If you need to choose one place to see Japan's cherry blossoms, that should be Kyoto. Kyoto's cherry blossoms offer the most beautiful scenery of delicate sakura (cherry tree flowers) set against ancient buildings, within historical temples, and amid charming gardens.
The cherry blossom season in Kyoto is similar to that of Tokyo and Osaka. Here is a guide to the 2025 Kyoto cherry blossom season: when and where to see the cherry blossoms and travel suggestions.
When is Kyoto Cherry Blossom Season 2025?
Generally, Kyoto's cherry blossom season spans from late March to early April. The average date for the Sakura season in Kyoto during the past few years has been from March 24th to April 2nd. In 2025, the cherry blossom season in Kyoto is likely to fall within this period.
Late March to early April is the core cherry blossom season when there are so many places where you could enjoy sakura scenery in Kyoto. There will definitely be cherry trees blooming somewhere in Kyoto at this time.
In mid-March, the first of the cherry blossoms are seen in Kyoto, but only some trees blossom. Typically, at this time, about 70% of trees are yet to bloom, so the scenery may not be as striking as you would hope for.
Toward mid-April, you would likely appreciate the late-blooming cherry varieties in Kyoto. There would still be a few gardens with cherry trees in full bloom, such as Ninna-ji and Heian Jingu. The scenery is spectacular there with hundreds of cherry trees in bloom, even at the end of the season.
Where to See Cherry Blossoms in Kyoto
During the cherry blossom season, you could see the cherry blossoms in many places throughout Kyoto. It is really hard to miss them. See below some of the most iconic places to see sakura in Kyoto, which offer the most spectacular scenery.
Philosopher's Path
- Feature: Kyoto's ideal and most popular place to view cherry blossoms
- Best viewing time: early April
- Location: northern Higashiyama District.
Philosopher's Path is a tranquil stone path along a winding narrow canal. Both sides of the canal are densely lined with cherry trees. It is a gorgeous place to enjoy a leisurely walk with your family or loved one. Walking along it, it feels like you are walking through the back alley of a small town.
The path is about 2 km (1 mile) long, which may take about 30 minutes to walk along. If you want to take a longer stroll, you may consider taking a detour to visit the small temples along the way. Our recommendation is Honen-in. Located up a small hill, the temple offers captivating views of its moss-covered grounds.
Travel tips:
- The path is illuminated in the evening.
- Along the path, there are small houses serving as restaurants and coffee shops.
- It is very crowded during the day. Arrive earlier or go in the evening to escape the hugest crowds.
- The path is smooth and accessible, with no steps or inclines, making it suitable for strollers, wheelchairs, and prams.
Maruyama Park
- Feature: famous for its big, old weeping cherry blossom trees
- Best viewing time: early April
Maruyama Park is famous for its tall weeping cherry trees, notable for their age and size. As night falls, the trees shimmer with a silver glow when illuminated, creating a magical atmosphere.
Apart from cherry blossom viewing, the park provides a tranquil setting with a serene pond and verdant landscapes. It is a very good place for leisurely strolls or hanami (flower viewing). You could explore the park's walking trails and relax in the tea houses. There are many benches to have a rest and food vendors along the sidewalks.
Mount Arashiyama
- Feature: cherry blossoms with the backdrop of mountains, rivers, and bridges
- Best viewing time: early April
For a grand display of cherry blossoms, make your way to Arashiyama, where the cherry trees transform the mountain into a canvas of pink and green.
A top spot for cherry blossom viewing in Arashiyama is the riverside area near the renowned Togetsukyo Bridge. Visitors could walk leisurely along the riverbank or opt for a boat ride to appreciate the cherry blossoms that adorn the picturesque Hozu River.
Arashiyama Bamboo Grove offers a unique setting for hanami, with cherry blossoms complementing the towering bamboo stalks.
The above-mentioned are the three most popular spots to see cherry blossoms in Kyoto. Unfortunately, like many other renowned places, they are very crowded in spring. If you seek a more peaceful experience, consider the places detailed below.
Heian Shrine - Away from the Crowds
- Features: cherry blossoms in an elegant garden surrounding a pond
- Admission: the shrine is free to enter, but there is an admission fee to enter the garden
The shrine is very famous and many travelers visit it each day. However, the garden behind it is often overlooked by most visitors. The tranquil garden boasts numerous cherry blossom trees around a lake. The scenery is gorgeous as the garden bursts into a kaleidoscope of colors with blooming cherry blossoms and lush flora. Plan for about an hour to wander around.
Ninna-ji -Cherry Blossoms in Mid-April
If you're visiting around mid-April and have missed the peak time for blooms, Ninna-ji offers a wonderful opportunity to enjoy the cherry blossoms later in the season. The cherry trees in the temple's garden bloom about a week later than in other parks. When the cherry blossoms in other locations have gone, the sakura there is in full bloom.
The garden is large and peaceful. You could take a relaxing stroll among the cherry trees in the early morning before the crowds arrive. The trees there are human tall and you would experience sakura all around you closely, presenting a great opportunity for photos.
Compared to other Kyoto temples, such as nearby Kinkaku-ji, Ninna-ji boasts a larger and quieter complex. Inside, the rhythmic chanting of monks can often be heard.
Arrive early to beat the crowds — the temple opens at 9am. During peak hours, the temple grounds can become quite crowded, making it challenging to capture photos without disturbances.
Hozugawa Boat Ride - View Cherry Blossom by Boat
Hozugawa River is located in a western suburb of Kyoto. Along the river, you could enjoy the cherry blossoms in the wild. Taking a boat ride along the river to enjoy the cherry blossoms with your family or loved one would be a very charming and memorable experience. The boat is controlled by a skilled master. The ride is about 90 minutes long.
The boat ride drops you off at Arashiyama, where you could explore the famous bamboo forest and immerse yourself in the natural scenery.
Travel tips:
- Plan a full day for the trip as you may also want to explore the bamboo forest in Arashiyama.
- The ride is generally very smooth and even the "choppy" parts are quite safe and comfortable due to the expert handling of the craft — even small children could do it.
- Sometimes, the water sprays into the boat, so be ready to get wet though
The other place you could view the cherry blossoms via a boat ride is Okazaki Canal. You could take the famous Kyoto jikkokubune boat ride to savor the charming cherry blossom views from the water.
FAQs on Viewing Cherry Blossoms in Kyoto
Can I See Cherry Blossoms in Early March in Kyoto?
Yes, you could see an early-blooming variety in Kyoto in early March known as Kawazu-zakura. However, the scenery would not be as spectacular as later on due to Kyoto's small number of Kawazu-zakura trees.
The best place to see this cherry blossom variety is at the Yodo Suiro Waterway in Kyoto. Other places to see this early blooming sakura are located in Tokyo, including Yoyogi Park and Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden.
Can I See Cherry Blossoms Kyoto in May?
Unfortunately, you would not see cherry blossoms in Kyoto in May. The last opportunity you may have to see cherry blossoms in Kyoto is mid-April. After that, they fall and wither.
The only places in Japan where you could see cherry blossoms in May or late April are on Hokkaido island in the north of the country. If May is your month of travel and you want to see Japan's sakura, it is worth traveling north, but it's better, if possible, to travel earlier for more impressive blossom further south.
How to Avoid the Crowds in Kyoto during the Cherry Blossom Season?
Kyoto is perhaps the most crowded city in Japan during the sakura season, even more crowded than Tokyo and Osaka. Huge numbers of travelers visit this city for its stunning cherry blossoms set against historical temples and gardens.
It is actually not easy to avoid the crowds. But there are still some things you could do to avoid being stuck in huge crowds.
- Visit the sites early or later in the afternoon. Almost all of the cherry blossom spots are crowded during the daytime. Consider visiting just after opening or toward closing time.
- Consider venturing into Kyoto's suburbs with off-the-beaten-path locations to escape the heaviest crowds.
- The most crowded areas: Southern Higashiyama, including Kiyomizu-dera Temple, Gion District, Yasaka Shrine, Maruyama Park, and many traditional streets and shops, have the most crowded areas. Our experienced travel advisors can arrange an itinerary to avoid the crowds in these popular places.
Kyoto or Tokyo for the Cherry Blossoms in 2025?
Both Tokyo and Kyoto offer fantastic opportunities to view cherry blossoms. You won't miss such scenery in either city. When wondering which city to visit, you should consider other facets:
The activities: Tokyo is modern and has more activities, especially for children. Kyoto's charm lies in its rich history, ancient temples, and exquisite gardens.
Travel cost: Kyoto is cheaper than Tokyo. Tokyo is roughly 30% more expensive than Kyoto in terms of accommodation, transport, meals, and so on.
The crowds: Kyoto is more crowded than Tokyo.
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