Top Cherry Blossom Spots in Kyoto
Matthew Baxter
There are so many great places to see cherry blossoms in Kyoto, so here are some of my highlights! You could save some money and walk between them all, so use our Google Map below or circle them on one of the free tourist maps that are available from tourist information centers and stations all across Kyoto.
Gion
An almost magical place to see the cherry blossoms is in the evening along the Shirakawa river in Gion. It gets packed, but is well worth the visit.
Access: Go to Gion and walk to Minami-Shirakawa-dori (Gion Shijo station exit 9)
Philosopher’s Walk
The cherry blossom season is the best time to take this walking route. There are cherry blossoms all along the way, plus a few attractions, such as small shrines surrounded by blossom trees, along the way.
Kiyomizudera Temple
One of the best ways to see the cherry blossoms is with a ‘light up’ display, and Kiyomizudera Temple has has one of the best. The temple grounds are full of sakura trees.
Kamo River
A great (and free) to enjoy Sakura is to take a nice stroll down a river lined with cherry blossom trees. Kamo River is a very popular in Kyoto.
Access: You can walk 15 minutes east of Kyoto station to reach it, or take the train to Sanjo or Sanjokeihan station.
Yasaka Shrine and Maruyama Park
This shrine and the surrounding cherry blossoms trees make for a nice, relaxing stroll. Maruyama Park is right next to Yasaka Shrine.
There are also many great spots near Kyoto, so be sure to check out our Japan Top 10 Cherry Blossom spots and our budget travel Cherry Blossom guide.
