The best cherry blossom spots in Kyoto are the Philosopher's Path, the weeping cherry in Maruyama Park, the Heian Shrine garden, Gion Shirakawa's canal, Daigo-ji with its famous blossom history and Arashiyama. The old rail tracks of the Keage Incline and Nijo Castle's evening illuminations round out the season, usually from late March to early April.
Kyoto's blossoms usually peak in late March to early April, a few days after Tokyo's in some years. It is the busiest time of year; visit popular spots at dawn and book hotels months ahead.
A canal path under a tunnel of cherry trees.
The Philosopher's Path follows a canal for about 2 km between Ginkaku-ji and Nanzen-ji, lined with cherry trees.
It is busiest midday.
Good to know: Walk it at 7 a.m.
Tetsugaku-no-michi, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto 606-8406
A famous weeping cherry and hanami parties.
Maruyama Park's giant weeping cherry is lit up at night, surrounded by picnickers and food stalls.
It is next to Yasaka Shrine.
Good to know: Visit at night for the illuminated tree.
463 Maruyamacho, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto 605-0071
Weeping cherries over ponds.
Heian Shrine's garden is famous for its pink weeping cherries reflected in the ponds.
A concert series is sometimes held in season.
Good to know: Go in the morning.
97 Okazaki Nishitennocho, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto 606-8341
Blossoms over a willow-lined canal.
The Shirakawa canal in Gion is lined with cherry trees and old teahouses, lit up at night in season.
It is Kyoto's most romantic blossom spot.
Good to know: Visit after dark for illuminations.
Shirakawa-minami-dori, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto 605-0087
The temple of a legendary 16th-century hanami.
Daigo-ji is famous for the grand cherry-blossom party held by Toyotomi Hideyoshi in 1598; its grounds have many cherry varieties.
It is a UNESCO site.
Good to know: Go early; it is southeast of central Kyoto.
22 Daigohigashiojicho, Fushimi Ward, Kyoto 601-1325
Blossoms along the river and hills.
Arashiyama's riverbanks and hills turn pink, with Togetsukyo Bridge as the centerpiece.
Boats can be rented on the river.
Good to know: Rent a rowboat on the Hozu River.
Togetsukyo Bridge, Sagatenryuji, Ukyo Ward, Kyoto 616-8385
Old rail tracks lined with cherry trees.
The Keage Incline is a disused rail slope once used to haul boats, now a walkway lined with cherry trees.
It is near Nanzen-ji.
Good to know: Walk the tracks early for photos.
Nanzenji Kusakawacho, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto 606-8437
Castle gardens with evening illuminations.
Nijo Castle's gardens have many cherry varieties and evening light-ups in season.
It is central and easy to reach.
Good to know: Check the dates for the night illumination.
541 Nijojocho, Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto 604-8301
Usually late March to early April; check the official forecasts.
The Philosopher's Path and Maruyama Park are the most popular; Daigo-ji is historically famous.
Yes, at Maruyama Park, Gion Shirakawa and Nijo Castle in season.
Very. Go at dawn and visit lesser-known spots.
Maruyama Park and the banks of the Kamo River.