《Top 5》 Greatest Hanami Spots in Kyoto: You Can Enjoy Hanami Outside of Temples and Shrines as Well!

Japan's olden capital Kyoto is known for its cherry blossoms.

Cherry blossoms in Kyoto are in full bloom usually around mid-March to mid-April.

Temples and shrines are popular cherry blossom spots, but there are many other places where the cherry blossoms create stunning views.

In this article, I, a Kyoto resident, will introduce you 5 of the greatest "sakura" spots in Kyoto.

What Exactly Is “The City of Kyoto Visitors Host”?: Our Complete Guide 

1. Kyoto Gyoen

Kamigyō-ku, Kyoto City.

Kyoto Gyoen is located about a 5 min walk awayfrom exit 1, Marutamachi Station of the Kyoto City Subway Karasuma line. Kyoto Gyoen was formerly the place where the emperor of Japan lived, from 1337 to 1869.

The vast land of about 100 hectares has been open to the public since post WWII, and now is a popular recreation area for Kyoto citiens and tourists.

An incredible 1,000 or so cherry trees of different kinds has been planted all over Kyoto Gyoen.

The weeping cherry tree in the Konoe Residence is perhaps the most well known.

The Demizu weeping cherry tree, known for its beautiful shape like an outstretched umbrella, is also a popular photo spot.

There are several rest areas in the Kyoto Gyoen where you can enjoy tea and sweets while viewing the cherry blossoms, so we recommend having a picnic after lunch.

2. Kamo River

Kamo River is the calm river flowing through the city of Kyoto. The river brings tranquility to the citizens in Kyoto, and it becomes crowded with hanami enjoyers during spring.

The sight of cherry blossoms blooming against the backdrop of the mountains is simply magnificent, and soothing to the mind.

In particular, Nakaragi-no-Michi (半木の道), which runs from Kitaoji Bridge to Kitayama Bridge upstream of the Kamo River, is lined with dark pink weeping cherry trees for about 800 meters, creating a beautiful tunnel of cherry blossoms.

You have to experience this breathtaking beauty up close.

3. Keage Incline

The Keage Incline is a 600m long incline railroad that was built in the Meiji era to connect the Nanzenji Funadamari and Keage Funadamari sections of the Lake Biwa Canal.

It is a rare spot with a dynamic and spectacular view of about 90 cherry trees in bloom and the contrast with the former railroad site.

It is also popular as a photo spot.

Since it is close to Nanzenji Temple, a visit before or after sightseeing is also recommended.

4. Lake Biwa Canal

Lake Biwa Canal is a waterway created in the Meiji period (1868-1912) to carry water from Lake Biwa, the largest lake in Japan, to Kyoto.

It is recognized as a Japanese Heritage Site by the Agency for Cultural Affairs.

The Lake Biwa Canal runs from Otsu City, Shiga Prefecture to the Kamo River running through Kyoto City.

The Okazaki area from Keage Subway Station to the Kamo River is one of the most convenient areas to visit for sightseeing. Near the Lake Biwa Canal are Nanzenji Temple, Heian Shrine, and other tourist spots. You can take a distinctively Kyoto-an photo with the Otorii (Grand Gate) of Heian Shrine in the background.

The view of cherry blossoms along the leisurely flowing Lake Biwa Canal is exceptional. The cherry blossoms hanging from the surface of the water are truly photogenic.

During the cherry blossom season, you can also view the cherry blossoms from a boat on the "Okazaki Sakura Corridor Jikkoku Bune Tour (reservation required)" (https://kyoto-tabi.or.jp/tour/240320jfj/).

Philosopher's Walk

The Philosopher's Walk is a sightseeing spot in Kyoto that runs from around Nanzenji Temple to Ginkakuji Temple.

It was named "Philosopher's Walk(哲学の道 Tetsugaku-no-Michi)" by Kitaro Nishida, a philosopher and professor at Kyoto University, who used to take long, thoughtful walks along this path.

Along the 2-km-long sosui (canal), about 400 cherry trees are planted.

When the cherry trees are in full bloom, you can enjoy walking along the path while viewing the cherry blossoms as if you were walking through a tunnel of cherry trees.

In March and April, enjoy cherry blossoms while strolling in Kyoto!

In this article, we have introduced five cherry blossom viewing spots in Kyoto where you can enjoy a spectacular view of cherry blossoms.

All of these spots are popular, but you can enjoy the cherry blossoms in a spacious and relaxing atmosphere.

Cherry blossoms at night are also elegant, and you can enjoy a different view of the cherry blossoms than in the daytime, so please go and enjoy both the daytime and nighttime sceneries.