Kyoto is A city of west-central Honshu, Japan, north-northeast of Osaka. Founded in the eighth century, it has long been a cultural, artistic, and religious center.
Philosopher's Path
Early April
Between Ginkakuji and Nanzenji Temples.
The Philosopher's Path is a pleasant path besides a canal that connects Ginkakuji (Silver Pavilion) with the vicinity of Nanzenji. It is lined by hundreds of cherry trees.
Maruyama Park
Early April
Next to Yasaka Shrine.
Illumination 2013: 3/8 to 4/14, until 1:00
Maruyama Park next to Yasaka Shrine is Kyoto's most popular public park for cherry blossom parties. Its centerpiece is a large weeping cherry tree that gets lit up in the evenings. Many food stands and temporarily constructed restaurants with tables under the trees are available.
Arashiyama
Early April
Northwest of central Kyoto.
Illumination 2013: 3/23 to 4/14, 18:00 to 22:00 (Nakanoshima Park)
Arashiyama is a pleasant and busy district in the outskirts of Kyoto. Many cherry trees can be found around the Togetsukyo Bridge at the foot of Arashiyama mountains, especially in the riverside Nakanoshima Park.
Daigoji Temple
Early April
15 minute walk from Daigoji Station, 600 yen, 9:00 to 17:00
Daigoji is a temple complex with many cherry trees southeast of central Kyoto, where Hideyoshi held a famous hanami party in the 16th century. Some outstanding weeping cherry trees stand on the grounds of the Reihokan Museum and in front of the Sanboin.
Nijo Castle
Late March to mid April
A few steps from Nijojo-mae Station (Tozai Subway Line)
Admission: 600 yen; Hours: 8:45 to 17:00
Illumination 2013: 3/29 to 4/21, 18:00 to 21:30 (entry until 21:00), 400 yen
A wide range of cherry tree varieties on Nijo Castle's spacious grounds result in a long blooming season during most of March and April. Yet, because at any time there are always some trees out of bloom, the overall experience may not be as overwhelming as in hanami spots where all the trees bloom at the same time. There are special illuminations in the evenings.
Kyoto Botanical Garden
Early April
A few steps from Kitayama Station (Karasuma Subway Line)
Admission: 200 yen; Hours: 9:00 to 17:00 (entry until 16:00)
Illumination 2013: 4/6 to 4/14, until 21:00 (entry until 20:00)
Besides a lot of other flowers, bushes and trees, the Kyoto Botanical Garden contains a beautiful small forest of weeping cherry trees and somei yoshino that is popular for picnics. Furthermore, there stands a majestic weeping cherry tree next to the large lawn area in the center of the garden.
Kiyomizudera
Early April
15 minute walk from Kiyomizu-michi bus stop, 300 yen, 6:00 to 18:00
Illumination 2013: 3/22 to 4/7, 18:30 to 21:30, 400 yen
There are quite a few cherry trees planted around the large balcony of Kiyomizudera, but the largest concentration of trees is located around the pond near the exit of the temple grounds.
Kamogawa
Early April
Kitaoji Station (Karasuma Subway Line), admission free
Kamogawa is the river, which runs through central Kyoto. Cherry trees are planted in many places along the river. One of the most pleasant places for cherry blossom viewing and a picnic is in northern Kyoto, where Kitaoji Street crosses the river.
Hirano Shrine
Early April
Between Kinkakuji and Kitano Hakubaicho, admission free
Illumination 2013: 3/25 to 4/20, until 21:00
One of Kyoto's most famous hanami spots, Hirano Shrine is also known for the many varieties of cherry trees found on its grounds. In the evenings, the trees are lit up.
See more! :)
Philosopher's Path
Early April
Between Ginkakuji and Nanzenji Temples.
The Philosopher's Path is a pleasant path besides a canal that connects Ginkakuji (Silver Pavilion) with the vicinity of Nanzenji. It is lined by hundreds of cherry trees.
Maruyama Park
Early April
Next to Yasaka Shrine.
Illumination 2013: 3/8 to 4/14, until 1:00
Maruyama Park next to Yasaka Shrine is Kyoto's most popular public park for cherry blossom parties. Its centerpiece is a large weeping cherry tree that gets lit up in the evenings. Many food stands and temporarily constructed restaurants with tables under the trees are available.
Arashiyama
Early April
Northwest of central Kyoto.
Illumination 2013: 3/23 to 4/14, 18:00 to 22:00 (Nakanoshima Park)
Arashiyama is a pleasant and busy district in the outskirts of Kyoto. Many cherry trees can be found around the Togetsukyo Bridge at the foot of Arashiyama mountains, especially in the riverside Nakanoshima Park.
Daigoji Temple
Early April
15 minute walk from Daigoji Station, 600 yen, 9:00 to 17:00
Daigoji is a temple complex with many cherry trees southeast of central Kyoto, where Hideyoshi held a famous hanami party in the 16th century. Some outstanding weeping cherry trees stand on the grounds of the Reihokan Museum and in front of the Sanboin.
Nijo Castle
Late March to mid April
A few steps from Nijojo-mae Station (Tozai Subway Line)
Admission: 600 yen; Hours: 8:45 to 17:00
Illumination 2013: 3/29 to 4/21, 18:00 to 21:30 (entry until 21:00), 400 yen
A wide range of cherry tree varieties on Nijo Castle's spacious grounds result in a long blooming season during most of March and April. Yet, because at any time there are always some trees out of bloom, the overall experience may not be as overwhelming as in hanami spots where all the trees bloom at the same time. There are special illuminations in the evenings.
Kyoto Botanical Garden
Early April
A few steps from Kitayama Station (Karasuma Subway Line)
Admission: 200 yen; Hours: 9:00 to 17:00 (entry until 16:00)
Illumination 2013: 4/6 to 4/14, until 21:00 (entry until 20:00)
Besides a lot of other flowers, bushes and trees, the Kyoto Botanical Garden contains a beautiful small forest of weeping cherry trees and somei yoshino that is popular for picnics. Furthermore, there stands a majestic weeping cherry tree next to the large lawn area in the center of the garden.
Kiyomizudera
Early April
15 minute walk from Kiyomizu-michi bus stop, 300 yen, 6:00 to 18:00
Illumination 2013: 3/22 to 4/7, 18:30 to 21:30, 400 yen
There are quite a few cherry trees planted around the large balcony of Kiyomizudera, but the largest concentration of trees is located around the pond near the exit of the temple grounds.
Kamogawa
Early April
Kitaoji Station (Karasuma Subway Line), admission free
Kamogawa is the river, which runs through central Kyoto. Cherry trees are planted in many places along the river. One of the most pleasant places for cherry blossom viewing and a picnic is in northern Kyoto, where Kitaoji Street crosses the river.
Hirano Shrine
Early April
Between Kinkakuji and Kitano Hakubaicho, admission free
Illumination 2013: 3/25 to 4/20, until 21:00
One of Kyoto's most famous hanami spots, Hirano Shrine is also known for the many varieties of cherry trees found on its grounds. In the evenings, the trees are lit up.
See more! :)