The best places to see cherry blossoms in Kyoto

Cultural expert Sara Aiko shares her picks for the best places to admire cherry blossoms in Kyoto, from the secluded Heian Shrine to Kiyomizu Temple at night.

Welcoming spring each year with vibrant shades of pink and white, sakura (cherry blossom) season is one of Japan's most beloved natural attractions. The celebrated flower symbolises renewal and impermanence, as the ephemeral buds can only be viewed for a short period of time each year between March to early May. Blanketing mountains, lining rivers and park walkways, the delicate blossoms that burst across cities like Kyoto inspire hanami (flower viewing) parties for residents and tourists alike. We spoke to Sara Aiko, Condé Nast Travel Specialist and founder of boutique travel agency Curated Kyoto, to find out the best places to admire the sakura in Kyoto.

"What makes Kyoto so special is the way it expresses and celebrates beauty," said Aiko, who has lived in Kyoto since 2010. "From the beautiful architecture to the elegant ceramic bowls and the intricate food presentation… everything is performed and presented in such a way that beauty can be felt naturally, rather than being forced. It's a way of life."

These expressions of beauty come alive during hanami season, and with over 2,000 temples and shrines and 17 Unesco World Heritage sites in the city, Kyoto offers particularly stunning backdrops to witness cherry blossoms.

"The cherry blossom trees, of course, steal the show with their stunning beauty," said Aiko. "Whether capturing their splendour with your camera or simply immersing yourself in the moment by sitting under them along the north of the Kamo River, it's an experience that's truly special."

Here are Sara Aiko's five favourite places to admire the cherry blossoms in Kyoto.

1. Best for beating the crowds: Heian Shrine

Springtime in Kyoto ushers in blossoming sakura – but also droves of people. While Aiko does recommend braving the crowds to visit top cherry blossom destinations like the Arashiyama district or the Philosopher's Path, one of her personal favourite spots for a bit more solitude is the Heian Shrine. Built to commemorate Kyoto's former standing as the capital of Japan, the late 19th-Century Shinto shrine is a must-see for its massive red torii gate and tranquil garden that surrounds a central lake.

"As you approach the shrine, you may not see any trees," said Aiko. "But upon paying the entrance fee (¥600 [£3.15]) and entering the temple garden, visitors will be greeted by delightful sakura trees mingling with other flora. The garden, designed in the Japanese strolling style, invites guests to wander and savour the diverse sights and blossoms it offers."

Aiko noted that visitors can also head to the nearby Okazaki Canal where cherry blossoms drape the river embankment's southern side, or Okazaki Park, a former castle that explodes with blossoms along its pathways.

"If you're strolling from the city centre, don't miss a visit to Toriba Coffee for a superb takeaway brew," said Aiko. "And for a delightful lunch spot, Tan, a beautiful Japanese restaurant, is just a 15-minute walk away." Reservations are recommended.

Website: https://www.heianjingu.or.jp/english/english.html

Address: 97 Okazaki Nishitennocho, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto, 606-8341, Japan

Phone: +81757610221

Instagram: @heianjingu_official

2. Best for enjoying a bento box or picnic: Kamo River

Hanami can be as simple as a leisurely stroll through a park, but traditionally, it involves a picnic party beneath the blooming trees when colleagues, friends or families gather with beers and sake to relish the beauty of the blossoms and celebrate the arrival of warmer weather after a long, isolating winter.

Aiko's favourite hanami spot in Kyoto is the Kamo River. "Since Kyoto boasts few parks, the riverbank becomes a hub for various activities, including walking beloved pets, exercising, reading, and of course, enjoying hanami," she said. "I recommend experiencing hanami anywhere along the stretch from the Sanjo Bridge to the Kitayama area (northern Kyoto), where the blossoms are most abundant. You'll encounter enthusiastic hanami-goers of all ages, eagerly flocking to the river from early morning, armed with their signature blue picnic mats to claim a prime spot."

She suggests bringing along a mat, a bottle of good wine or sake (yes, public drinking is legal in Japan), and a bento (lunch box) filled with delicious treats like grilled fish, fried pork cutlet, rice and pickled vegetables.

"You can find quality bento boxes at department stores such as Takashiyama and Isetan," said Aiko. "Particularly on the basement floor. Additionally, Kyoto is renowned for its pastries and bread, so make sure to visit one of the city's many bakeries for the perfect picnic treat – my personal favourite being Bakery Uki."

3. Best for admiring the cherry blossoms at night-time: Kiyomizu Temple

Experiencing sakura is a romantic experience in and of itself, but to experience cherry blossoms at their most magical, Aiko recommends seeing them when they're lit up at night. Several temples in Kyoto host evening cherry blossom illumination events, including places of worship that extend their hours past 17:00 to welcome visitors, including Kiyomizu Temple.

"Among the 17 Unesco World Heritage Sites in Kyoto, Kiyomizu Temple stands out as one of the most popular destinations during this season," said Aiko. "And for good reason. Its grounds are adorned with cherry trees, and the sight of Kyoto city in the background, set against the glow of the illuminated trees, is simply breath-taking."

Aiko noted that Kiyomizu's neighbouring temple, Kodaiji Temple, also hosts a cherry blossom illumination event, offering visitors the opportunity to explore two stunning locations in the area.

"And if you're keen for a third spot," she said. "Take a stroll down to Maruyama Park to marvel at the weeping cherry blossoms."

Website: https://www.kiyomizudera.or.jp/en/ 

Address: 1 Chome-294 Kiyomizu, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, 605-0862, Japan

Phone: +81755511234

Instagram: @feel_kiyomizudera

4. Best for a panoramic view of the sakura: Haradani-en Garden

A few years back, Aiko says she accidentally discovered what she calls a cherry blossom utopia, tucked away on a hill in the north of Kyoto. "Haradani-en Garden, a tad off from the city (but conveniently close to the Golden Temple), is a privately-owned garden that generously opens its gates for a limited time, specifically during the cherry blossom extravaganza in spring and the autumn leaf spectacle," she said.

Aiko notes that the garden – open from 25 March to 14 April  – is so exclusive that many Kyoto residents don't even know about it. "In this little-known sanctuary, you'll find over 400 cherry trees of 20 different varieties sprawled across 13,000 sq m, showcasing an impressive palette of pink and white blossoms," said Aiko. "Take your camera and note that the garden doesn't allow tripods."

Website: http://www.haradanien.com

Address: 36 Okitayamaharadaniinuicho, Kita Ward, Kyoto, 603-8487, Japan

Phone: +81754612924

5. Best for late blooming cherry blossoms: Sanzen-in Temple

While cherry blossom season in Kyoto typically spans from late March to the first two weeks of April, unpredictable shifts due to global warming – like 2023's early bloom – are increasingly common. But Aiko says that if you missed the peak bloom in the city, don't fret.

"A short journey northward may still offer breath-taking spring vistas," she said. "Nestled in the ancient farming village of Ohara, Sanzen-in Temple's cherry blossoms tend to bloom slightly later due to the region's cooler temperatures. Around early to mid-April, approximately 500 cherry blossoms adorn the temple grounds, creating a stunning scene. For accurate bloom forecasts, consider checking online or consulting your hotel concierge."

Sanzen-in Temple holds historical significance as one of Kyoto's five Monzeki Temples, where members of the Imperial family traditionally served as head priests. The Ohara area, home to the temple, is renowned as the city's vegetable garden, supplying delicious local delicacies to restaurants and dining tables. To enhance your Ohara experience, Aiko recommends exploring eateries such as Somushi, a Korean-inspired restaurant, or Kulm, a charming café offering picturesque views.

Website: http://www.sanzenin.or.jp/en/

Address: 540 Ohararaikoincho, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto, 601-1242, Japan

Phone: +81757442531

Instagram: @sanzenin_temple_official

BBC Travel's The SpeciaList is a series of guides to popular and emerging destinations around the world, as seen through the eyes of local experts and tastemakers.

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