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?

Gion Shirakawa (Higashiyama Area)

Cherry Blossom Spot Introduction

Gion Shirakawa is the central area of Gion, where many traditional entertainment streets are located.
The clear Shirakawa River, flowing from Mount Hiei, runs through the beautiful streets of Gion.
If you are lucky, you may see real geiko or maiko!

At Gion Shirakawa, the “Gion Yoizakura Illumination” is held during peak cherry blossom season. Weeping cherry trees bloom in late March, followed by Somei Yoshino. The illuminated blossoms can usually be enjoyed in early April. In 2026, the event starts on Friday, March 27.

The Gion Evening Cherry Blossom Illumination is not only beautiful, but also easy to access and free for everyone to see, making it very popular.

So that this event can continue for a long time, please be especially careful to follow manners and traffic rules when enjoying the night cherry blossoms.

Another distinctive feature of the Gion Shirakawa evening cherry blossom illumination is its short duration of only 10 days.

The Gion Shirakawa evening cherry blossom light-up will be held from Friday, March 27 to Sunday, April 5, 2026.
Since this period is expected to be around the full bloom, it is especially recommended this year.

MK Taxi Recommended Points

• The stone-paved streets have a great atmosphere—this is “real Kyoto!”
• The streets of Gion are beautiful, and even more so with cherry blossoms.
• Kyoto has many nice spots, but Tatsumi Bridge and Shirakawa Minami Street feel the most like Kyoto.
• There are traditional restaurants nearby, making it perfect for a walk after a meal.
• Walking on the stone streets under the night cherry blossoms feels calm and a little emotional, as if you become one with the falling weeping cherry petals.
• The night view along the Shirakawa area gives a sense of old Kyoto charm.
• The tunnel of cherry blossoms at full bloom is truly beautiful, with very dense flowers.
• It is easy to reach from the city center, so you can enjoy night cherry blossoms casually.
• Petals on the stone pavement make the atmosphere even more special.

Visitor Information

• Access: 3 minutes on foot from Keihan “Gion-Shijo” Station

Gion Shirakawa Evening Cherry Blossom Light-up

• Dates: Friday, March 27 to Sunday, April 5, 2026
• Time: 17:00–22:00
• Admission: Free

Maruyama Park (Higashiyama Ward)

Cherry Blossom Spot Introduction

Since the Edo period, “Maruyama’s night cherry blossoms” have been a symbol of spring in Kyoto.
Although many new cherry blossom light-up spots keep appearing in Kyoto, the Gion weeping cherry tree in Maruyama Park is still considered exceptional.
Some Kyoto locals have never been to Kinkaku-ji, but almost everyone has seen the Gion weeping cherry tree in Maruyama Park.

The Gion weeping cherry tree in Maruyama Park is not only beautiful, but also has a mysterious and enchanting charm.
Since it was planted in 1949, it has been admired by countless people.

Perhaps it has become such a magnificent cherry tree because it has been seen by so many people.
The illumination is not only done with electric lights, but also with traditional bonfires, making it quite authentic.

In 2026, Maruyama Park is scheduled to have illumination from Tuesday, March 24 to Wednesday, April 8.
The first half overlaps with the Gion Shirakawa evening light-up, and the two spots are only about a 10-minute walk apart, so it’s recommended to visit both.

During the illumination period, from March 24 (Tue) to April 1 (Wed), traditional bonfires will also be set up around the Gion weeping cherry tree.
This creates a classic atmosphere different from LED or fluorescent lighting.
Enjoy the Gion weeping cherry tree just like people did in the Edo period.

Maruyama Park is not only about the Gion weeping cherry tree.
There are also many Somei Yoshino cherry trees, so you can enjoy night blossoms.
Before the pandemic, it was common for Kyoto university students to reserve spots with blue sheets and have all-night cherry blossom parties in the park.

MK Taxi Recommended Points

• A classic cherry blossom light-up that truly represents Kyoto.
• It is said that the blossoms used to be even fuller—hoping to see a healthy, vibrant weeping cherry tree.
• The Gion weeping cherry tree is breathtaking, and the lighting is beautifully done.
• It is full of that “this is Kyoto” atmosphere.
• The weeping cherry tree is stunning, and even the people enjoying the blossoms become part of the scenery.
• It used to be very lively, for better or worse, but thanks to the pandemic (?), it can now be enjoyed more calmly for a while.

Park Information

• Opening Hours: Open during the day at any time
• Admission: Free (open access inside the park)
• Address: Maruyama-cho, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto
• Access: 10 minutes on foot from Keihan “Gion-Shijo” Station

Gion Weeping Cherry Tree Illumination

• Dates: Tuesday, March 24 to Wednesday, April 8, 2026
• Time: 18:00–22:00

Kiyomizu-dera (Higashiyama Ward)

Cherry Blossom Spot Introduction

Kiyomizu-dera is a famous sightseeing spot, representing not only Kyoto but also Japan.
Kinkaku-ji and Ginkaku-ji, which are often mentioned alongside it, are rarely known as cherry blossom spots.
Kiyomizu-dera is very popular for both cherry blossoms and autumn leaves. It can be said to be one of the best places in Kyoto to enjoy the beauty of all four seasons.

When people think of Kiyomizu-dera, they think of its famous stage. The wide view from the stage and the view of Kyoto through the stage from the inner hall are both very popular.
The grand scenery that takes in the entire Kyoto city is something unique to Kiyomizu-dera.
With cherry blossoms in the foreground, the stage in the middle, and Kyoto’s night view in the distance, the scenery is truly unmatched.
If you have only visited Kiyomizu-dera during the day, you should definitely go at night—the atmosphere is completely different and even more captivating.

Kiyomizu-dera has been holding cherry blossom illuminations for a long time in Kyoto, and the lighting continues to evolve each year.
The blue beam-like light, called “Kannon Jikō,” represents the compassion of the temple’s main deity.

The spring cherry blossom illumination will be held from Friday, March 27 to Sunday, April 5, 2026.
Please note that the period is shorter compared to the autumn foliage illumination.

MK Taxi Recommended Points

• I go every year, and the quality of the illumination keeps improving each time. The combination of blue laser beams and cherry blossoms is stunning.
• Honestly, you’ll regret it if you don’t see it.
• You can enjoy beautiful cherry blossom illumination with Kyoto’s night view in the background.
• It’s a temple I love in every season, but the cherry blossom season is especially special.
• I haven’t seen the cherry blossom illumination yet, but since the autumn light-up was so beautiful, I plan to visit this year. I’m really looking forward to it.
• The view of Kyoto city in the distance and cherry blossoms up close is beautiful no matter how many times you see it.
• During the renovation, it was a rare view you could only see at that time, but the completed scenery is truly exceptional.

Visitor Information

• Opening Hours:
  6:00–18:00 (Jan 1 – Mar 5)
  6:00–21:30 (Mar 6 – Mar 15)
  6:00–18:00 (Mar 16 – Mar 26)
• Admission:
  Adults: 500 yen
  Elementary & Junior High School Students: 200 yen
• Tel: 075-551-1287
  Address: 1-294 Kiyomizu, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto
• Access:
  25 minutes on foot from Keihan “Kiyomizu-Gojo” Station
  10 minutes on foot from city bus “Gojozaka” stop

Special Night Viewing

• Dates: Friday, March 27 to Sunday, April 5, 2026
  
• Hours: 18:00–21:00
  
• Admission:
  Adults: 500 yen
  Elementary & Junior High School Students: 200 yen

Kodai-ji Temple (Higashiyama Ward)

Cherry Blossom Spot Introduction

Located in the very center of the Higashiyama area, one of the most visited tourist areas in Kyoto.

Kodai-ji Temple was one of the first in Kyoto to start illumination events.
At first, it’s easy to imagine that some people might have thought, “Lighting up a temple…?”
However, Kodai-ji actively embraces new ideas and was also quick to introduce projection mapping.
The dry landscape garden illuminated in colorful lights is a must-see.

One of the features of Kodai-ji’s cherry blossom illumination is its late opening hours.
Most temples and shrines in Kyoto end their illumination around 20:00, or at the latest 21:00.
However, Kodai-ji is open until 22:00 (last entry at 21:30).
If you want to enjoy cherry blossom viewing in Kyoto to the fullest, it’s recommended to visit Kodai-ji last.
Maruyama Park, just a 5-minute walk from Kodai-ji, also has illumination until 22:00.

Another feature of Kodai-ji’s cherry blossom illumination is not only the long hours but also the long duration.
In 2026, it will be held from Friday, March 13 to Wednesday, May 6 (holiday), so it can easily cover early or late blooming seasons.
Even after the cherry blossoms are gone, you can still enjoy fresh green foliage through Golden Week.
That’s why at Kodai-ji, it is called a “spring” special night viewing, not just a cherry blossom event.

MK Taxi Recommended Points

• The route Kiyomizu-dera → Kodai-ji → Maruyama Park is a classic cherry blossom course.
• It is close to places like Kiyomizu-dera and Chion-in, making it easy to access.
• The sand patterns with colorful lines, together with the illuminated weeping cherry trees, create a picture-like beautiful scene.
• You can enjoy both the illuminated weeping cherry blossoms and projection mapping.
• My first time seeing projection mapping was at Kodai-ji’s cherry blossom light-up.

Visitor Information

Opening Hours: 9:00–17:30 (last entry at 17:00)

Spring Special Night Viewing

• Dates: Friday, March 13 to Wednesday, May 6, 2026
• Hours: Until 22:00 (last entry at 21:30)

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.