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?

Toji Temple (Minami Ward)

Night Cherry Blossom Spot Introduction

This is a famous temple known for Kyoto’s symbol, the five-story pagoda, its three-dimensional mandala Buddhist statues, and the Kobo Market held on the 21st of every month.

At Toji Temple’s night cherry blossom illumination, the most popular view is the beautiful weeping cherry tree “Fujizakura” together with the five-story pagoda.
The pagoda is a traditional wooden structure and stands 55 meters tall, making it a symbol of Kyoto.
When you see Toji’s pagoda from the Shinkansen, it gives you the feeling of “I’ve arrived in Kyoto” or “I’m back in Kyoto.”

The current five-story pagoda is the fifth generation, rebuilt in 1644 (Kan’ei 21).
Even before the Edo period, since Toji Temple was founded in the late 9th century, the pagoda has been rebuilt in the same place every time it was destroyed by fires or wars.
Through repeated rebuilding, Toji’s pagoda has existed alongside the city of Kyoto for over a thousand years.
So it naturally fits perfectly into Kyoto’s scenery.

Fujizakura, standing next to the five-story pagoda, is a large weeping cherry tree over 120 years old.
However, it was moved to Toji Temple in 2006, so it has only been in Kyoto for a little over a decade and is still a relative newcomer.
Now, the view of the pagoda and Fujizakura blends very well. Even though the pairing is quite new, they make a great combination.

Besides Fujizakura, the reflection of the cherry blossoms and the five-story pagoda in Hyotan Pond is also very popular.
On calm, windless days, the illuminated pagoda and cherry blossoms are beautifully reflected on the water.

Besides Fujizakura, many other cherry blossoms bloom, including Somei Yoshino and Satozakura.
The entire Toji Temple grounds are filled with cherry trees, and every view looks like a picture.
It is a night cherry blossom illumination spot in Kyoto confidently recommended by tourism experts.

MK Taxi’s Recommended Points

• The combination of cherry blossoms and the five-story pagoda is stunning and powerful.
• It is close to Kyoto Station with easy access, about a 15-minute walk to Toji Temple.
• The five-story pagoda, a symbol of Kyoto, looks even more beautiful with cherry blossoms.
• The reflection of the pagoda in Hyotan Pond and the pink of the blossoms is truly beautiful. The night illumination at Toji is impressive no matter how many times you visit.
• The view of the pagoda and Fujizakura reflected in the pond is wonderful.
• There are so many cherry blossoms that it makes you feel “I’m really glad I came.”
• Looking up at the 120-year-old Fujizakura gives a warm, protected feeling.
• The 13-meter-tall Fujizakura with the illuminated pagoda behind it is beautiful.
• The view of Toji’s buildings, cherry blossoms, and the moon reflected on Hyotan Pond is something you will want to see again and again.

Visitor Information

• Opening Hours
  Temple grounds: 5:00–17:00
  Kondo & Kodo halls: 8:00–17:00 (last entry 16:30)
• Admission (Kondo & Kodo)
  Adults: 800 yen
  High school students: 400 yen
  Junior high school and below: 300 yen
• Tel: 075-691-3325
• Address: 1 Kujo-cho, Minami Ward, Kyoto
• Access
  5-minute walk from “Toji” Station (Kintetsu Kyoto Line)
  Short walk from city bus stops “Toji Minamimon-mae” or “Toji Higashimon-mae”
• Night Cherry Blossom Illumination
  Period: March 14 – April 12, 2026
  Hours: 18:00–21:30 (last entry 21:00)
• Admission (Kondo & Kodo)
  Adults: 1,000 yen
  Junior high school and below: 500 yen

Daigoji Temple (Fushimi Ward)

Cherry Blossom Spot Introduction

Although the night illumination during cherry blossom season only started in 2021, it quickly ranked among the top spots.

In 2026, the period is from March 27 (Friday) to April 12 (Sunday), and only the Garan area is open.
Advance reservation is required for night visits.

MK Taxi’s Recommended Points

• There are large cherry trees throughout the temple grounds, creating a powerful atmosphere.
• The garden of Sanboin is very impressive and a must-visit spot.
• In front of the main entrance stands the 150-year-old “Taiko Weeping Cherry,” which feels grand and full of life.
• The combination of weeping cherry blossoms and Somei Yoshino is beautiful.

Visitor Information

• Opening Hours (Shimo-Daigo)
  9:00–17:00 (ticket sales until 16:00, last entry 16:30)
• Admission (Shimo-Daigo)
  Spring (Mar 20 – May 15) / Autumn (Oct 15 – Dec 10)
  Adults: 1,500 yen
  Junior & senior high school students: 1,000 yen
  Elementary school and below: Free
• Regular period
  Adults: 800 yen
  Junior & senior high school students: 600 yen
  Elementary school and below: Free
• Tel: 075-571-0002
  
• Address: 22 Daigo Higashioji-cho, Fushimi Ward, Kyoto
• Access
  10-minute walk from “Daigo” Station (subway)

NAKED meets World Heritage Daigoji – Daigo Hanami –

• Period: March 27 – April 12, 2026
• Hours
  18:30–21:30 (last entry 20:50)
• Admission
  Fri, Sat, Sun & holidays
  Junior high and above: 2,000 yen
  Elementary school and below: 1,400 yen

Mon–Thu
Junior high and above: 1,800 yen
Elementary school and below: 1,200 yen

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!