pink hue as thousands of cherry trees burst into bloom. Witness the beauty of cherry blossoms in Kyoto—from Maruyama Park to the Philosopher’s Path—with this complete sakura season guide!
When is cherry blossom season in Kyoto in 2024?
The Kyoto cherry blossom forecast changes from year to year. Most years, cherry blossoms (sakura) start blooming towards the end of March and continue into the first week of April, with full bloom hit its peak about 7 to 10 days after their first appearance. In 2023, Kyoto’s cherry blossoms first flowered on March 21st and hit full bloom (mankai) on March 27th. This was about a week earlier than it’s normally predicted.
For the exact dates of Kyoto’s prime cherry blossom season in 2024, you can check out the official Japanese cherry blossom forecast. The forecast is usually released in late January every year.
Where to see Kyoto cherry blossoms
Maruyama Park
Any time of year, Maruyama Park is one of Kyoto’s top green spaces. In spring, though, the park’s at its finest. It’s one of the finest places in the city to catch the cherry blossoms at full force.
During sakura season, onlookers love huddling around the park’s massive centerpiece cherry tree. It’s most enchanting in the evenings when it’s flooded with light.
Maruyama Park is a particularly festive viewing spot. In the evenings, impromptu food stands pop up to serve delicious Kyoto street eats to hanami-viewing party-goers.
While you’re at Maruyama Park, be sure to also check out Yasaka Shrine. It’s located at the park’s western entrance.
Philosopher’s Walk
North of the city center, The Philosopher’s Walk promises a stunning visual treat for your sakura-viewing pleasure. If you carve out more than 24 hours in Kyoto, this 2-kilometer-long path is a must for your itinerary. Even more so when your visit is timed with cherry blossom season!
The Philosopher’s Walk runs alongside a canal winding between Nanzen-ji in the south and Ginkaku-ji in the north. The walking path is lined by hundreds of cherry trees. Their interplay creates a breathtaking scene when in full bloom.
As The Philosopher’s Walk is one of the top places for hanami in Kyoto, the crowds during the daytime can get thick. Instead, plan your visit in the evening. At night, the cherry trees get lit up, and the path is at its most memorable.
Arashiyama
Arashiyama is most famous for its bamboo forest and its gang of cheeky monkeys. Let’s add another highlight to its resume: Arashiyama is also one of the best places in Kyoto to see the cherry blossoms in full force!
There are several top-notch spots around Arashiyama to catch the blossoms. Check out Togetsukyo Bridge and the small island of Nakanoshima on the Katsura River in Arashiyama Park. A little further afoot, you can marvel at the cherry trees on the grounds of Daikaku-ji Temple.
Shirakawa Minami-dori
Travelers and locals alike label it as the “most beautiful street in Kyoto.” So, yes, Shirakawa Minami-dori begs for a look any time of year!
As if the canal-side street wasn’t lovely enough year-round, dozens of cherry trees adorn Shirakawa Minami-dori. A visit during sakura season is a must for your Kyoto itinerary.
During the cherry blossom season, visit Shirakawa Minami-dori after dark. In the evening, the street is at its most lively and stunning as its cherry trees are lit up from below.
Heian Shrine
With its late-blooming weeping cherry trees, Heian Shrine is a prime Kyoto cherry blossom viewing spot. It’s a great place to visit for travelers who missed the season’s peak elsewhere.
At Heian Shrine, the cherry trees creep over the garden and the pond. It creates an engrossing scene that’s a boon for photographers and Instagrammers alike. Entrance to the shrine & garden costs ¥600.
Kiyomizu-dera Temple
Whatever time of year you visit, Kiyomizu-dera Temple is one of the must-see attractions in Kyoto. And during cherry blossom season, it’s even more spectacular than normal!
There’s a handful of cherry trees planted around Kiyomizu-dera, one of the must-visit temples & shrines in Kyoto. From its famous balcony, you’ll catch a glimpse of a few. But it’s near the pond at the exit that you’ll see the bulk of the temple’s sakura goodness.
Like other top cherry blossom viewing spots in Kyoto, visit Kiyomizu-dera at night to see the cherry trees punctuated with a soft glow of light. It’s an unmissable and magical scene!
