The best places to see cherry blossoms in Kyoto

When cherry blossoms reach their mankai (full bloom), it’s not just Kyoto—almost every prefecture in Japan is adorned with sakura, visible just about everywhere. No matter how big or small, nearly every park has at least one cherry tree. This is a unique characteristic of Japan and one of the reasons why it’s lovingly called “The land of cherry blossoms.” Because of this, planning a perfect hanami (cherry blossom viewing) itinerary for just one day can be quite a challenge—not due to a lack of options, but because there are simply too many choices! A delightful dilemma indeed! 😄

And today, I’ll guide you on how to plan your time wisely for a perfect day of cherry blossom viewing in Kyoto, ensuring you visit the most breathtaking spots. Let’s get started!

To avoid the crowds at popular cherry blossom spots, it’s best to start your trip as early as possible. The earlier you arrive, the fewer people there will be, giving you more freedom to explore and capture the perfect shots from various angles.

The first stop on my journey is Gion-Shirakawa, an incredibly famous spot that comes alive with breathtaking cherry blossoms every spring.

Address: Google Map

Along this street are wooden houses, typical of Kyoto.

By 10 o’clock, this area becomes extremely crowded, making it quite challenging to take photos.

My advice to you if you arrive here after 10am is to go to Seseragi-no-michi Street which is parallel to this street. The scenery is just as beautiful, but the strange thing is that no one comes here 😀

Seseragi-no-michi address for you to easily find: Google Map

The next place I went to was the Kamo riverside area, located on the opposite side of the two streets above. Just cross the street and you're there.

This area has long been known as a popular gathering spot for couples and groups of friends who sit along both sides of the river to chat and enjoy small picnics. With the addition of cherry blossoms, the scenery becomes even more picturesque and enchanting.

There are small waterfalls along the river here. Looks quite peaceful.

After strolling along the banks of the Kamo River, I returned to Gion-Shirakawa Street to take a few more photos before heading to the next destination.

And by chance, I captured this lovely moment.

The next place I went to was the river area near Heian Shrine . (You can read my previous article about Heian Shrine HERE ).

Address: Google Map

First, you walk to the bus stop near Yasaka Shrine. Then take bus number 201 or 206, after 3 stops you will arrive.

But the place I went today is not this temple, but the river nearby.

There is a stunning photo spot here that you shouldn’t miss. Wait for the sightseeing boat to pass by and capture the moment with the Grand Torii Gate and cherry blossoms in the background.

Remember to try this photography angle when you come here.

On the opposite side of the river, there is also a lovely road adorned with beautiful cherry blossoms. It’s definitely worth a visit!

Two mallard ducks are lying in the sun 😀

The next place, about 500 meters away, is also completely walkable. It is the abandoned Keage Incline .

Address: Google Map

Built in the late 19th century, the Keage Incline was a rail system designed to pull freight trains carrying coal and construction materials up and down slopes as steep as 16%, efficiently transporting goods over challenging terrain. However, it has long ceased operation and has since transformed into a famous tourist attraction, especially during cherry blossom season.

Another way to capture beautiful photos without getting caught in the frame during this time is to stand at this spot and take pictures of the path below.

With the addition of a vibrant green grass foreground, the scene becomes even more striking. The only thing left to do is wait for the perfect moment to capture it.

A very cute puppy with cherry blossoms.

Everyone must have played this game as a kid! 😄 Trying to keep your balance while walking along the train tracks—such a fun and nostalgic moment! 😆

When you reach the end of this railway, there is a small slope on the left side , go down it to get to the next destination of today. About 500 meters away, is Nanzen-ji Temple , a very famous cherry blossom viewing spot in Kyoto.

Address: Google Map.

Nanzen-ji is one of the largest and most significant temples in Kyoto, Japan, located in the eastern part of the city. Built in the 13th century, it belongs to the Rinzai Zen temple system, one of the most important Zen Buddhist sects in Japan.

And the final destination of today’s journey is also one of the most breathtaking cherry blossom spots in Kyoto. I previously mentioned this location in my article “Two Most Beautiful Cherry Blossom Viewing Spots in Kyoto”, and that is Fushimi Jukkokubune. (You can revisit that article HERE).

Address: Google Map.

From Nanzen-ji, walk to Keage Station, then take the Tozai Line to Sanjo Keihan Station. From there, transfer to the Keihan Line at platform 3 or 4 and ride to Chushojima Station. After that, walk about 500 meters to reach this picturesque and romantic riverbank.

This place is famous for its riverbanks lined with cherry blossoms stretching endlessly in succession. Additionally, there is a boat service that allows visitors to admire the blossoms from the water. However, tickets typically need to be booked months in advance to secure a spot.

It's a pity that I couldn't take a photo of the sightseeing train passing here.

But this is also the first year in the four years I’ve been here that it hasn’t rained! 😄 During cherry blossom season, it almost always rains on weekends each year.

Cherry blossoms silhouetted against the river surface create a quite beautiful scene.

At this point, it also started to get dark, luckily I was able to take many photos here.

And with that, I’ve completed a full day of cherry blossom viewing in Kyoto! All the locations are stunning and, most importantly, conveniently close to each other, making transportation easy. This not only saves time but also gives you more opportunities to capture beautiful photos.

Which location impressed you the most? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments below.

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