Cherry Blossom Report: Kyoto
by Sean, staff writer of japan-guide.com
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2014/04/08 - Cherry Blossom Report: Kyoto
Six days after the cherry trees in Kyoto were officially in full bloom, I returned to the nation's former capital to check out its cherry blossoms. I was delighted to find the season still at its peak at most of the locations that I went to today. The preceding days of slightly cold temperatures must have preserved the cherry blossoms in a good state. We should see fair weather in the next few days, making this an ideal period to enjoy sakura in Kyoto.
Arashiyama
April 8, 2014 - petals starting to fall
Arashiyama was as usual crowded with tourists this morning. I found the cherry trees to be still pretty full with flowers, albeit having already lost some petals. Great cherry blossom views should continue for another two days or so.
Nijo Castle
April 8, 2014 - petals starting to fall (Somei Yoshino)
April 8, 2014 - full bloom (Yaebeni weeping cherries)
April 8, 2014 - opening (10-50%) (Late blooming varieties)
Unlike at most other cherry blossom spots, sakura of the Somei Yoshino variety do not make up the majority at Nijo Castle. The castle compound is home to a wide array of cherry tree types including late-blooming ones, making this a great destination for hanami (cherry blossom viewing) with an extended season. The Yaebeni weeping cherry trees are currently in full bloom and should remain so into the weekend, before other later blooming varieties take over in pleasing visitors.
Keage Incline and Okazaki Canal
April 8, 2014 - petals starting to fall
When I last visited the Keage Incline one week ago, the cherry trees had already just reached their best. Due to the ephemerality of their blossoms I had expected the peak period to have passed by the time of this visit, but to my pleasant surprise sakura views were still great. I think good views should remain for another two to three days at least.
Just a short walk away is Okazaki Canal, and today I found the cherry tree branches here to be even fuller than those at the Keage Incline. Cherry blossoms can be enjoyed here whilst taking a boat ride on the canal. Daytime boat rides are available till May 6 from 9:30 to 16:30. Evening illuminations will take place everyday from 18:00 to 21:30 until April 13, during which night-time boat rides are available till 20:30.
Heian Shrine
April 8, 2014 - petals starting to fall (Somei Yoshino)
April 8, 2014 - full bloom (Yaebeni weeping cherries)
While the Somei Yoshino are usually the ones in the spotlight, it is the Yaebeni weeping cherry trees that are the superstars of Heian Shrine's garden. Today, these weeping cherry trees were at their very best, drawing gasps of awe from their audience. A few Somei Yoshino trees which stood here and there were shedding some petals as the wind blew, seemingly uncomfortable with the lack of attention given to them. It was gorgeous overall at the garden, and the Yaebeni weeping cherry trees will carry Heian Shrine's cherry blossom season into the weekend.
Maruyama Park
April 8, 2014 - petals starting to fall
I rounded up the day again with a visit to Maruyama Park, where there were many having their hanami parties. Of the locations that I visited today, the state of the cherry blossoms was the worst here, although views were still pleasant enough. It was already past peak for the great weeping cherry tree at the center of the park. Overall, I think the window for cherry blossom viewing here will remain open for another couple of days, but will likely be closed around the start of the weekend.
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