
Japanese cherry blossoms, or the sakura, are symbols of new beginnings, life, death, friendship, beauty, and, believe it or not, even violence. As the arrival of spring promises new life, so the blooming of these fragrant blossoms brings a sense of vitality and vibrancy. Their short lifespan, meanwhile, tells us that life is fleeting.
One of the best places to choose when you want to view cherry blossoms in Japan is Kyoto. This historic place is a marvelous destination for mesmerizing cherry blossoms because of its scenic spots, parks, temples, and rivers. Read on to find out where it’s best to see cherry blossoms in Kyoto.
1. Philosopher's Path

Several frequent travelers to Kyoto would agree. Situated between the Ginkakuji and Nanzenji Temples, the Philosopher’s Path lies beside a canal that connects the first temple from the area around the other. Every April, you can find hundreds of cherry trees exploding with the colors of bright pink and white blossoms, inviting you to immerse in their beauty. Free admission.
2. Yawaragi Road
If there’s a downside to cherry blossom viewing in Japan, it has to be the crowd. But, should you wish to skip the thick crowds, head over to Yawaragi Road, a path along the Nanatanigawa River located near Kameoka City.
Every cherry blossom peak season, the path is lined with about 1,500 blooming trees. For more drama, you can take a riverboat ride and sail while watching the cherry blossoms around you.
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3. Maruyama Park

Otherwise, when you don’t mind mingling with a large crowd, you can check out the cherry blossoms in Maruyama Park, perhaps the most famous spot for hanami. The centerpiece here is a giant weeping cherry tree that lights up as the night falls. Relax at the various food stands and small restaurants with tables and chairs under the trees. Bring your entire family here.
4. Daigoji Temple
Daigoji Temple bears the name of the grand cherry blossom-viewing party that Toyotomi Hideyoshi, the great samurai warlord of the 16th century. During that time, he had about 700 trees planted for people to look. Now, this number has expanded to over 1,000, even treating you to a gorgeous mountain view behind.
Like the blossoms at Maruyama Park, there are also weeping cherry trees here. A modern-day viewing part that mimics Hideyoshi’s event is held yearly on the second Sunday of April.
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5. Arashiyama

Now, if you are willing to travel to the outskirts of Kyoto for the sake of seeing cherry blossoms in their full and finest glories, consider visiting Arashimaya, a pleasant and busy district on the outskirts. Trees are located around the Togetsukyo Bridge, which is at the foot of the Arashiyama Mountains, as well as along the Nakanoshima Park riverside.
While you’re here and still want a cherry blossoms escapade, tour around the Daikakuji Temple featuring a large pond surrounded by cherry trees.
6. Yodogawa Riverside Park
Viewing sakura at Yodogawa Riverside Park will remind you of your afternoon time just relaxing on the grass, under the trees on your university grounds. At this beautiful spot south of the city, cherry trees line a path running along the top of an embankment between Ujigawa and Kizugawa. While the number of cherry trees here is not sheer, the experience is wonderful as you can scale Mount Otokoyama to reach Iwashimizu Hachimangu Shrine, which is also teeming with gorgeous views.
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7. Nijo Castle
Hundreds of cherry trees in about 50 varieties call Nijo Castle their home. This wooden castle features a blossom-lined path and even an orchard with a cherry blossom variety tourists regard as late bloomers. If those are not enough to invite you, what if you know this is a World Heritage site that also gets illuminated at night? It’s okay to cry when you get here.
8. Heian Shrine

This is a place where weeping cherry trees – or those with branches, stems, and flowers dangling like tears of your favorite anime character – are not supporting characters but the star. The trees are located behind the main buildings of this shrine. This is also the perfect spot for tourists who miss the cherry blossoms by a few days because the cherry trees here still bloom for a while after the end of the sakura season.
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There you have it: eight of the best cherry blossom spots in Kyoto. You are certainly spoiled with choices while you’re here. So, what are you waiting for? Bring your grandpa, grandma, mom, dad, and kids to Kyoto for a cherry blossom experience they won’t ever forget.
Want to explore Kyoto’s best cherry blossom spots? Join our Cherry Blossom Tour in Kyoto where our local guides bring you to the best places in Kyoto to see sakura in full bloom!
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