Japan’s cherry blossom season is just around the corner! Every year, March and April mark Japan’s cherry blossom season, when almost the entire country is adorned with white or pink cherry blossoms, drawing in visitors from all over! The 2026 cherry blossom forecast has already been released. Today, we’re recommending 13 famous cherry blossom spots and routes in Kyoto, a renowned cherry blossom destination, to help you prepare before your trip!
2026 Kansai/Kinki Region Cherry Blossom Forecast
*February 12th: Latest Cherry Blossom Forecast Update
Image source: WEATHERNEWS
The latest 2026 cherry blossom forecast was released on February 12th, providing a clearer picture of bloom times in the Kansai region. According to the latest data, Osaka is expected to bloom on March 27th, Kyoto on March 27th, Kobe on March 28th, Nara on March 28th, and Wakayama on March 25th, with blossoms generally appearing in late March. If you’re planning a cherry blossom trip to Kansai, it’s recommended to focus on the last week of March to early April, and continue to monitor future updates for the most accurate bloom information.
Image source: WEATHERNEWS
The Kansai/Kinki region forecast predicts blossoms around late March and full bloom in early April. As shown in the image, Osaka and Kyoto are estimated to bloom on March 26th, Wakayama on March 24th, Nara on March 27th, and Hikone, the latest, on March 31st.
The latest 2026 forecast will be updated upon release.
13 Top Cherry Blossom Viewing Spots in Kyoto for 2026
Photo by Amy Tran on Unsplash
March and April are Japan’s peak season because it’s cherry blossom season! The entire country, from south to north, transforms into a canvas of pink and white cherry blossoms. You can essentially see cherry blossoms in almost any region, which makes choosing where to go quite important! Today, we’re recommending Kyoto, a top destination for Japan’s 2026 cherry blossom season, with 13 cherry blossom viewing spots and routes for your reference.
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Kiyomizu-dera Temple
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While Kiyomizu-dera Temple has been recommended countless times as a cherry blossom viewing spot, its cherry blossom scenery, as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is truly breathtaking and a must-see! Approximately 1,500 cherry trees are planted within the temple grounds. Not only can you enjoy cherry blossoms during the day, but there are also “night illumination” events during the cherry blossom season. It gets extremely crowded, but even if you have to queue and jostle, we still recommend visiting Kiyomizu-dera for cherry blossom viewing!
Hours: 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Evening cherry blossoms: March 25 – April 3, 2025 (last admission 9:00 PM)
Address: 1-294 Kiyomizu, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto City
Transportation: Get off at “Gojo-zaka” or “Kiyomizu-michi” bus stops and walk approx. 10 minutes, or get off at Keihan Railway “Kiyomizu-Gojo Station” and walk approx. 25 minutes.
To-ji Temple
Credit: Imayama.jp
Kyoto’s To-ji Temple, also a World Heritage site, is not only a sacred place for autumn foliage but also an excellent spot for cherry blossom viewing. Especially during the cherry blossom season, To-ji’s night illuminations light up not only all the cherry trees but also the famous “Five-Story Pagoda,” creating a truly dreamlike atmosphere within the temple grounds. It’s definitely one of the must-visit cherry blossom spots in Kyoto.
Evening cherry blossoms: March 20 – May 25, 2025 (Sunday) 6:00 PM – 9:30 PM (last admission 9:00 PM)
Address: 1 Kujo-cho, Minami Ward, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture
Transportation: Kintetsu To-ji Station (approx. 10-minute walk), JR Kyoto Station Hachijo Exit (approx. 15-minute walk), bus stops To-ji Minamimon-mae, To-ji Higashimon-mae, Kujo Omiya, To-ji Nishimon-mae.
Philosopher’s Path
Credit: Imayama
The Philosopher’s Path is located in Kyoto’s Sakyo Ward, surrounded by famous temples such as Nanzen-ji Temple, Ginkaku-ji Temple, and Eikan-do Temple. When cherry blossom season arrives, the cherry trees on both sides of the canal intertwine to form a stunning “pink tunnel.” If you experience “sakura fubuki” (falling cherry blossom petals), the scattered petals covering the canal create a pink river, which is incredibly romantic and makes it one of Kyoto’s top cherry blossom destinations.
Hours: 24 hours
Evening cherry blossoms: Not regularly held
Address: Jodoji Shimonamida-cho, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture
Transportation: From Kyoto Station, take the Karasuma Line to Marutamachi Station, then walk 2 minutes to the Karasuma Marutamachi bus stop. Transfer to bus #204 or #93 and alight at Kinrinshako-mae, then walk approx. 5 minutes to reach Philosopher’s Path.
Nijo Castle
Credit: Imayama.jp
Kyoto’s Nijo Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage site, boasts not only traditional Japanese architecture but also breathtaking garden landscapes, attracting countless visitors every year. Nijo Castle is especially stunning in spring, with around 50 varieties and over 400 cherry trees blooming one after another, painting the entire castle grounds in shades of pink. There are also night illumination shows, making Nijo Castle one of the most famous cherry blossom viewing spots in Kyoto, and even all of Japan.
Hours: Mid-March – Mid-April, 8:45 AM – 4:00 PM (castle closes at 5:00 PM)
Evening cherry blossoms: March 8 – April 7, 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM (castle closes at 10:00 PM)
Address: 541 Nijojo-cho, Horikawa-nishi-iru, Nijo-dori, Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto City
Transportation: Take a Kyoto City Bus to “Nijo-jo-mae” bus stop and walk approx. 1 minute.
Takase River
Photo by Jake Weirick on Unsplash
Next, we recommend this most “authentic” Kyoto cherry blossom spot: the Takase River, located in the heart of Kyoto. The Takase River is in Kyoto’s Nakagyo Ward, a popular area for both tourists and locals, close to the Kawaramachi district, and bustling with various restaurants and bars. The rows of cherry trees blooming along this small river can be considered a “hidden gem” for cherry blossom viewing in Kyoto. We highly recommend it for your Kyoto cherry blossom trip!
Hours: 24 hours
Evening cherry blossoms: Traditionally late March – early April; 6:30 PM – 11:00 PM
Address: Kawaramachi Keihan Station section, near Shijo Kawaramachi
Transportation: From Kyoto Station, take City Bus #4, #17, or #205 to “Shijo Kawaramachi Station” and walk approx. 3 minutes; or take Keihan Railway – Keihan Main Line to “Gion Shijo” or “Kiyomizu-Gojo” and walk approx. 8 minutes; or take Hankyu Railway – Kyoto Line to “Kawaramachi” and walk approx. 5 minutes.
Heian Jingu Shrine
Image source: photoAC
Heian Jingu Shrine boasts the largest red torii gate in Kyoto. Its four gardens offer different landscapes where you can admire beautiful cherry blossoms interwoven with garden scenery. It’s most famous for its weeping cherry trees (shidarezakura). In previous years, evening cherry blossom viewing included the “Red Weeping Cherry Blossom Concert,” combining music with the beautiful scenery, making it a unique cherry blossom spot!
Hours: Traditionally late March – early April
Evening cherry blossoms: Times not yet announced, traditionally late March – early April
Address: 97 Okazaki Nishitenno-cho, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto City
Transportation: Get off at Kyoto Municipal Subway Tozai Line “Higashiyama Station” and walk approx. 10 minutes; or get off at Keihan Electric Railway Oto Line “Sanjo Station” or “Jingu Marutamachi Station” and walk approx. 15 minutes.
Arashiyama
Image source: photoAC
Arashiyama, one of “Japan’s Top 100 Cherry Blossom Spots!” Among its most famous viewing locations are Tenryu-ji Temple, Togetsukyo Bridge, and Arashiyama Park. While it can be crowded during cherry blossom season, the area is spacious, so it’s less likely to feel overly packed. The editor highly recommends taking a stroll in Arashiyama Park; the vast cherry tree groves make you feel like you’ve entered a cherry blossom forest. Hop on the “Arashiyama Scenic Railway” and journey into this pink wonderland!
Hours: 24 hours
Address: 11-1 Sagatenryūji Kurumamichichō, Ukyo Ward, Kyoto, 616-8373 Japan
Transportation: From “Kyoto” Station, take the JR Sanin Main Line rapid train, alight at “Saga-Arashiyama” Station, and walk approx. 12 minutes.
Kamigamo Shrine
Image source: photoAC
One of Kyoto’s oldest shrines, Kamigamo Shrine, primarily features single cherry trees. The most prominent is the approximately 10-meter-tall, 150-year-old “Saiō-zakura,” which, when in full bloom, creates a stunning cascade of petals. Another famous cherry tree is the “Gosho-zakura,” transplanted by order of Emperor Komei. Seeing these two cherry trees alone makes the visit worthwhile!
Hours: Traditionally late March – mid-April (not yet announced)
Address: 339 Kamigamo Motoyama, Kita Ward, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture
Transportation: Take a bus from Kyoto Station, Karasuma Line Kitaoji Station, etc., to “Kamigamo Misonobashi” and walk 5 minutes, or take a bus to “Kamigamo Jinja-mae (Misonoguchi-cho)” and arrive directly.
Hirano Shrine
Image source: photoAC
Hirano Shrine, with over 50 varieties of cherry trees and a shrine crest featuring cherry blossoms, hosts numerous stalls during the blooming season. In addition to free worship, you can relax under the cherry trees and enjoy snacks. Looking out at the white and pink cherry blossoms amidst the red stalls gives a distinct Japanese festival (enyukai) vibe. It’s a must-visit when in Kyoto!
Hours: 6:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Evening cherry blossoms: March 22 – April 13, 2025 (sunset – 9:00 PM)
Address: 1 Hirano Miyamoto-cho, Kita Ward, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture
Transportation: From JR Kyoto Station, take Kyoto City Bus systems 205 or 50, alight at “Kinugasa Kōmae” and walk north for 3 minutes; or from Keifuku Electric Railroad Kitano Line “Kitano Hakubaicho Station” and walk 7 minutes.
Kodai-ji Temple
Image source: photoAC
Kodai-ji Temple was built by Nene, the lawful wife of Toyotomi Hideyoshi, to mourn her deceased husband. She also lived and passed away here in her later years, hence the temple is also known as “Nene’s Temple.” During the cherry blossom season, the entire temple grounds are illuminated at night. Tickets are not sold separately; you can purchase a combined ticket with the Kodaiji Sho Museum to witness the beautiful “Phantom Night Cherry Blossoms!”
Hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Evening cherry blossoms (this year’s times not yet announced): Traditionally 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Address: 526 Kodaiji Shimogawara-cho, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture
Transportation: From JR “Kyoto Station,” take a bus (City Bus 206) to “Higashiyama Yasui” bus stop and walk approx. 7 minutes; or from Keihan Electric Railway “Gion Shijo Station” and walk approx. 15 minutes; or from Hankyu Electric Railway “Kyoto Kawaramachi Station” and walk approx. 17 minutes.
Daigo-ji Temple
Image source: photoAC
Daigo-ji Temple is also known as “Daigo of Flowers.” Toyotomi Hideyoshi once chose this location for a grand cherry blossom viewing party. The temple grounds boast around 700 cherry trees, including Somei Yoshino trees over a hundred years old. Every second Sunday of April, the lively “Hana-no-Daigo” (Toyotaiko Hanami Gyoretsu) procession is held. With its blooming cherry blossoms and spectacular “sakura fubuki” (falling petals), it’s a must-visit cherry blossom spot in Kyoto!
Hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Evening cherry blossoms: Not regularly held
Special cherry blossom event: The “Hana-no-Daigo” (Toyotaiko Hanami Gyoretsu) procession is held on the second Sunday of April each year.
Address: 22 Daigohigashioji-cho, Fushimi Ward, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture
Transportation: From Kyoto Municipal Subway Tozai Line “Daigo Station,” walk approx. 10 minutes; or from JR “Kyoto Station,” take a bus for approx. 30 minutes to “Daigo-ji Temple Station” bus stop and arrive directly.
Fukuchiyama Castle
Image source: photoAC
Fukuchiyama Castle, one of Japan’s Top 100 Castles, was built by Akechi Mitsuhide. It suffered several damages and later had its keep reconstructed and restored. In spring, cherry blossoms bloom around the castle walls, attracting many visitors. It’s said that finding a heart-shaped stone among the stone walls brings good fortune in love, making it a popular romantic spot. Coupled with the soft pink of the cherry blossoms, everything feels even more romantic!
Hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Address: 5 Naiki, Fukuchiyama City, Kyoto Prefecture
Transportation: Get off at JR Sanin Line “Fukuchiyama Station” or KTR Miyafuku Line “Fukuchiyama Station” and walk 15 minutes.
Yodogawa River Park Sewaritei
Image source: photo AC
Yodogawa River Park Sewaritei features a cherry blossom tunnel stretching approximately 4.2 kilometers, making it one of Japan’s longest cherry blossom viewing spots, attracting countless tourists and photography enthusiasts. When spring arrives, thousands of cherry trees bloom simultaneously, forming a dazzling pink ribbon that offers visitors a dreamlike cherry blossom experience. The “Sewaritei Sakura Matsuri” (Cherry Blossom Festival) is also held annually, where you can enjoy the fully bloomed cherry blossoms along the river by boat, and even ascend an observation deck for panoramic views of the cherry blossom scenery!
Hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Special cherry blossom event: March 22-23, March 29-30, April 5-6 (weekends only, six days total)
Address: Yawata Zaioji-uchi, Yawata City, Kyoto Prefecture
Transportation: Get off at Keihan Electric Railway “Iwashimizu-hachimangu Station” and walk 10-15 minutes to arrive.
Book Your Flights and Hotels – Get Ready for Cherry Blossom Viewing in Japan!
Photo by James Pere on Unsplash
These are the 13 cherry blossom spots we recommend in Kyoto today! March and April mark the beginning of Japan’s cherry blossom season, and many people have already booked their flights and hotels to fly to Japan for cherry blossom viewing. We recommend checking the latest bloom time information and conditions on the Japan Meteorological Corporation website before you depart!
AloJapan.com