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Kyoto Sakura 2023: Best Places to See Cherry Blossoms in Kyoto 2023

Updated: Feb 18, 2023

Spring is coming. If Kyoto is in your Japan itinerary, you are in the right direction.


Sakura is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Kyoto among locals. Is it a surprise, though? Not really. Kyoto has some of the best cherry blossom viewing spots in Japan. It’s on the bucket list of many travelers because Kyoto just delivers the most outstanding ‘hanami’ or flower viewing in all of Japan.



When is cherry blossom season in Japan in 2023?

Cherry blossom season in Japan often falls between late March and early May. However, there’s no certainty as to when exactly they bloom as it varies depending on the region.


Per the latest Japan sakura forecast 2023, cherry trees are expected to start budding with flowers on March 17 in Fukuoka, the earliest among all prefectures. Meanwhile, sakura in Sapporo is expected to start budding on April 23.


Here’s the cherry blossom prediction in Japan in 2023 as of February 18, 2023:

  • Fukuoka - Flowering on March 21; Full bloom on April 1

  • Tokyo - Flowering on March 18; Full bloom on March 27

  • Hiroshima - Flowering on March 24; Full bloom on April 3

  • Nagoya - Flowering on March 22; Full bloom on April 1

  • Osaka - Flowering on March 26; Full bloom on April 3

  • Kyoto - Flowering on March 24; Full bloom on April 2

  • Kanazawa - Flowering on April 1; Full bloom on April 7

  • Sendai - Flowering on April 4; Full bloom on April 9

  • Sapporo - Flowering on April 29; Full bloom on May 2

  • Wakayama - Flowering on March 25; Full bloom on April 2

  • Kochi - Flowering on March 20; Full bloom on March 28

  • Kagoshima - Flowering on March 30; Full bloom on April 9

  • Aomori - Flowering on April 18; Full bloom on April 22

  • Nagano - Flowering on April 6; Full bloom on April 11

Use this Japan 2023 cherry blossom forecast as a guide. This is just a forecast, thus we don’t know exactly when the cherry blossoms start.


As we approach springtime, we will be able to tell clearly when cherry blossoms start to flower and bloom in full. So stay tuned for updates!



What is the best time to visit Japan for cherry blossoms in 2023?

The best time to visit Japan for cherry blossoms is between March and April. However, you need to consider two things before deciding.


First, cherry blossom dates are only mere forecasts. There’s a fair chance you won’t catch cherry blossoms in full bloom if the timing is wrong. That’s just how nature works.


Second, where are you going? In some prefectures, cherry blossoms don’t last as long as in other places. Typically, cherry blossoms last for two weeks. But in places like Sendai and Sapporo, cherry blossoms wither away after a couple of days.



Cherry Blossom Season Kyoto 2023

Watching sakura in Kyoto in 2023 is one of the most exciting things to do in Kyoto. The flowering of cherry blossoms in Kyoto is expected to start on March 24 while the full bloom is expected on April 2.


Kyoto has some of the best cherry blossom spots in Japan. Its abundance is definitely a reason to come visit Kyoto.



10 Best Places to See Cherry Blossoms in Kyoto 2023

There are so many pretty sights to see in Kyoto this spring. Make sure to include hanami viewing spots in your Kyoto itinerary.


Here are the best places to view cherry blossoms in Kyoto in 2023:


1. Philosopher’s Path


Entrance fee: Free


Location: Runs between Ginkaku-ji and Nanzen-ji


Opening hours: 24 hours


2. Maruyama-Koen Park

Entrance fee: Free


Location: Maruyamacho, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto


Opening hours: 24 hours


3. Kamo-gawa River


Entrance fee: Free


Opening hours: 24 hours


4. Hirano Shrine

Entrance fee: Free


Location: Hirano, Kita Ward, Kyoto


Opening hours: 6:00 am - 5:00 pm


5. Kiyomizu-Dera

Entrance fee: 400 JYP (~3 USD)


Location: 1-chōme-294 Kiyomizu, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto


Opening hours: 6:00 am - 6:00 pm


6. Nijo Castle

Entrance fee: 800 JYP (~6 USD)


Location: 541 Nijojocho, Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto


Opening hours: 8:45 am - 4:00 pm


7. Toji Temple

Entrance fee: 500 JYP (~4 USD)


Location: 1 Kujocho, Minami Ward, Kyoto


Opening hours: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm


8. Arashiyama



9. Kyoto Botanical Gardens


Entrance fee: 200 JYP (~2 USD)


Location: Shimogamo Hangicho, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto


Opening hours: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm


10. Keage Incline

Entrance fee: Free


Location: 339 Higashikomonozacho, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto


Opening hours: 24 hours



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