The cherry blossoms in Japan are predicted to begin blooming this year at the end of March and peak in the first weeks of April. The famous Japanese Cherry Blossom hanami or flower viewing season will soon be blooming in Kyoto! Whether you’re looking to capture the unique beauty of the season, explore Japan’s historic spots, or enjoy a special picnic under the spring blooms – we’ve got you covered with this list of the best spots to enjoy the season to the fullest.
1. Fushimi Inari Shrine
Address: 68 Fukakusa Yabunouchicho, Fushimi Ward, Kyoto, 612-0882, Japan (Google Maps)
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Fushimi Inari Taisha, famous for its endless vermilion torii gates, takes on a softer charm in spring when delicate cherry blossoms frame the shrine’s pathways. As you hike up Mount Inari, you’ll spot clusters of sakura blooming between the gates, blending the vivid red of tradition with the fleeting pink of spring. It’s a quieter, more spiritual cherry blossom experience, especially beautiful early in the morning before the crowds arrive.
Unlock the magic of Kyoto with a local expert:
- Kyoto & Nara 1 Day Tour: Nara Park & Fushimi Inari Shrine & Arashiyama from Osaka/ Kyoto
- Kyoto Highlights Private Walking Tour – Gion and Fushimi Inari Shrine with Licensed Guide
2. Kiyomizu-dera Temple
Address: 1 Chome-294 Kiyomizu, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, 605-0862, Japan (Google Maps)
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Perched on a hillside overlooking Kyoto, Kiyomizu-dera offers one of the city’s most breathtaking cherry blossom views. In spring, the temple’s wooden terrace seems to float above a sea of pink and white petals, with panoramic views of Kyoto framed by blooming trees below. Visiting during the evening illumination adds even more magic, as the blossoms glow softly against the temple’s ancient architecture, creating a dreamlike scene that feels suspended in time.
Turn your Kyoto visit into a timeless experience:
- Kyoto & Nara 1 Day Tour: Nara Park & Fushimi Inari Shrine & Kiyomizu-dera Temple from Osaka/ Kyoto
- Kyoto & Nara Highlights 1 Day Tour from Osaka
- Kiyomizudera Kimono Rental in Kyoto
3. Philosopher’s Path
Address: Tetsugaku No Michi, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto (Google Maps)
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The Philosopher’s Path, or Tetsugaku no Michi, is a 2-km scenic stone walking trail in Kyoto that becomes particularly enchanting in early April as the 500 cherry trees that line the path bloom to create a breathtaking canopy of pink blossoms. The path follows a canal in the Higashiyama district, connecting Ginkaku-ji (Silver Pavilion) to Nanzen-ji Temple.
4. Maruyama Park
Address: Maruyamacho, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto (Google Maps)
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Kyoto’s oldest park, Maruyama Park is popular for its ‘Weeping Cherry of Gion’ which is even illuminated nightly until midnight. The park is a perfect stop for a picnic lunch between visits to nearby temples or simply to see famous spring blooms.
5. Fushimi Jikkokubune Canal
Address: 247 Fushimi Ward, Kyoto (Google Maps)
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The Fushimi Canal is most well known as a hotspot for locals and tourists to ride traditional wooden Jikkokubune boats beneath a canopy of falling cherry blossoms. As the season progresses, fallen blossoms begin to cover the river’s entire surface, giving the illusion that instead of water, the boats are floating on a sea of petals.
Find even more must-visit locations for Cherry Blossoms in Japan on our blog:
- Top 6 Cherry Blossom Spots in Tokyo
- Top 5 Cherry Blossom Spots in Osaka
- Spring in Japan: Cherry Blossom Japan Forecast
- Best Spring Day Trips from Tokyo
Discover even more of Kyoto with these great tours:
- Kyoto City 1-Day Private Tour from Kyoto/ Nara/ Osaka
- 6-hour Food & Culture Private Kyoto Tour with Licensed Guide
- Kyoto Uji 1-Day Tour from Osaka/Kyoto
- Kyoto Private 1 Day Tour (+ Licensed guide/ Driver/ Private transportation)
We hope this guide has helped you plan your spring expeditions across Osaka. To discover more of the best things to do in Japan, visit Trazy.com, Your Travel Shop for Asia!
