basic information

Below is a list of some of Kyoto's most popular spots for cherry blossom viewing (hanami). See also our nationwide list of famous cherry blossom spots.

Maruyama Park Next to Yasaka Shrine No admission fee Maruyama Park next to Yasaka Shrine is Kyoto's most popular public park for cherry blossom viewing. Its centerpiece is a large weeping cherry tree that gets lit up in the evenings. Many food stands are available.

Philosopher's Trail Between Ginkakuji and Nanzenji Temples No admission fee The Philosopher's Trail 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.

Arashiyama Northwest of central Kyoto No admission fee Arashiyama is a pleasant district in the outskirts of Kyoto. Many cherry trees can be found around the Togetsukyo Bridge at the foot of Arashiyama mountains.

Heian Shrine Behind the main building 600 yen, 8:30 to 17:30 Large numbers of weeping cherry trees (shidarezakura) stand in the garden of Heian Shrine, behind the shrine's main buildings.

Okazaki Canal Outside Heian Shrine No admission fee Located just outside of Heian Shrine, Okazaki Canal connects the Lake Biwa Canal network with Kamo River. It is lined by many cherry trees, and popular boat tours are conducted during the hanami season.

Kamogawa Kitaoji Station (Karasuma Subway Line) No admission fee 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.

Daigoji Temple Daigoji Station (Tozai Subway Line) 600 yen, 9:00 to 17:00 Daigoji is a temple complex in southeastern Kyoto, which is part of Kyoto's designated world heritage. A cherry blossom festival is held on the temple grounds every year.

Hirano Shrine Between Kinkakuji and Kitano Hakubaicho No admission fee 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.

Any advice or questions? Voice them in the forum!

news and reports

	Kyoto Autumn Color Report: Arashiyama November 19, 2009
	Kyoto Autumn Color Report: Higashiyama November 18, 2009
	Kyoto Autumn Color Report: Kurama November 16, 2009
	Kyoto Autumn Color Report November 12, 2009
	Kyoto Cherry Blossom Report April 15, 2009
	Kyoto Cherry Blossom Report April 12, 2009
	Kyoto Cherry Blossom Report April 7, 2009
	Kyoto Cherry Blossom Report April 4, 2009
	Kyoto Cherry Blossom Report April 1, 2009
	Kyoto Cherry Blossom Report March 30, 2009
	Kyoto Cherry Blossom Report March 25, 2009

hotels & ryokan

Station Ryokan Seiki Japanese-style, friendly and affordable family-run inn located only 5 minutes walk from JR Kyoto Station. Tomiya Ryokan A traditional Japanese inn located 2 min walk from Kyoto Station. Close to bus terminal for all the attractions. Japanese hotel, Ryokan Nishiyama Experience the real Japan at our affordable ryokan. Close to major tourist spots in Kyoto. Hotel Sanoya 3 min from north exit of JR Kyoto Sta. but in quiet area. Cozy, clean Japanese rooms with bath. Internet PC in lobby. Ryokan Wakamiya Inexpensive, cozy inn with helpful staff. 7 min walk from JR Kyoto Sta. Free Internet PC. Communal baths on top floor. Kyoto Ryokan Shoei This charming budget hotel is located in the historical Shimabara district of Kyoto. Backpackers Hostel K's House Kyoto Voted No.1 hostel in Asia by Hostelworld customers. 9 mins walk from JR Kyoto station Bed from 2,500 yen. Kyoto White Hotel From 4,150 yen per night. 3 minutes from JR Kyoto station. Gion Hatanaka A real Japanese inn in a quiet area of Gion, famous for Geisha. 15min walk to Kiyomizu-dera. 5min to Yasaka-jinja. Ryokan Saka-no-ue Traditional, cozy ryokan with 12 rooms. Japanese cottage style houses available. Located near Yasaka Shrine and Gion. Ryokan Hirashin 3min walk to Shijo Karasuma Sta. Spacious Japanese-style rooms. 140 years of history. Public baths renovated in 2006. Hotel Sugicho A ryokan in the center of Kyoto town. From 4000yen. 4 train stations are within walking distance. Try the Kyoto Kaiseki. Guest Inn Chita A small traditional inn run by a very kind staff. From 3500yen per guest. 10 min from Kyoto Station. Renewed in 2006.

tours and packages

Kyoto Tours Various tours and travel packages for Kyoto and surroundings.