Soak Up the Charm of the Ancient Capital in Bloom: 15 Best Cherry Blossom Spots in Kyoto

According to the cherry blossom forecast published on January 8, 2026 by a weather information company on “Sakura Navi”, the 2026 blooming and full bloom dates are as follows.
The best viewing period is expected to be around March 30 to April 6.

Heian-jingu is a relatively new shrine, founded in 1895 to commemorate the 1,100th anniversary of the capital’s relocation to Heian-kyo.
Its shrine buildings recreate the Chodo-in, the main ceremonial hall complex of ancient Heian-kyo.
The vivid vermilion buildings lining the grounds are stunning, and stepping into the precincts feels like traveling back to the Heian period.
There are many highlights, including the magnificent Daigokuden, modeled after the main hall of the Chodo-in, and the intricately decorated Byakko-ro and Soryu-ro, all designated Important Cultural Properties of Japan.
In spring, around 300 cherry trees of 20 varieties bloom in profusion, including weeping cherry trees (Benishidare-zakura), Somei Yoshino, and Higan-zakura.
The elegant contrast between the colorful shrine buildings and the blossoms is a must-see.
During the cherry blossom season, the “Heian-jingu Sakura Otoyo” event features nighttime illuminations, letting you enjoy the reflection of the lit-up blossoms on the water, accompanied by live music at the East Garden and the Guest Hall.

Founded in 778, Kiyomizu-dera was inscribed as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site in 1994.
Its 130,000 m² precincts spread across the slope of Mt. Otowa and contain over 30 structures and monuments, including National Treasures and Important Cultural Properties.
Kiyomizu-dera offers different scenery in every season: cherry blossoms in spring, lush greenery in summer, autumn foliage, and snow in winter.
The Main Hall, famous for the phrase “to jump off the stage at Kiyomizu” (meaning to make a bold decision), is a highlight you shouldn’t miss.
Jutting out over the mountain slope, the hall’s stage is built in a traditional Japanese style using interlocked wooden beams without nails.
From this Main Hall, the main viewpoint of Kiyomizu-dera, you can admire spectacular spring views of blooming Somei Yoshino cherry trees at their peak.
At night, around 1,000 cherry trees around the Main Hall are illuminated, creating a magical, dreamlike scene.

Ninnaji is the head temple of the Omuro school of Shingon Buddhism and one of the “Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto” inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Construction began in 886 during the early Heian period on the order of Emperor Koko (the 58th emperor), and the temple was founded in 888 by his successor, Emperor Uda.
The Kon-do Hall standing deep inside the grounds was originally the Shishinden Hall of Kyoto Imperial Palace, built in the Momoyama period and relocated here during the Kan’ei era (1624–1645) in the early Edo period.
As a rare surviving example of palace architecture from that time, it is the only National Treasure building in Ninnaji.
In spring, the grounds of Ninnaji burst into color as Somei Yoshino and weeping cherry trees bloom in profusion.
Among them, the low-growing, late-blooming Omuro-zakura are especially beautiful.
People have long visited to view these Omuro-zakura, which are counted among the “100 Best Cherry Blossom Spots in Japan” and are designated as a National Place of Scenic Beauty.
The illuminated Omuro-zakura, with their elegant atmosphere, and the National Treasure Kon-do Hall are particular highlights.
When Ninnaji is filled with cherry blossoms in full bloom, you can feel the splendor of this World Heritage Site even more deeply.

Founded in 874 in the early Heian period by the monk Shōbō (Rigen Daishi), a grand-disciple of Kūkai and a key figure in reviving Shugen-dō, Daigoji is the head temple of the Daigo school of Shingon Buddhism.
Its grounds cover the entire Mt. Daigo area, spanning some 2 million tsubo, making it one of the largest temple precincts in Kyoto City.
The temple complex is divided into Kamidaigo on the mountainside and the lower area at the foot of the mountain, with more than 80 temple buildings scattered throughout.
In 1994, it was inscribed as one of the “Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto” on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
Daigoji is also famous as a cherry blossom hotspot where warlord Toyotomi Hideyoshi once hosted the lavish “Daigo no Hanami” flower-viewing party.
Selected as one of the “100 Best Cherry Blossom Spots in Japan”, the grounds are filled with blossoms in peak season, including Somei Yoshino and weeping cherry trees (Shidarezakura).
There are several hanami spots inside the precincts, but the view of the National Treasure five-story pagoda framed by weeping cherry trees is especially atmospheric and breathtakingly beautiful.
Knowing the history of aristocrats and samurai enjoying hanami at Daigoji will deepen the emotional impact of your visit.

Maruyama Park is Kyoto’s oldest park, created by landscaping former temple and shrine grounds.
From Kawaramachi, cross Shijō Bridge and walk straight through the Gion shopping street on Shijō-dori.
Continue past Keihan Gion-Shijō Station from Shijō Bridge and you’ll see Yasaka Shrine straight ahead.
The area to the east of the shrine is Maruyama Park, where a strolling garden is lined with traditional restaurants and tea houses. The famous Gion Shidarezakura, often said to be Kyoto’s most iconic cherry tree, is the second-generation tree grown from seeds of the original and has stood here since 1949.
The park is especially known for its enchanting yozakura (nighttime cherry blossoms). On evenings when the trees are lit up, crowds of visitors flock here for hanami under the illuminated blooms.

Kamigamo Shrine is the common name of this shrine, whose official name, Kamo Wakeikazuchi Shrine, comes from its enshrined deity.
The conical sand mounds in the precincts, called tatesuna, are stylized representations of sacred Mt. Kōyama.
In its expansive grounds surrounded by rich nature stand more than 60 shrine buildings, including 2 National Treasures and 41 Important Cultural Properties.
In 1994, the entire sacred precinct was inscribed as one of the “Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto” on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
Compared to other famous cherry blossom spots in Kyoto, the Approx. 100 trees here may seem modest in number, but Kamigamo Shrine in spring offers particularly distinguished weeping cherry blossoms.
Notable trees include the 150-year-old Saiō-zakura, the Gosho-zakura gifted from the Imperial Palace, and the Miare-zakura seen beyond the tatesuna, all gracefully blooming with a refined elegance.
Looking up the origins of each tree’s name as you view them will make your hanami experience even more rewarding.

This temple was built in 796, two years after the capital moved to Heian-kyo, together with Sai-ji Temple.
Sai-ji fell into ruin by the late Heian period, but To-ji was repeatedly rebuilt after several fires. The Main Hall funded by Toyotomi Hideyori and the five-story pagoda rebuilt by Tokugawa Iemitsu still stand today, both designated as National Treasures.
The scene of the 13 m-tall “Fuji-zakura,” a magnificent weeping cherry tree, side by side with the imposing five-story pagoda is simply breathtaking.
At night, the illuminated pagoda and Somei Yoshino cherry blossoms are reflected on the pond’s surface, creating a spectacular view.

Otokoyama rises above the Yodo River, where the Katsura, Uji, and Kizu rivers merge.
Located at this key point on the border between Kyoto and Osaka, Iwashimizu Hachimangu Shrine was once known as Otokoyama Hachimangu.
After Heian-kyo was founded, Emperor Seiwa transferred the Hachiman deity here from Usa Hachimangu in Kyushu in 859 following an oracle, and the shrine later became the second most important imperial mausoleum after Ise Jingu.
Such mausoleums are sacred sites where the ancestors of the imperial family are enshrined, and the shrine long played a central role in protecting the imperial house and the nation.
Otokoyama, home to Iwashimizu Hachimangu, has been loved as a cherry blossom spot since the Heian period.
When the blossoms are at their peak, an ancient weeping cherry in the grounds blooms with soft pink flowers, creating an elegant, courtly landscape.
During the cherry blossom season, the Sakura Festival is held, with events taking place among Approx. 1,000 blooming cherry trees including Somei Yoshino. The lively atmosphere is a quintessential springtime scene in Japan.
If your timing matches, be sure to join the Sakura Festival.

Chion-in is the head temple of the Jodo sect of Buddhism, built on a site closely associated with its founder, Honen.
Within its grounds lies Yuzen-en Garden, redesigned in 1954 to mark the 300th anniversary of the birth of Miyazaki Yuzan, an Edo-period painter and pioneer of yuzen dyeing.
The garden consists of a stroll garden with a pond fed by springs from Higashiyama, and a karesansui dry landscape garden called “Rokuno-en.”
Highlights within the garden alone include the National Treasure Sanmon Gate rising nearby, carp swimming in the pond, cherry blossoms in spring, and colorful foliage in autumn.
Spring arrives with Approx. 250 cherry trees, including Somei Yoshino, wild yamazakura, and weeping cherries.
The cherry blossoms framing the massive National Treasure Sanmon Gate are a classic symbol of spring in Kyoto.
The weeping cherry trees standing in Yuzen-en are also beautiful, inviting you to take a leisurely stroll through the renowned garden and savor its refined scenery.
After sunset, you can wander the grounds while viewing cherry blossoms softly illuminated in a mysterious light.

As soon as you step out of Keihan Uji Station, you’ll see this iconic Uji landmark.
According to the Uji Bridge stele at Hashidera Hoju-in Temple, the bridge was first built in 646 during the Asuka period by the monk Doto of Gangoji Temple in Nara. Along with Seta-no-Karahashi and Yamazaki Bridge, it is considered one of Japan’s three oldest bridges.
In spring, Approx. 2,000 cherry trees bloom along the upstream banks of the Uji River.
Stroll along the riverside to admire the collaboration between Uji Bridge and the cherry blossoms, or cross the bridge while enjoying views of the blossoms along the river for different perspectives.
The beautiful streetscape, where cherry blossoms blend with Uji’s historic scenery, is another highlight.

This Approx. 2 km walking path runs from Ginkakuji Temple, one of Kyoto’s most famous sightseeing spots, to Kumano Nyakuoji Shrine.
It was named “Philosopher’s Path” after Kitaro Nishida, a philosopher and Kyoto University professor in the early 20th century, who is said to have walked this route every morning while deep in thought.
In 1987, it was selected as one of the “100 Best Roads in Japan.”
From around late March to early April, roughly 400 cherry trees bloom along the canal, mainly Somei Yoshino, as well as Oshima-zakura, double-flowered cherries and weeping cherries. It is also known as one of Kyoto’s premier cherry blossom spots.

Sanzen-in is one of the monzeki temples of the Tendai sect, said to date back to when Saicho (Dengyo Daishi) founded Enryakuji Temple on Mt. Hiei and established a small hermitage in the mountain’s Todanaminotani valley.
Monzeki temples are prestigious temples where members of the imperial family traditionally served as head priests.
The temple moved several times, including to Sakamoto in Omi and central Kyoto, before relocating to its current site in the Meiji period.
Its spacious grounds feature stately halls and gardens that offer beautiful views in every season.
The Shuheki-en garden, a pond-view garden seen from the guest hall, and the Yusei-en strolling pond garden, viewed from the Shinden hall, are especially renowned for their painting-like scenery.
In spring, weeping cherries and wild mountain cherries add color and elegance to these picturesque views.
The combination of rhododendrons, fresh greenery and cherry blossoms is also stunning, making the temple grounds a perfect place to experience spring in full bloom.

Centered around the Kyoto Imperial Palace, which served as the emperor’s residence until the Meiji Emperor moved to Edo, this area was once lined with aristocratic mansions.
In the Meiji era it was developed as a park and became Kyoto Gyoen. The Kyoto Imperial Palace and Kyoto Sento Imperial Palace are still used by the Imperial Household today.
Adjacent to the palace are Kyoto Omiya Imperial Palace and Kyoto Sento Imperial Palace, built as residences for the Retired Emperor and the Empress Dowager. Visiting these requires advance reservation.
Most of the buildings in the park have been removed, but Kujo family’s teahouse, Shusuitei, a rare surviving aristocratic teahouse, remains.
In spring, Approx. 1,000 cherry trees, including weeping cherry and Satozakura varieties, bloom throughout the grounds.
Among them, the weeping cherry trees at the former Konoe Residence site are especially popular. Known as “Itozakura” for their slender branches and pale pink blossoms, they sway elegantly in the breeze.
A walking path lined with around 60 weeping cherry trees and the garden cherry trees are also highlights.

Lake Biwa Canal is an artificial waterway connecting Otsu and Kyoto.
Completed in the Meiji era, it is still in use today and consists of the Approx. 20 km “First Canal,” the Approx. 7.4 km “Second Canal,” and the Approx. 3.3 km “Canal Branch,” among others.
In Otsu in Shiga, Yamashina and Okazaki in Kyoto, each area offers its own characteristic scenery, and the Keage area, dotted with many historically significant buildings and structures, is a particularly popular spot.
Among them, the Keage Incline is a landmark historic site and one of Kyoto’s well-known attractions.
The Keage Incline is a former inclined railway, Approx. 582 m long, that once connected the Keage boat basin and the Nanzenji boat basin. The rails are preserved in place and the track is now open to pedestrians.
Along the tracks, Approx. 90 cherry trees, including Somei Yoshino and Yamazakura, burst into bloom.
When in full bloom, they form a spectacular tunnel of cherry blossoms.
The combination of rails, stone paving, and blossoms creates a nostalgic scene that is rare in Kyoto.
Follow the tracks at a relaxed pace and take your time enjoying the cherry blossoms.

Kamogawa River rises near Mount Sajikigatake, flows south through central Kyoto, and joins the Katsuragawa River in Toba. Near Shijo, lively districts such as Gion to the east and Kawaramachi to the west make this area the commercial heart of Kyoto and one of the city’s most iconic views.
In spring, around 200 Somei Yoshino cherry trees bloom along both banks, transforming the river into a classic springtime Kyoto scene.
Enjoy the picturesque harmony of the Kamogawa’s clear stream, the surrounding mountains, and the cherry blossoms in nature-rich Kyoto.
The stretch from Sanjo-dori to Shichijo-dori is known as the “Flower Corridor,” where the trees are illuminated at night.
Strolling along the river under the lit-up cherry blossoms is highly recommended.