Kyoto has many famous cherry blossom spots. Among them, we introduce five popular places in the central area that are highly recommended for cherry blossom viewing.
All of them are well-known as representative sakura spots in Kyoto.
The five places introduced here are all must-visit cherry blossom spots when visiting Kyoto.

Kyoto Gyoen Konoe Residence Ruins （Kamigyo Ward）

Best viewing time Late March to Mid April

One of the most famous weeping cherry blossom spots in Kyoto

The Konoe Residence Ruins, located in the northwest area of Kyoto Gyoen, is one of the most popular places in Kyoto to see weeping cherry blossoms.

The weeping cherry blossoms at the Konoe Residence Ruins are called “Itozakura” (thread cherry blossoms).
This type is a weeping form of Edo Higan cherry, which is the same as the commonly known weeping cherry blossom.

Weeping cherry blossoms usually bloom earlier than Somei Yoshino cherry blossoms.
Among them, the Itozakura at the Konoe Residence Ruins bloom especially early.

The Itozakura at the Konoe Residence Ruins became a place that anyone can enjoy only after the Meiji period. However, records of the Itozakura at the Konoe residence have existed since long ago.

In 2022, the renovation of Konoe Pond at the Konoe Residence Ruins was completed, making the area even more beautiful.
In May of the same year, the Konoe Residence Ruins Rest Area also opened, and “SASAYAIORI+ Kyoto Gyoen,” produced by Sasayaiori, has become a popular spot.
Visitors can enjoy Japanese sweets and desserts while viewing the Itozakura at the Konoe Residence Ruins.

In mid-April, the Yaebenishidare cherry blossoms reach their best viewing season

After the weeping cherry blossoms begin to fall, the Yaebenishidare cherries start to bloom.
They are double-petal weeping cherry blossoms with a slightly deeper pink color.
The difference from the single-petal Itozakura, which are white to light pink, is easy to see.

Cherry Blossoms in Kyoto Gyoen and Kyoto Imperial Palace besides the Konoe Residence Ruins

The Itozakura at the Konoe Residence Ruins are the most famous cherry blossoms in Kyoto Gyoen, but there are many other beautiful cherry trees in the area.
One example is the “Demizu Weeping Cherry,” which reaches its best viewing time slightly earlier than the Itozakura at the Konoe Residence Ruins. Its well-shaped tree form is very attractive.

Around the same time as the Yaebenishidare cherries, late-blooming satozakura varieties such as “Mikurumagaeshi” also reach their best viewing season.

From the beginning to the end of the cherry blossom season, cherry blossoms bloom everywhere, making it a true paradise of cherry blossoms.

Visitor Information
Opening Hours Open during the day, visitors can enter anytime
Admission Free entry inside the park
Address Kyoto Gyoen, Kamigyo Ward, Kyoto
Access 3 minutes walk from Imadegawa Station

Nijo Castle （Nakagyo Ward）

Best viewing time Early April to mid April

Nijo Castle Sakura Festival with projection mapping

From late March, weeping cherry blossoms and Somei Yoshino cherry blossoms begin to bloom one after another, coloring the castle grounds.
During the cherry blossom season, Nijo Castle holds the “Nijo Castle Sakura Festival,” and night illuminations attract many visitors.

However, the main highlight is the cherry blossoms at night.
The fully blooming blossoms lit up by lights create a beautiful and magical view that is highly recommended.

Highlights are Sakura-no-Sono and Seiryu-en

About 50 varieties and 300 cherry trees are planted inside Nijo Castle.
The most recommended spots are “Sakura-no-Sono” in the southern area and “Seiryu-en” in the northern area of the castle grounds.

Visitor Information
Opening Hours 8:45–17:00 (last entry 16:00)
Admission
Adults 800 yen (Ninomaru Palace additional 500 yen)
Junior and Senior High School Students 400 yen
Elementary School Students 300 yen
Address 541 Nijojo-cho, Nijo-dori Horikawa Nishi-iru, Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto
Access Right next to Nijojo-mae Station (Subway)

Takase River （Nakagyo Ward）

Best viewing time Early April

A major transportation route once used by Takase boats

One of Kyoto’s most famous entertainment districts is Kiyamachi Street.
The Takase River flows along this street.

Takase River at night with a magical atmosphere under street lights

The cherry blossom trees are beautiful during the day, but Kiyamachi is especially recommended at night.
The blossoms lit by lanterns and street lights create a magical beauty and are very popular with visitors.

The cherry blossom trees from Shijo to Gojo are illuminated at night.
If the conditions are good, you can also see beautiful reflections of the blossoms on the water.
Enjoying cherry blossoms with a slight buzz can be pleasant, but every year some people fall into the Takase River, so please be careful.

Shimokiyamachi Night Cherry Blossoms
Event period Late March to early April
Dates may change depending on blooming conditions
Event time 18:00–23:00

Hirano Shrine （Kita Ward）

Best viewing time Late March to late April

A sightseeing spot famous for cherry blossoms Hirano Shrine

In Kyoto, the two major tourist seasons are the cherry blossom season and the autumn foliage season.
If Tofukuji Temple and Eikando Temple are famous for attracting many visitors during the autumn foliage season, Hirano Shrine is a place that attracts many visitors during the cherry blossom season.

At Hirano Shrine, the famous cherry tree that blooms first is called “Sakigakezakura.”
When this cherry tree blooms, it signals the start of the cherry blossom season.

Famous cherry blossoms originating from Hirano Shrine

When the Somei Yoshino cherry blossoms begin to fall, many cultivated cherry varieties, mainly double-petal satozakura, start reaching their best viewing time one after another.
Hirano Shrine is known for many historic and famous cherry trees.

Visitor Information
Opening Hours Open during the day, visitors can enter anytime
Admission Free entry to the shrine grounds
Tel 075-461-4450
Address 1 Hirano Miyamotocho, Kita Ward, Kyoto
Access 7 minutes walk from Kitano-Hakubaicho Station (Randen Line)

Kamo River

Best viewing time Early April

The banks of the Kamo River, which runs north to south through Kyoto, are popular cherry blossom viewing spots for Kyoto residents.

Beautiful rows of Somei Yoshino cherry trees can be seen in many places

When April arrives, the famous Somei Yoshino cherry blossoms reach their best viewing time in many areas.

Beautiful view of cherry blossoms and Kyoto Tower

Near Shomen Street and Shichijo Street along the Kamo River, you can see Kyoto Tower behind the cherry blossoms.
At sunset, you can enjoy the red evening sky together with the softly illuminated Kyoto Tower.
It is a lesser-known but beautiful cherry blossom viewing spot.

Conclusion

In Kyoto, different types of cherry blossoms reach their best viewing time one after another, so the recommended viewing spots change depending on the season.
MK Taxi sightseeing drivers usually know where the cherry blossoms are most beautiful at the moment.

With an MK sightseeing charter taxi, you can fully enjoy spring in Kyoto.
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