Missed the cherry blossoms in Kyoto?

If you arrived in Kyoto a couple of days too late for the cherry blossoms, don't give up yet. There are ways to enjoy the seasonal spectacle, after all:

Option 1: See late-flowering cherry tree varieties

There are more than a hundred cherry tree varieties in Japan. The large majority of trees bloom usually around late March and early April, but there are a few varieties that bloom several days or weeks earlier and later. In Kyoto, there are a number of hanami spots with many later blooming weeping cherry trees that reach full bloom typically half a week later than the mainstream Somei Yoshino trees. Other spots feature even later blooming varieties that provide nice hanami conditions for several weeks beyond the end of the main season:

  • Heian Shrine
    A few days beyond the end of the main season
    Garden: 8:30 to 17:30 (entry until 17:00), 600 yen
    Large numbers of later blooming weeping cherry trees stand in the garden of Heian Shrine behind the shrine's main buildings, making it one of the best spots to see weeping cherry trees in Kyoto. The trees reach full bloom a few days after the other cherry trees, making it an ideal spot for visitors who miss the main season by a few days.
  • Haradani-en Garden
    A few days beyond the end of the main season
    North of Kinkakuji, 9:00 to 17:00, admission fee depends on state of season
    Open only seasonally, Haradani-en is another excellent spot to enjoy large numbers of later blooming weeping cherry trees. The pleasant garden is located in the northern outskirts of Kyoto in the hills above Kinkakuji Temple. It is a little bit difficult to reach by public transportation by the infrequent bus number M1 from Kitaoji Station or Kinkakuji-michi. Alternatively, many visitors access the garden by taxi.
  • Kyoto Botanical Garden
    A few days beyond the end of the main season
    A few steps from Kitayama Station (Karasuma Subway Line)
    Admission: 9:00 to 17:00 (entry until 16:00), 200 yen
    Besides a lot of other flowers, bushes and trees, the Kyoto Botanical Garden contains a beautiful small forest of later blooming weeping cherry trees that is popular for picnics.
  • Ninnaji
    A few days beyond the end of the main season
    A few steps from Omuro Ninnaji Station (Keifuku Kitano Line)
    Admission: 9:00 to 17:00, 500 yen (during the cherry blossom season)
    Ninnaji Temple is well known for its locally cultivated variety of late blooming cherry trees known as Omuro Cherry. The Omuro cherry trees tend to bloom about a week after the mainstream Somei Yoshino. There are several hundred trees of them located on the temple grounds.
  • Nijo Castle
    2-3 weeks beyond the end of the main season
    A few steps from Nijojo-mae Station (Tozai Subway Line)
    Admission: 8:45 to 17:00, 800 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. For visitors later during the season there is a long row of weeping cherry trees that bloom a few days later than the mainstream cherry trees, and one of the city's largest collections of yae-zakura trees that bloom several weeks beyond the end of the main season.
  • Osaka Mint Bureau
    2-3 weeks beyond the end of the main season
    45-60 minutes from Kyoto in central Osaka
    More than 300 trees of over 100 varieties, mostly later blooming yae-zakura trees can be viewed on the premises of the Osaka Mint Bureau. The gates of the garden are opened to the general public for one week in mid April. The garden can also be viewed on the occasion of a visit to the Mint Museum outside of the special opening period.

Option 2: Make a side trip

There are several nearby places at a higher elevation or with an otherwise colder climate where the cherry blossoms bloom a few days or weeks later than in Kyoto. Below are a few destinations where you can see the blossoms in an easy side trip from the city:

  • Yoshino
    About one week after Kyoto
    Two hours south of Kyoto (more details)
    Yoshinoyama is often considered Japan's most famous cherry blossom spot. Due to its location in the mountains, the cherry trees there typically start to open about a week later than in Kyoto. Furthermore, the blooming period at Yoshinoyama is prolonged by the fact that the trees are found along a mountain slope, with the upper ones trailing the lower ones by several days.
  • Hikone
    About one week after Kyoto
    About one hour east of Kyoto along the JR Biwako Line (more details)
    Despite being located only 50 kilometers east of Kyoto, the town of Hikone is exposed to considerably colder weather, resulting in a cherry blossom blooming period that is about one week delayed compared to Kyoto's. The best hanami spot in Hikone is Hikone Castle.
  • Kanazawa
    About one week after Kyoto
    Two hours north of Kyoto by limited express train (more details)
    Due to its more northerly location, Kanazawa also sees its cherry blossoms open about a week later than the ones in Kyoto. The prime hanami spot in the city is Kenrokuen Garden.

Questions? Ask in our forum.

Hotels around Kyoto

Read our Kyoto Hotel Guide
    •
      Ryokufuso
      A friendly Japanese hotel near Nishi Honganji temple. 5min by taxi from JR Kyoto Sta. Enjoy your stay with the Japanese room and communal baths. Free Wi-Fi & parking lot.
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      Japanese hotel, Ryokan Nishiyama
      Experience the real Japan at our affordable ryokan. Close to major tourist spots in Kyoto.
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      Ryokan Hirashin
      A traditional hotel with spacious rooms and high speed Wi-Fi. Conveniently located in the heart of Kyoto city. 3min to Shijo Karasuma Sta. and 5min to the famous Nishiki Market.
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      Arashiyama Hanaikada
      A little, superior ryokan right near Togetsukyo Bridge in Arashiyama. Free transfer from JR station. Private bath and open-air baths available. 5min walk to the Bamboo Groves.
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      Ryokan Mugen (Adult Only)
      Luxury
      Mugen is a property that was built 160 years ago, situated in Kyoto, 1 km from Nijo Castle. Every room at Mugen features an en suite shower room, toilet, free toiletries and a hairdryer. Free WiFi is available throughout the entire property. You will find a shared lounge on site and a bar at the annex building. The ryokan also offers bike hire. Imperial Palace is 1.1 km from Mugen, while Kitano Tenmangu Shrine is 1.6 km from the property. The nearest airport is Osaka Itami Airport, 39 km from the property.
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      Mitsuki Kyoto
      Budget-friendly
      Set in Kyoto, 600 metres from Kyoto International Manga Museum and 1.4 km from the centre, Mitsuki Kyoto offers air-conditioned accommodation with free WiFi, and a garden. This 2-star ryokan offers full-day security and luggage storage space. The accommodation provides a concierge service and a housekeeping service for guests. The units in the ryokan are equipped with a kettle. There is a private bathroom with bidet in every unit, along with slippers, a hair dryer and free toiletries. At the ryokan, the units are equipped with bed linen and towels. The ryokan serves a vegetarian and vegan breakfast and breakfast in the room is also available. A bar can be found on-site. Nijo Castle is 1.1 km from Mitsuki Kyoto, while Kyoto Shigaku Kaikan Conference Hall is 1.8 km away. The nearest airport is Itami Airport, 46 km from the accommodation.
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      Guesthouse KYOTO COMPASS
      Budget-friendly
      Located in Kyoto, this traditional Japanese guest house features free Wi-Fi and a free public computer. Shichijo Onmae bus stop is 3 minutesf walk away. A seating area and shared bathroom are provided with each room at Guesthouse KYOTO COMPASS. Free toiletries are provided and blankets are available upon request. Select rooms have a garden view. A shared living area and bicycles are available for guestsf use during their stay at this Kyoto Guesthouse Compass. Access to the shared kitchen is available upon request. The guest house is 4.5 km from Imperial Palace and 2.2 km from Kyoto Station. Nijo Castle and Toji Castle are within a 30 minutesf bus ride away.
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      Ryokan Tori
      Mid-range
      Ryokan Tori is located in Kyoto, 2 km from Kitano Tenmangu Shrine. The property is around 2.3 km from Nijo Castle and Kyoto Imperial Palace. The property is 3.2 km from Kinkaku-ji Temple and 3.7 km from Kyoto International Manga Museum. All guest rooms in the ryokan are fitted with a kettle. Each room has a shared bathroom, while selected rooms are fitted with a balcony and others also offer a garden view. All rooms will provide guests with a fridge. Guests at tori can enjoy an Asian breakfast. Heian Shrine is 5 km from the accommodation. Itami Airport is 50 km from the property.
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      Guesthouse Engawa
      Budget-friendly
      Located within 600 metres of Kiyomizu-dera Temple and 1.3 km of Sanjusangen-do Temple, Guesthouse Engawa provides rooms with air conditioning and a shared bathroom in Kyoto. It is situated 1.7 km from Gion Shijo Station and features luggage storage space. This 2-star guest house offers private entrance. The units in the guest house are equipped with a kettle. Featuring a shared bathroom with a shower and slippers, units at the guest house also offer free WiFi, while selected rooms come with a balcony. The units are equipped with heating facilities. Guests can also relax in the garden. Samurai Kembu Kyoto is 2.1 km from the guest house, while Shoren-in Temple is 1.8 km away. Itami Airport is 45 km from the property.
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      Yado Kiramachi
      Luxury
      Yado Kiramachi offers accommodation set 600 metres from the centre of Kyoto and provides a garden and a terrace. The air-conditioned accommodation is 600 metres from Kyoto Shigaku Kaikan Conference Hall. The ryokan features family rooms. The units at the ryokan come with a seating area. The units have a coffee machine, a private bathroom and free WiFi, while selected rooms will provide you with a balcony and some have garden views. At the ryokan, all units include bed linen and towels. A bar can be found on-site. Kyoto International Manga Museum is 1.3 km from the ryokan, while Gion Shijo Station is 1.6 km away. Itami Airport is 45 km from the property.
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      Kyo-Anthu Inn
      Mid-range
      Located in Kyoto and within 500 metres of Sanjusangen-do Temple, Kyo-Anthu Inn features a garden, soundproof rooms, and free WiFi. It is set 1.3 km from TKP Garden City Kyoto and provides full-day security. The guest house has family rooms. The guest house will provide guests with air-conditioned units offering a desk, a kettle, a fridge, a safety deposit box, a flat-screen TV and a private bathroom with a bidet. Some units also have a well-fitted kitchenette equipped with a microwave and a toaster. At the guest house, all units come with bed linen and towels. Guests at the guest house can enjoy a continental breakfast, and breakfast in the room is also available. Popular points of interest near Kyo-Anthu Inn include Kiyomizu-dera Temple, Kyoto Station and Gion Shijo Station. Itami Airport is 44 km away.
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      Toshiharu Ryokan
      Luxury
      Built in the Meiji era and registered as a cultural asset, Toshiharu Ryokan offers traditional accommodation just a 3-minute walk from Gojo Station and 1 subway stop from JR Kyoto Train Station. Massages are available. Guests at Ryokan Toshiharu sleep in Japanese futon bedding on a tatami (woven-straw) floor, and have air conditioning. Green tea and a Yukata robe are provided, and some rooms look out on a small garden. The ryokan is 1 km from Higashi Hongan-ji Temple and about a 15-minute walk from Gojo-Ohashi Bridge and the Kamogawa River. Daimaru Department Store is 900 metres away. Although shared, baths are reserved and then used privately in turns. For breakfast, guests can choose to savour a Japanese served at an additional charge.
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      Gallery Nozawa Inn
      Budget-friendly
      Gallery Nozawa Inn offers accommodation in Kyoto, 25 minutes on foot from JR Kyoto Station. Free WiFi is available throughout the property. Every room includes a flat-screen TV and air conditioning. Each room is equipped with a private toilet, and bathrooms are shared. For your comfort, you will find free toiletries and a hairdryer. There is luggage storage space at the property. Guests can sample Japanese-style breakfast featuring seasonal ingredients. There is a public bathhouse located a 10-minute walk away. Nijo Castle is 2.4 km from Gallery Nozawa Inn, while Kyoto International Manga Museum is 2.4 km from the property. Osaka Itami Airport is 36 km away.
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      Guesthouse HANA Nishijin
      Mid-range
      Situated in Kyoto, 300 metres from Kitano Tenmangu Shrine and 3 km from the centre, Guesthouse HANA Nishijin features air-conditioned accommodation with free WiFi, and a garden. This 3-star guest house offers a shared kitchen and private check-in and check-out. The guest house has family rooms. At the guest house, each unit has a desk. Some accommodation includes a balcony with garden views, a fully equipped kitchenette and a private bathroom with bath. At the guest house, units are fitted with bed linen and towels. Guests can also relax in the shared lounge area. Kinkaku-ji Temple is 1.6 km from the guest house, while Nijo Castle is 2.5 km from the property. Itami Airport is 48 km away.
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Kyoto Restaurants

Recommended in Kyoto
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      Sushi Hayashi
      Sushi
      Awarded One Star in 2024 - A unique sushi restaurant that blends traditional Edomae (Tokyo-style) sushi with Kyoto-style sushi, such as mackerel sushi and steamed sushi, in its courses. The head chef, who trained as a sushi artisan in Switzerland, carefully selects Swiss wines, making them a perfect pairing to enjoy with the meal.
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    • Noguchi Tsunagu
      Japanese (Kaiseki)
      Awarded One Star in 2024 - The sister restaurant of the highly exclusive Japanese cuisine establishment, Kyotenjin Noguchi. While maintaining the culinary essence of the main branch, this kappo-style restaurant incorporates ingredients from the chef’s hometown in the Goto Islands. Its signature dish, Nikusui, is a masterpiece made from carefully prepared, top-quality A5-grade sirloin.
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    • Kamoryori Tabuchi
      Duck dishes
      Within a historic wooden house over 100 years old, savor exquisite dishes crafted with the finest premium brand duck, Kawachi Duck. Raised on feed free from pesticides and delivered fresh every morning, Kawachi Duck is so fresh it can even be enjoyed raw. Indulge in a superb multi-course duck cuisine experience that only a specialty restaurant can offer.
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    • Enyuan Kobayashi
      Tempura
      Awarded One Star in 2024 - Under the skillful craftsmanship of a master chef trained at renowned establishments, this restaurant offers tempura that highlights seasonal ingredients, including richly sweet tiger prawns and their signature sea urchin wrapped in seaweed. Mid-course, the menu also features exquisite simmered dishes and sashimi.
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    • Sushi Rakumi
      Sushi
      Awarded One Star in 2024 - You can savor a creative omakase course that combines refined Japanese cuisine with Edomae sushi, crafted by a highly skilled chef who trained at Japanese restaurants and sushi establishments that have earned three stars. Ingredients are primarily sourced from Kyoto Central Market, with seasonal, high-quality ingredients also procured from Tokyo's Toyosu Market and Yaizu Market in Shizuoka.
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    • Kanamean Nishitomiya
      Japanese (Kaiseki)
      Awarded One Star in 2024 - Sophisticated kaiseki cuisine experienced at a ryokan. Combining tuna with caviar or pairing soba noodles with truffles, the dishes showcase a creative approach that explores unique combinations and flavors. The only establishment in Kyoto affiliated with Relais & Chateaux, where the owner and proprietress draw on their experiences gained abroad to collaborate with chefs in crafting the menu.
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    • Vena
      Italian
      Awarded One Star in 2024 - A restaurant founded by a chef and sommelier born and raised in Kyoto, built on the concept of carefully selected seasonal ingredients and aged Italian wines. In an elegant space adorned with Scandinavian vintage furniture, guests can enjoy authentic Italian cuisine crafted with an abundance of seasonal ingredients unique to each time of year.
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    • Torisho Sai
      Yakitori
      A newly spotlighted restaurant opened in 2024, part of the group of Yakitori Ichimatsu, one of Japan's most renowned yakitori establishments. Housed in a stylishly renovated traditional Japanese home, the restaurant serves yakitori made with Akita’s "Hinai Jidori," one of Japan’s top three premium chicken breeds, aged for about three days to enhance its flavor.
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    • Nakatsuka
      Innovative
      Awarded One Star in 2024 - A one-of-a-kind restaurant where you can enjoy innovative cuisine crafted by the highly skilled Chef Mr. Nakatsuka, who honed his expertise at domestic and international three-star and two-star establishments. The restaurant is themed around "aroma" and features an open kitchen, designed to share the scents of the cooking process with its guests.
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    • Miyawaki
      Japanese (Kaiseki)
      A restaurant with a unique concept of offering traditional Kyoto cuisine in Tokyo, blending authentic techniques with innovative approaches. It is also known for attracting numerous prominent figures from various fields, including renowned Japanese music producers and soccer players.
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Experiences around Kyoto

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