10 Best Places to See Cherry Blossom in Kyoto 2025

Cherry Blossom in Kyoto typically begin in late March and reach their peak early in April. The period of blooming can only be determined by the weather.

According to forecasts, cherry blossoms in Kyoto are expected to bloom between April 1st and April 7th in 2025.

If you are looking for even more majestic Cherry Blossom spots in Kyoto, check out these 10 additional must-visit locations for an unforgettable Cherry Blossom in Kyoto experience in 2025 with Japan Local and Fun Experiences.

To-ji Temple, celebrated for its five-story tall pagoda, presents excellent cherry blossom viewing alongside one of Kyoto’s oldest wooden pagodas. The temple grounds are brimming with hanging cherry trees and Somei Yoshino, making it a peaceful spot to experience Cherry Blossom in Kyoto. 

Let our expert guide lead you through the rich history and natural beauty of Kyoto, including ancient temples, serene gardens, and vibrant streets. This tour offers a perfect blend of nature, history, and unforgettable memories.

Enhance your cherry blossom experience with our exclusive Kyoto and Nara walking tour Kyoto and Nara Friendly Two-Day Walking Tour with Guide., where you’ll explore breathtaking sakura spots while enjoying authentic local cuisine.

For a more traditional and historic Cherry Blossom in Kyoto experience, there is Daigo-ji Temple, a must-see here. This temple has been one of the most famous places to view cherry blossoms since the 16th century, when a powerful samurai leader, Toyotomi Hideyoshi, threw an over-the-top hanami party here. The sprawling grounds of the temple are home to more than 1,000 cherry trees, which form a beautifully pink landscape, offering an unforgettable Sakura in Kyoto experience.

For something more relaxed and domestic, stroll along the Kamogawa River. Cherry blossom in Kyoto blanket the riverbanks, creating a simply stunning pink path perfect for a casual walk, bike ride, or even picnic. It’s a superior option to temple grounds that are packed and one of the best ways to enjoy the blossoms with a more relaxed vibe.

For a secret spot, head to Hirano Shrine. The shrine has been renowned for its Cherry Blossom in Kyoto since the Heian era (794–1185) and boasts more than 400 cherry trees of various kinds. The shrine also offers a night Hanami celebration with the Sakura illuminated and street food and local entertainment on hand.

For an unforgettable display of Cherry Blossoms, Kyoto Botanical Gardens is your best bet. With over 500 cherry trees of 200 varieties, early-blooming Cherry Blossom in Kyoto as well as late-season types await you. Go there if by chance you have missed peak bloom, as certain trees still hold on to mid-April flowers.

Arashiyama is famous for its bamboo forest, but in spring, the Cherry Blossom in Kyoto along the Katsura River steal the limelight. The Togetsukyo Bridge, surrounded by delicate pale pink Sakura, forms a postcard-perfect setting. You can even hire a boat and paddle under the blossoms for a peaceful, unforgettably beautiful experience.

If you like a quiet, secluded area, Yoshimine-dera Temple is an option. In the mountains of western Kyoto, the temple offers bird-eye vistas of Kyoto’s Sakura. Cherry trees cover the hillside, offering a beautiful but lesser-visited Hanami site for Cherry Blossom in Kyoto.

Experience the best of Kyoto with a serene cherry blossom experience at Yoshimine-dera Temple and an unforgettable culinary adventure in Gion. Book your Food Tour Gion Food Tour with A Local professional Guide customized For You for a mix of peace, culture, and delicious flavors!

For a unique cherry blossom experience, visit Keage Incline, an abandoned railway lined with over 90 cherry trees. In the spring, it is a magical Cherry Blossom in Kyoto tunnel, perfect for photography. The best view would be to see this spot very early in the morning before swarms of visitors arrive.

Located in the heart of Kyoto, the Imperial Palace Park contains many cherry blossom in Kyoto, among them hundreds of weeping cherry blossoms, unusual and highly in bloom. Its large open spaces offer a lovely location for a carefree Hanami picnic. Admission is free, which makes it an ideal substitute for tourists who would like to experience the Sakura of Kyoto on a budget.

Arguably one of the most important of Kyoto’s Zen temples, Nanzen-ji is beautiful also in the spring when the cherry blossom in Kyoto burst forth in beauty. Its historic red-brick aqueduct makes for stunning contrast with its pale pink blossoming sakura. It is a peaceful escape from urban life and a perfect spot to partake of blossoms in more traditional surroundings.

Kyoto Cherry Blossom Festival is an excellent spring celebration in which people gather to soak up sunlight under the Cherry Blossom in Kyoto trees while picnicking, performing, and attending traditional celebrations.

Best Festival Highlights of Cherry Blossom in Kyoto:

It’s a much-populated festival where locals and tourists unite for a view of Kyoto’s cherry blossoms at their blooming best. It has numerous entertaining events, such as traditional shows, food stalls with local cuisine, aىي picnic spaces amidst blooming cherry blossoms. It’s a great experience to watch out for Kyoto’s natural beauty as well as its culture.