If you are visiting Japan in spring, cherry blossom viewing spots are a must-see. In particular, there are many temples and shrines in Kyōto that are famous for cherry blossom viewing. In this article, we will introduce 7 temples and shrines in Kyōto that are perfect for cherry blossom viewing.
Highlights / Features
When you think of Kyōto, you think of temples and shrines. There are many temples and shrines in Kyōto City that are famous for their cherry blossom viewing. The harmonious scenery of historic buildings and cherry blossoms seems to symbolize the beauty of Japan.
Kyōto’s cherry blossom viewing season is usually from early to mid-April.
When you visit Kyōto in spring, be sure to enjoy cherry blossoms at temples and shrines.
Cherry blossom viewing spots recommended for foreign tourists
Recommended #1: Ninnaji Temple
Ninna-ji Temple (仁和寺) is one of Kyōto’s most famous cherry blossom viewing spots. Every spring, many tourists from Japan and abroad visit here to admire cherry blossoms called Omuro-zakura, which is famous for its late-blooming.
The height of the Omuro-zakura (御室桜) cherry tree is as low as 2 meters, so you can enjoy the cherry blossoms right in front of your eyes. In addition, the cherry blossoms with the five-storied pagoda in the background are said to be a landscape that has not changed since the Edo period, making it a very spectacular sight.
▶ Information
| Best time to see | Early April to mid-April |
|---|---|
| Official website | https://ninnaji.jp/ |
▶ Map
▶ Recommended information
The Omuro Flower Festival is held every year from late March to early May. In addition to cherry blossoms, you can also enjoy azaleas and maple trees.
Recommended #2: Kiyomizu-dera Temple
Kiyomizu-dera Temple (清水寺) is a classic tourist spot that represents Kyōto. It is not only a nationally important cultural property, but also registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site as a “cultural property of ancient Kyōto”, and is crowded with tourists every day. The famous “Kiyomizu Stage” is approximately 13 meters high, which is equivalent to a 4-story building.
Kiyomizu-dera Temple is characterized by over 1,000 cherry blossom trees in full bloom, including Yoshino cherry trees and wild cherry trees. Additionally, the cherry blossoms seen from the Kiyomizu Stage are said to be extremely beautiful. During the special viewing event at night, the cherry blossoms will be lit up, allowing you to enjoy a fantastic view of the cherry blossoms.
▶ Information
| Best time to see | Late March to early April |
|---|---|
| Official website | https://www.kiyomizudera.or.jp/ |
▶ Map
▶ Recommended information
The cherry blossoms can be seen illuminated only during the special viewing period at night. Be sure to check the schedule on the official website in advance.
Recommended #3: Daigoji Temple
Daigoji Temple (醍醐寺) is a temple registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site as a “cultural property of ancient Kyōto”. This temple is famous for its cherry blossoms, and is commonly known as “Daigo of Flowers” (花の醍醐, Hana no Daigo).
Approximately 700 cherry trees, including Yoshino cherry trees, weeping cherry trees, wild cherry trees, and double-flowered cherry tree, are planted in the precincts, which are lined with five-storied pagodas that have been designated as Japanese national treasures. It is characterized by many attractions, including a cherry blossom tunnel and cherry blossom trees that are over 100 years old.
▶ Information
| Best time to see | Early April to mid-April |
|---|---|
| Official website | https://www.daigoji.or.jp/ |
▶ Map
▶ Recommended information
Every year, on the second Sunday of April, a cherry blossom viewing event called “Hōtaikō Hanami Gyōretsu” (豊太閤花見行列) is held.
Recommended #4: Shōjiji Temple
Shōjiji Temple (勝持寺) is also known as “Flower Temple” and various flowers bloom in the temple grounds throughout the season. In spring, during the cherry blossom season, cherry blossoms are in full bloom all over the grounds, delighting tourists.
There are approximately 100 cherry trees planted at Shōjiji Temple, and you can admire several types of cherry blossoms, including Yoshino cherry trees, weeping cherry trees, and double-flowered cherry tree. It is characterized by the fact that you can enjoy the cherry blossoms at your leisure in a quiet and calm atmosphere.
▶ Information
| Best time to see | Early April |
|---|---|
| Official website | http://www.shoujiji.jp/ |
▶ Map
▶ Recommended information
The cherry blossoms are popular in the spring, but in the fall it is also a popular spot for viewing the autumn leaves (momiji).
Recommended #5: Heian Jingū Shrine
Heian Jingū Shrine is a relatively new shrine in Kyōto, having been built in 1895. The large torii gate at the entrance and the huge lacquered shrine building towering over the vast grounds are Kyōto’s most representative sightseeing spots.
At Heian Jingū Shrine, about 300 cherry blossoms of about 20 different types are planted, include Yoshino cherry and Yaebeni weeping cherry. The contrast with the vermilion shrine building is very beautiful, and you’ll be able to take wonderful photos of the cherry blossoms throughout the grounds.
▶ Information
| Best time to see | Late March to mid-April |
|---|---|
| Official website | https://www.heianjingu.or.jp/ |
▶ Map
Recommended #6: Hirano Jinja Shrine
Hirano Jinja Shrine (平野神社) is an old shrine that is said to have been built around 794. Since its founding, it has been famous as a cherry blossom viewing spot in Kyōto, and the shrine’s crest (the shrine’s own emblem) is a cherry blossom.
Hirano Jinja Shrine has about 400 cherry trees of about 60 different types planted. Because there are many types of cherry blossoms, the area is unique in that you can enjoy the cherry blossoms for about a month and a half. It is said that Kyōto’s cherry blossom season begins when the early-blooming weeping cherry, commonly known as Sakigake-zakura (魁桜), blooms.
▶ Information
| Best time to see | Mid-March to late April |
|---|---|
| Official website | https://www.hiranojinja.com/ |
▶ Map
▶ Recommended information
Every year on April 10th, a festival called Ōkasai (桜花祭) is held. We also recommend watching the gorgeous procession with the cherry blossoms in the background.
Recommended #7: Kamigamo Jinja Shrine
Kamigamo Jinja Shrine is one of the oldest shrines in Kyōto. Its origins date back 2,600 years, and the current shrine building is said to have been built in 678 AD. Currently, the entire precincts are registered as a World Cultural Heritage Site and a “cultural property of ancient Kyōto”.
The red weeping cherry, commonly known as “Saiōzakura” (斎王桜) is famous. It is a large cherry tree with a height of about 10m and a trunk of about 3m thick, and you can enjoy its beautiful appearance as if cherry blossoms were showering down like rain.
▶ Information
| Best time to see | Late March to mid-April |
|---|---|
| Official website | https://www.kamigamojinja.jp/ |
Comment