The cherry blossom season has arrived in Kyoto. Enjoying cherry blossoms is not only for the daytime.
For a long time, Japanese people have enjoyed “night cherry blossoms,” where the flowers are lit up in the dark.
There are many places in Kyoto to see illuminated cherry blossoms.

This time, we asked MK Taxi drivers, who work on the front lines of Kyoto tourism, about their recommended night cherry blossom spots!
So, which places do the Kyoto tourism professionals recommend?

Hirano Shrine (Kita Ward)

Cherry Blossom Spot Guide

“Hirano night cherry blossoms” have been famous since the Edo period, along with “Maruyama night cherry blossoms.”
Under the cherry blossoms lit by firelight, people have enjoyed eating and drinking from the past to today.

Speaking of Hirano Shrine, it is famous for having about 60 kinds of cherry blossoms.
Many rare cherry blossoms spread across Japan from this shrine.

However, the main highlight at night is the Somei Yoshino cherry blossoms.
The area in the southwest of the shrine, where Somei Yoshino bloom, is lit up at night.

Hirano Shrine’s night cherry blossoms have long been popular because of the “Sakura Tea Stalls” set up in the grounds.
Temporary stalls were installed, and many people enjoyed eating and drinking under the night blossoms.

However, placing heavy items near the roots of the cherry trees is not good for them,
and over time, the trees at Hirano Shrine became weaker due to these stalls.

To improve this situation, the Sakura tea stalls were discontinued starting in 2022.

You can enjoy the night cherry blossoms at Hirano Shrine in front of the shrine gate and in the area where the Sakura tea stalls used to be.
There is no cherry blossom lighting inside the gate or in the Sakura garden.

In front of the gate, there are rare cherry trees such as the Sakigake-zakura.
In the former tea stall area, most of the trees are Somei Yoshino and weeping cherry blossoms.

At night, most of the valuable Hirano cherry varieties cannot be seen.

MK Taxi Recommended Points

The large number of cherry blossoms is overwhelming—one of the top cherry blossom spots.
The whole shrine feels filled with cherry blossoms, especially the view with the large torii gate, which is extremely beautiful.
The combination of food stalls and illuminated cherry blossoms also makes a great दृश्य.
When you pass through the torii from Nishioji Street, you can see a stunning illuminated cherry blossom view.

Visitor Information

• Hours: Open during the daytime
• Admission: Free entry to the grounds
• Tel: 075-461-4450
• Address: 1 Hirano Miyamotocho, Kita Ward, Kyoto City
• Access: 7 minutes on foot from Kitano-Hakubaicho Station (Randen)

Kyoto Botanical Gardens (Sakyo Ward)

Cherry Blossom Spot Guide

It is the oldest and most visited public botanical garden in Japan.
The Kyoto Botanical Gardens are beautiful throughout the year with many kinds of plants, but the cherry blossom season has the most visitors.
At the peak of the cherry blossoms, up to 20,000 people visited in a single day.

During the cherry blossom illumination hours, about half of the large botanical garden, where you can enjoy the blossoms, is open.
Among them, the illuminated Somei Yoshino near the greenhouse is especially impressive.
Beyond the bright red tulips, the softly lit Somei Yoshino cherry trees appear beautifully.
Eating is allowed in the Kyoto Botanical Gardens, but drinking alcohol is not permitted.

MK Taxi Recommended Points

• As expected of a botanical garden, the cherry trees are well cared for and very impressive.
• There are fewer people, so you can walk leisurely and enjoy the illuminated cherry blossoms.
• There are many cherry trees and varieties, making it very worthwhile to see.

Admission Information
Closed: December 28 – January 4
Hours: 9:00–17:00 (last entry at 16:00)
Admission Fee: Adults: 500 yen
　　　　　　 High school students / 65 and over: 250 yen
　　　　　　 Junior high school students and younger: Free
Tel: 075-701-0141
Address: Shimogamo Hangicho, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto City
Access: Right next to Kitayama Station (Subway)

Cherry Blossom Illumination
Period: April 1 (Wed) – April 5 (Sun), 2026
Time: 17:30–21:00 (last entry at 20:30)

Nijo Castle (Nakagyo Ward)

Cherry Blossom Spot Guide

About 300 cherry trees of various varieties are planted at Nijo Castle.
Because there are many types, from early-blooming to late-blooming, you can enjoy the cherry blossoms for a long period.

During the cherry blossom season, Nijo Castle held cherry blossom illumination events produced by the creative company NAKED from 2019 to 2025.
In 2026, it will be held as “Nijo Castle Sakura Festival 2026.”

Night cherry blossoms began with torchlight in the Edo period, but now they have evolved to this level—something unimaginable even 10 years ago.
If you want to experience the most advanced night cherry blossoms, be sure to visit the illumination at Nijo Castle.
What kind of night cherry blossoms will people in Japan enjoy in 10 or 20 years?

MK Taxi Recommended Points

• The “Nijo Castle Sakura Festival” produced by NAKED features projection mapping and blue and pink lights illuminating the cherry trees, creating a stunning view.
• The illumination stands out, with a strong contrast between light and dark and a grand atmosphere.
• The lighting is beautiful at night, but you can also see many cherry blossoms during the day, making it feel worthwhile.
• The dynamic cherry blossom illumination with the castle as a backdrop is amazing.

Admission Information
Hours: 8:45–17:00 (last entry at 16:00)
Admission Fee: Adults: 800 yen (Ninomaru Palace: +500 yen)
　　　　　　 Junior & high school students: 400 yen
　　　　　　 Elementary school students: 300 yen
Address: 541 Nijojo-cho, Nijo-dori Horikawa Nishi-iru, Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto City
Access: Right next to Nijojo-mae Station (Subway)

Nijo Castle Sakura Festival 2026
Period: March 19 (Thu) – April 19 (Sun), 2026
Time: 18:00–21:00 (closing at 22:00)
(Separate from regular daytime admission)
Fees: Same-day tickets (advance tickets also available)

[Mon–Thu]
Junior high and above: 2,800 yen
Elementary school: 2,000 yen

[Fri–Sun & Holidays]
Junior high and above: 3,000 yen
Elementary school: 2,200 yen

[Apr 4 (Sat), Apr 5 (Sat), Apr 11 (Sat)]
Junior high and above: 3,200 yen
Elementary school: 2,400 yen

Takase River (Shimogyo Ward)

Cherry Blossom Spot Guide

The Takase River runs along Kiyamachi Street, one of the busiest areas in Kyoto.
In the past, it served as an important waterway connecting Kyoto and Osaka, supporting daily life in Kyoto.
Today, it no longer functions as a canal, but in spring you can enjoy beautiful rows of cherry blossoms.

The Takase River runs from Nijo to Fushimi, but cherry blossom illumination is held between Oike Street and Gojo Street.
Especially south of Shijo Street, it is lit with lanterns as part of the “Shimokiyamachi Sakura Illumination.”
Being able to enjoy such beautiful night cherry blossoms right in the middle of a busy downtown area feels truly luxurious.

Since it is a busy downtown area, there are many people at night, so you need to be careful. However, you can also enjoy the cherry blossom illumination from a car along Kiyamachi Street.
It is usually held from late March to early April each year.

There are stories of people, slightly drunk, falling into the Takase River while walking along Kiyamachi Street.
Although the water level is shallow, people can still drown even in shallow water.
It would be fine if you just get wet, but there is still a risk to your life, so be careful not to fall into the Takase River.

At night, many taxis pass along Kiyamachi Street, including MK Taxi.
It’s also a nice option to enjoy the Takase River’s night cherry blossoms from a taxi window.

MK Taxi Recommended Points

• Since it is in the city center, everyday life and the feeling of the season come together, making it a spot worth passing through.
• From fine restaurants to casual bars, people of all ages walk and enjoy the cherry blossoms, creating an interesting scene.
• Walking along the Takase River during cherry blossom season is highly recommended.
• Especially around Bukkoji Street—it’s nice to drive through slowly and enjoy the view.

Shimokiyamachi Night Cherry Blossoms
Period: Late March to early April (varies depending on bloom timing)
Time: 18:00–23:00

Conclusion

Did you find any cherry blossom illumination spots that interest you?
There are actually many more recommended spots that we couldn’t cover here.
Why not try making your own ranking of cherry blossom light-up spots?

That’s all for this ranking of recommended cherry blossom illuminations in Kyoto, introduced by a Kyoto travel expert!
We hope this helps with your trip to Kyoto during cherry blossom season!

For sightseeing in Kyoto, leave it to MK’s chartered sightseeing taxi.
Your private driver is a Kyoto expert who handles both transport and guiding.