花見・夜桜 Hanami & Yozakura
Cherry blossom viewing. Peak bloom is usually late March to early April. Maruyama Park, the Philosopher’s Path and Daigoji are among the best known spots.
- Where
- 円山公園・哲学の道・醍醐寺・仁和寺ほか
- How to enjoy it
- Dates shift every year, so check the bloom forecast. Weekday mornings are the quietest.
Background
Kyoto has many cherry blossom spots, usually blooming from late March to early April. Maruyama Park's Gion weeping cherry, the Philosopher's Path, Daigoji Temple, and Ninnaji's Omuro cherries each have their character. Some temples light up blossoms at night (yozakura).
What to see
- Picnicking under the Gion weeping cherry at Maruyama Park
- The cherry tunnel of the Philosopher's Path
- Daigoji's Toyotomi hanami procession (2nd Sunday of April)
- Night illuminations at Kodaiji, Kiyomizudera and others
Timeline
- Late Mar - early Apr
- First bloom to full bloom (check the yearly forecast)
- Late Mar - mid Apr
- Night illumination period at some temples
How to watch
- Parks and streets are free; temple gardens usually charge
- Night viewing needs a separate evening ticket
- Picnics allowed at Maruyama Park; most temples ban food and drink
- The season is short; crowds peak around full bloom
Getting there
Maruyama Park: about 10 min on foot from Keihan Gion-shijo. Philosopher's Path: city bus to Ginkakuji-michi. Daigoji: about 10 min on foot from Daigo subway station. Ninnaji: right at Randen Omuro-Ninnaji Station.
Good to know
When is the best time?
Check the yearly blossom forecast; the week around full bloom. Kyoto City tourism publishes bloom updates.
Do night viewings need reservations?
Usually not; buy tickets on site, arrive early for popular temples.
Can I still enjoy them in the rain?
Yes, though heavy rain shortens the season.
Can I eat while viewing?
Yes at parks like Maruyama; mostly banned inside temple grounds.