![Cherry Blossom Light-up that can be visited from Kyoto](https://www.leafkyoto.net/leaf/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/240313-kyoto-sakura-768x512.jpg)
[2024] Enjoy cherry blossoms at night! Cherry Blossom Lights from Kyoto...
The cold winter has passed, and now we can feel the warmth of spring sunshine. If you come to Kyoto, you can't miss this spot! I definitely want to go there! This time, we would like to introduce some of Kyoto's representative cherry blossom viewing spots that will lead you to such feelings. (TEXT/Yurie Sugisaki, EDIT/Moe Sawamura)
The Arashiyama area is steeped in history and nature, with numerous poets captivated by its beauty and composing poems about it, and it is also mentioned in "The Tale of Genji".
[From the Watarigetsukyo Bridge, you can enjoy a spectacular view of the beautiful blooming cherry trees along the Katsura River and in the Nakanoshima area of Arashiyama Park, with Arashiyama in the background. Find your favorite view by strolling along the paths along the river or viewing from the water of Katsura River.
The Keage Incline was installed from the Meiji period to the Showa period so that ships traveling on the Biwako Sosui could move around without discharging their cargo.
It connected the Keage Funadamashi and Nanzenji Funadamashi, where there was a large difference in elevation, and was known as the longest incline railroad in the world at the time of its construction. With the decline of the shipping industry, the railroad line was abandoned and is now a cultural asset of Kyoto City. Visitors can freely walk on the tracks, which are decorated with someiyoshino cherry trees and yamazakura cherry trees in spring.
Photo courtesy of Kyoto City Water Supply and Sewerage Bureau
Best time to see: late March to early April
Byodoin was originally a villa of Fujiwara no Michinaga, and was converted into a temple by Fujiwara no Yorimichi [Byodoin].
The precincts of the temple are filled with early-blooming weeping cherry trees and Someiyoshino cherry trees, which bloom in turn, providing a beautiful spring scene. The cherry blossoms against the backdrop of the Phoenix Hall and Aji-ike Pond are so beautiful that you will want to capture them on your camera.
Photo courtesy of Byodoin Temple
Best time to see: late March to early April
Garden viewing hours/8:30-17:30 (reception at 17:15)
Ho-oh-do interior viewing hours/9:30-16:10 (every 20 minutes, 50 people maximum each time)
Museum 9:00-17:00 (Registration/16:45)
Admission/ Adults 600 yen (*700 yen from April 1, 2024), Junior high school students 400 yen, Elementary school students 300 yen (garden and museum) *Interior view of the Phoenix Hall is an additional 300 yen
Ninna-ji Temple is a monzeki temple with deep ties to the Imperial Family, and for many years has been headed by a member of the Imperial Family.
In addition to the Someiyoshino cherry tree in front of the Kondo Hall and the Yohkou-zakura cherry tree in front of the Kannondou Hall, about 200 late-blooming Omuro-zakura, known as a synonym for Ninna-ji Temple, bloom from early to mid April in the Sakura Garden. The contrast between the elegant architecture and the cherry blossoms is magnificent. There are also many azaleas and rhododendrons on the temple grounds,
Ninna-ji Temple Omuro Cherry Blossom, Goten, North Garden Photo by Sohonzan Ninna-ji Temple
Best time to visit: Early to mid-April
Hours: Mar-Nov 9:00-17:00, Dec-Feb 9:00-16:30 * Ninna-ji Gosho Garden
Admission: Gosho Garden, 800 yen for adults, free for high school students and younger
Kamowakeikazuchi-jinja Shrine is one of the oldest shrines in Kyoto and is commonly known as Kamigamo Shrine.
The 150-year-old Saio-zakura (weeping cherry tree) with double-layered red branches stands alongside the approach that stretches in a straight line from the first torii (first shrine gate) to the second torii (second shrine gate), while the Gosho-zakura (cherry tree with white flowers that opens in late March), Bade-shino-zakura (cherry tree with white flowers), and Whipping-zakura (cherry tree with white flowers) line the path. In addition, there is the red-flowered miare-zakura (cherry blossom) beyond the second torii (second shrine gate), and a wide variety of cherry blossoms with different origins.
(Photo courtesy of Kamigamo Shrine)
Best time to visit: Mid-March to late April
Hours of visitation/5:30-17:00
Admission fee/free
[The path of the half-tree, a walking path on the west side of the Kyoto Botanical Garden.
Along the Kamo River from Kitayama Ohashi Bridge to Kitaoji Bridge, double-stemmed weeping cherry trees create a tunnel of cherry blossoms that stretches for about 800 meters. From near Aoi Bridge to near Kamigamo Bridge, there is a row of Someiyoshino cherry trees, and the view from the other side of the river is beautiful.
Best viewing time: Early to mid-April
Hours & Fees / Free to explore
Nijo Castle was built by Tokugawa Ieyasu and has been the setting for numerous historical events.
In spring, visitors can enjoy a wide variety of cherry blossoms, starting with scarlet cherry trees, followed by someiyoshino cherry trees, mountain cherry trees, weeping cherry trees, and village cherry trees, totaling about 300 trees in 50 varieties. During the festival, the cherry blossoms are lit up at night and projection mapping is performed in the historical space. Enjoy the World Heritage Site in all its splendor.
Best time to visit/Mid-March to mid-April (usual)
Opening hours/8:45-16:00 (Closing hours/17:00)
*The Honmaru Palace is currently closed for conservation and repair work.
Ninomaru Palace viewing reception hours/8:45-16:10
Nijo Castle Cherry Blossom Festival 2024
Period / Friday, March 8, 2024 - Sunday, April 7, 2024
Hours/8:45-17:00 (last admission/16:00)
Admission: Adults 1,300 yen, junior high and high school students 400 yen, elementary school students 300 yen
Including admission to Ninomaru Palace
NAKED Cherry Blossom Festival 2024: World Heritage Site Nijo Castle
Period / Friday, March 8, 2024 - Sunday, April 7, 2024
Time/18:00-22:00 (last admission/21:00)
Admission/Mon-Thurs. 2000 yen for junior high school students and older, 1200 yen for elementary school students
Friday-Sunday, national holidays: Junior high school students and older: 2,400 yen, Elementary school students: 1,600 yen
*Please purchase a "specific date ticket" for March 23 (Sat) and March 30 (Sat). Other tickets will not be accepted. Special day ticket: Junior high school students and older: 2,800 yen, Elementary school students: 2,000 yen
Ryoan-ji Temple is an old temple famous for its dry landscape garden called "Ishi-niwa," which expresses the beauty of Zen.
The weeping cherry trees peeking over the wall of the Hojo Garden, a dry landscape stone garden, and the mountain cherry trees and someiyoshino cherry trees moving on the surface of the water of Kagayoike, a garden with a circular garden with a pond, are in beautiful bloom. During the blooming season, approximately 400 cherry trees adorn the grounds of the temple, and the cherry blossom garden can be enjoyed.
Image courtesy of Ryoanji Temple
Image courtesy of Ryoanji Temple
Best time to see: late March to early April
Hours of visitation / 8:30-16:30, 8:00-17:00 from March to November.
Entrance fee/600 yen
It was built in 1339 by Ashikaga Takauji to mourn the loss of Emperor Godaigo.
The Sogen Pond Garden, designated as a historic site and a special place of scenic beauty, was created about 700 years ago by the monk Muso Kokushi, and is surrounded by approximately 200 cherry trees, including weeping cherry trees, someiyoshino cherry trees, and mountain cherry trees. From the hill on the hill, "Mangyo-no-oka", you can enjoy a panoramic view of Kyoto city and the cherry blossoms on the temple grounds, which is also a must-see.
Best time to visit: Late March to mid-April
Garden 8:30-17:00 (Reception closes at 16:50)
Halls 8:30-16:45 (reception closes at 16:30)
Dharma Hall "Dragon and Cloud Viewing" is open Saturdays, Sundays, and national holidays only from 9:00 to 16:30 (reception ends at 16:20)
Open to the public every day during spring, summer, and fall.
Cherry Blossom Viewing Party
Period / April 2, 2024 (Tuesday)
Time/10:00-15:00
Entrance fee/500 yen for garden visit *800 yen for green tea is not included
Hirano Shrine is famous for its cherry blossoms, known as "Hirano no Yozakura" (night cherry blossoms of Hirano).
About 400 cherry trees of about 60 varieties are planted on the grounds, including many rare varieties that originated in this area. The blooming time of the cherry trees, including the early-blooming weeping cherry "Kai-zakura", varies from year to year, so visitors can enjoy viewing the cherry blossoms for about a month. During the special nighttime illumination, visitors can enjoy the fantastic scenery of the cherry blossom garden and grounds illuminated by lights such as bonbori (paper lanterns) and lanterns.
Best time to see: late March to mid-April
Hours of worship/6:00-17:00
Hirano Shrine Night Cherry Blossom Special Visit
Period / Saturday, March 23, 2024 - Sunday, April 14, 2024
Hours: Sunset - 21:00
Admission: Free (some sections charge a fee)
Daigoji Temple, where Toyotomi Hideyoshi held his "Daigo no Hanami" cherry blossom viewing party, is also known as "Hana no Daigo," a famous cherry blossom viewing spot.
About 700 cherry trees, including weeping cherry trees, someiyoshino cherry trees, mountain cherry trees, and double-flowered cherry trees, are in full bloom one after another, making cherry blossom viewing enjoyable over a long period of time. In addition, the Reihokan, which houses many cultural properties, holds a special spring exhibition every year. From among approximately 75,000 national treasures and 430 important cultural properties, temple treasures will be exhibited according to the theme.
Best time to see: late March to early April
Visiting hours/9:00-17:00 (Last entry/16:30)
Admission: Adults 1,500 yen, junior high and high school students 1,000 yen (Sanboin Garden, Garan, Reihokan Garden) from March 20, 2024 (Wed) to the last day of GW.
The Myoshin-ji Retreat House is located just west of the south main gate of Myoshin-ji Temple.
The famous Koh-edare-zakura (weeping cherry tree) was planted about 50 years ago, at the time the famous garden, Yokoen, was completed. It is the granddaughter of the Koh-edare-zakura at Heian-jingu Shrine, and the gradation of the petals' colors as the days go by is spectacular. When the blossoms fall, the "hanafuki" (cherry blossom shower) is also a beautiful sight to behold.
Image courtesy of Chizoin, the pagoda of Myoshinji Temple
Image courtesy of Chizoin, the pagoda of Myoshinji Temple
Best time to see: late March to early April
Visiting hours/9:00-17:00 (last reception)
Admission fee: 600 yen for adults, 300 yen for elementary and junior high school students
Matcha green tea (with sweets) 700 yen
Kyoto's largest vermilion Otorii (Grand Gate) towers over the city [Heian Jingu Shrine].
About 300 cherry trees, including red weeping cherry trees and someiyoshino cherry trees, are planted here, which contrast beautifully with the vermilion color of the Otorii gate and the shrine pavilions. Every year, a "cherry blossom viewing tea ceremony" is held when the weeping cherry trees are at their best, and a tea ceremony is held. In the evening, the "Benishidare (red weeping weeping) Concert" is scheduled to be held. Gagaku (ancient Japanese court music), piano, and violin performances will be held, offering an extraordinary experience.
Best time to see: late March to mid-April
Visiting hours may change depending on the season. Detail isOfficial sitesee
"Cherry Blossom Viewing Tea Ceremony"
Period / Sunday, March 31, 2024 - Thursday, April 11, 2024
Hours/Tea Ceremony 9:00-16:00, Shinen Garden 8:30-17:30
Fee/Tea ticket 1,000 yen *Adult 600 yen and child 300 yen are required to enter the shrine garden separately.
Heian Jingu Shrine, Sakura Oto Yoru - Benishidare Concert 2024
Period / April 3 (Wed) to 7 (Sun), 2024
Time/ 18:15-21:00, 18:40-19:10 (Entrance reception/18:15-19:15), 19:55-20:25 (Entrance reception/19:35-20:30)
*Complete changeover system
*No seats
※Detail isOfficial sitesee
Admission ticket with concert
Admission: 4,000 yen for adults, 3,500 yen for elementary school students
Advance tickets: ¥3,000 for adults, ¥2,500 for elementary school students
Admission Ticket
Adults 1500 yen, Elementary school students 1300 yen
Advance tickets: ¥1,000 for adults, ¥800 for elementary school students
The name [Philosopher's Path] comes from the fact that philosophers and literary figures strolled along it.
The 2-km-long walking path along the Sosui that runs from Wakaoji-bashi Bridge to Jodoji-bashi Bridge has been selected as one of the "100 best paths in Japan. About 400 Someiyoshino cherry trees and others are planted along both banks of the Sosui, and when they are in full bloom, it looks like a tunnel of cherry blossoms.
Best time to see: late March to early April
Admission Hours and Admission Fee / Free to visit
[The Kyoto Gyoen (Kyoto Imperial Garden), a public house town in the vicinity of the Kyoto Imperial Palace, was developed and opened to the public as a park.]
About 1,000 cherry trees, including weeping cherry trees, Kuruma-zakura, and mountain cherry trees, are planted in the national park, which is rich in nature. The two most famous cherry trees are the "Izumi no edarezakura" and the "Chikamori no edarezakura. The early-blooming "Izumi no edarezakura" is a popular photo spot because of its beautiful shape, which resembles a spreading umbrella. From late March, about 60 large weeping cherry trees (itozakura) at the Chikamori Residence Site bloom in a beautiful gradation of colors, from light to dark. (Blue sheets are not allowed).
Image courtesy of Kyoto Gyoen Management Office, Ministry of the Environment
Best time to visit: Late March to mid-April
Admission Hours and Admission Fees / Admission to the park is free
Kiyomizu Temple is one of the representative temples of Kyoto.
In December 2020, the roof was re-thatched for the first time in half a century, and the main hall, known as the stage of Kiyomizu, was redecorated. The grounds of the temple are filled with approximately 1,000 wild cherry trees and someiyoshino cherry trees, and the view from the main hall is exceptionally beautiful. The view from the main hall is exceptionally beautiful. During the special nighttime viewing in spring, visitors can enjoy the ethereal scenery of the main hall surrounded by illuminated cherry blossoms at night.
Photo courtesy of Kiyomizu Temple
Best time to see: late March to early April
Hours of visitation/6:00-18:00
Admission: Adults 400 yen (Adults 500 yen from April 1), Elementary and junior high school students 200 yen
Maruyama Park, the oldest park in Kyoto, opened in 1886.
The grounds are a circular Japanese garden, dotted with restaurants and teahouses. The park is known as one of the best cherry blossom viewing spots in Kyoto, with approximately 680 cherry trees, including weeping cherry trees, someiyoshino cherry trees, and mountain cherry trees, and the entire park is decorated with cherry blossoms during the cherry blossom viewing season. In the center of the park is an 80-year-old second-generation weeping cherry tree, which is famous as the "Gion no Yozakura" (cherry blossoms at night in Gion) when it is illuminated. Hanami teahouses are also available for visitors to relax and enjoy the cherry blossoms.
Best time to see: late March to early April
Entry hours / Free in the park
Shidare-zakura lights up.
Period / Saturday, March 23, 2024 - Sunday, April 7, 2024
Hours/18:00-22:00
free in the park
*Placement (spread out blue sheets, etc. in advance to secure a spot)
The head temple of the Jodo sect [Chion-in]. Cherry blossom trees line a wide area from Higashiyama Hwacho-zan to Higashioji-dori. The scene of one of the largest wooden double gates in Japan, the National Treasure Sanmon Gate, surrounded by cherry blossoms is also a must-see. At night, the Yuzen-en Garden, with its magnificent weeping cherry blossoms, the National Treasure Mikageido, and other areas of the temple grounds are lit up.
Best time to see: late March to early April
Hours: Yuzen-en 9:00-16:00, Hojo Garden 9:00-15:50
* Common ticket sales ~ 15:20
*Gate closes at 16:30
Chion-in Spring Light-up 2024
Period / Saturday, March 23, 2024 - Wednesday, April 3, 2024
Hours: 17:45-21:30 (reception closes at 21:00)
Admission fee: 800 yen for adults, 400 yen for elementary and junior high school students
Toji Temple was founded as a temple to protect the nation.
The five-story pagoda, a national treasure, is one of the symbolic landscapes of Kyoto. About 200 cherry trees, including Someiyoshino cherry trees, are planted in the precincts of the temple. The "Fuji-zakura," a beautiful red weeping cherry tree said to be 130 years old, comes from Morioka City, Iwate Prefecture. Enjoy the beautiful contrast between the five-story pagoda, the tallest in Japan, and the Fuji-zakura.
After enjoying the cherry blossoms in the garden, admire the majestic Buddhist statues in the Kondo, the lecture hall, and the dining hall, all lined up near the gourd pond!
Best time to see: late March to early April
Visiting hours/Kondo, Auditorium 8:00-17:00 (Reception ends/16:30)
Treasure House (only during the exhibition period) Kanchiin 9:00-17:00 (reception closes at 16:30)
*Gates open from 5:00 to 17:00
The Treasure House Spring Special Exhibit: Toji Temple in the Nanbokucho Period: Conflicts and the Rise of Toji Temple
Period / Wednesday, March 20, 2024 - Saturday, May 25, 2024
Hours: 9:00 - 17:00 (Registration closes at 16:30)
Admission: Adults 500 yen, Junior high school students and younger 300 yen
Cherry blossoms illuminated at night (Kondo and Kodo special nighttime viewing)
Period / March 16, 2024 (Sat) - April 14, 2024 (Sun)
Time/18:00 - 21:30 (Registration closes at 21:00)
Entrance fee: 1,000 yen for adults, 500 yen for junior high school students and younger
Kodaidera Temple was built by Kotaisho, or Kita Masasho's wife, Nene, as a memorial to Hideyoshi Toyotomi and as a final resting place for her own family.
The weeping cherry trees in front of the Hojo and Hashinniwa gardens are beautifully set up during the spring special viewing period, adding to the splendor of the garden. At 5:00 p.m., the entire grounds of the temple are lit up, creating a fantastic scene that differs from that of the daytime.
Best time to visit: Early March to late April
Visiting hours: 9:00-17:30 (Reception closes at 17:00)
Spring Special Exhibition "Kodaiji Dedicated Sliding Screen Door Special Exhibition - Competition of Beauty by Women Artists" (Spring Special Exhibition)
Period of visitation: Friday, March 1, 2024 - Friday, May 31, 2024
Hours: 9:00-22:00 (last admission at 21:30)
Admission/ Adults 600 yen (with admission ticket to Palm Art Museum), Junior high and high school students 250 yen
Discounted tickets for two temples (Kodaiji Temple, Palm Art Museum and Entokuin Temple): 900 yen
Spring Night Special Viewing "Saki - Hana Mushin" (Flowerless Mind)
Period of visitation: March 15, 2024 (Friday) - May 6, 2024 (Monday, national holiday)
Hours: 17:00-22:00 (last admission at 21:30)
Admission/ Adults 600 yen (with admission ticket to Palm Art Museum), Junior high and high school students 250 yen
Discounted tickets for two temples (Kodaiji Temple, Palm Art Museum and Entokuin Temple): 900 yen
Kurumaori Shrine is dedicated to Kiyohara Yoriyoshi, a Confucian scholar of the Heian period.
The temple has a strong connection with cherry blossoms, as there is an anecdote that Prince Yoriyoshi Kiyohara loved cherry blossoms so much during his lifetime. The attraction of this area is that 40 cherry trees of about 15 varieties, including Kawazu cherry, scarlet cherry, Keisen cherry, and Yohkoh cherry, are planted here and can be enjoyed over a long period of time from early March to late April.
Best time to visit: Early March to late April
Hours of visitation/9:30-17:00
Entrance fee/free in the precincts
The area along the Shirakawa River that runs from Higashiyama to the Gion area is called "Gion Shirakawa. In particular, the area around Tatsumi Bridge and Tatsumi Daimeishin Shrine in Gion, where stone-paved streets are lined with town houses with red latticework, is called "Gion Shinbashi" and is an Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings.
It is one of Kyoto's representative spots often used for filming. In spring, someiyoshino cherry trees and weeping cherry trees are in full bloom, creating a scene that is reminiscent of Kyoto. At night, the area is illuminated, creating a different, more glamorous atmosphere than in the daytime.
Best time to see: late March to early April
The 31st Gion Shirakawa Yoizakura Light-up
Period / Friday, March 22, 2024 - Sunday, March 31, 2024
Hours/18:00-22:00
Fee/No charge
The Biwako Sosui, a canal built in the Meiji era to channel water from Lake Biwa from Shiga Prefecture to Kyoto City.
In 2018, the [Biwako Sosui Boat], which elegantly descends the Sosui, was revived, and cruising to view someiyoshino cherry trees and mountain cherry blossoms planted along the Sosui is popular. The collaboration with brick buildings such as Nanzenji Suijikaku, tunnels, and a power station is also a highlight of the cruise.
Best time to see: late March to early April
Hours/9:00 - 17:30 (Registration closes at 17:00)
Spring operating period / March 28, 2024 (Thursday) to June 9, 2024 (Sunday)
Fare/Otsu - Keage Adults 6,000 yen - 14,000 yen
*The entrance fee for details isOfficial siteThan
The Fushimi Jujikkoku Boat is a restored version of the 30 stone boats that carried sake, rice, and passengers on the Yodo River during the Edo period (1603-1868).
It is a 50-minute round trip along the Uji River, which at that time was lined with wholesale stores and sake breweries. During the cherry blossom season, visitors can leisurely enjoy the 1km-long row of cherry trees, and at night, the reflection of the cherry blossoms on the surface of the river is a spectacular sight.
Best time to see: late March to early April
Fushimi Jusekifune
Period / March 16, 2024 (Sat) - December 8, 2024 (Sun)
*Only the following flights are available in August.
August 1 (Thursday) - 12 (Monday), 2024 *Closed on Mondays
Closed/Mondays (except holidays, Mondays in April, May, October, and November), closed from August 13 (Tuesday) to August 31 (Thursday), 2024
Time/10:00-16:20 *Last call at 15:40 from November 25 (Mon.) to December 8 (Sun.), 2024
Fee/Junior high school students and older: 1,500 yen, elementary school students and younger: 750 yen
Kiyamachi-dori is one of Kyoto's most famous shopping streets, where the historically famous Takase River flows and the streets are lined with Kyoto's traditional atmosphere.
Along the Takase River between Kiyamachi 2-jo and Kiyamachi 5-jo, approximately 360 Someiyoshino and other cherry trees are planted to the delight of visitors. The cherry blossoms are sometimes illuminated when they are in bloom, so you can enjoy the cherry blossoms at night while you are out downtown.
Best time to see: late March to early April
free to stroll (i.e. to take a stroll)
Over 600 interviews per year! An order site carefully selected by the editors who knows Kyoto and Shiga.
nowOfficial LINE friend registration500 yen OFF coupon is being issued!