Spring is fast approaching, and with it, the highly anticipated arrival of cherry blossoms. If sakura spotting is high on your list this year, Kyoto is the place to be from late March through early April.
There is a reason this ancient capital remains one of Japan’s most picturesque spring destinations. Its many Unesco World Heritage sites, temples and shrines boast meticulously landscaped gardens that transform into a sea of pink each year. When set against a backdrop of heritage architecture, the blooming sakura creates the most breathtaking scene, one that has become synonymous with springtime in Japan.
Moreover, many of these iconic attractions will even open briefly for special night visits, offering a unique opportunity to admire the blooms at different times of day. If you think sakura look ethereal by day, wait till you see them bathed in soft illumination after nightfall – it’s truly unforgettable.
So let us guide you to Kyoto’s best cherry blossom events and illuminations this year: from the centuries-old Nijo Castle and the sprawling mountainside Daigoji temple to a hidden town with one of the region’s largest cherry blossom tunnels, just 20 minutes by train from central Kyoto.
BEFORE YOU GO: Check the 2026 cherry blossom forecast for the latest flowering and peak bloom dates
AloJapan.com