The Top 10 Kyoto spots to view the cherry blossoms is the Philosopher's path, Arashiyama, Daikakuji, Heian shrine, Kiyomizu-dera, Nijo castle, Maruyama park, Ninna-ji, the Kamo shrines and Daigo-ji temple . Kyoto comes to life in the Spring with pink flowers blooming from the end of March to early April. Kyoto draws many tourists during the spring season to see these beautiful flowers along with the great temples.
Arashiyama
Arashiyama, a prominent tourist spot in Kyoto where you can enjoy the great outdoors
Tougetsukyo Bridge which evokes Arashiyama’s elegance. The trolley trains and the cruise down Hozu River where you can physically sense nature throughout the 4 seasons. This is the place where you can feel Kyoto’s grace unified with nature
Website
kyoto.travel
Daikakuji
Daikakuji, the temple that originated ikebana and has the oldest man-made pond in Japan
Daikakuji is a temple with many things to see such as Japan’s oldest forested pond, the corridors of nightingale flooring and the images painted on the sliding doors. It is also known as the birthplace of ikebana and the safekeeping place for a handwritten sutra written by the Emperor, and is a temple with an Imperial relationship which can relate Japanese culture to future generations.
Business hours
- Everyday (9:00 AM ~ 5:00 PM )
Phone
075-871-0071
Price
- Adult: 500 JPY
- Child: 300 JPY
Website
www.daikakuji.or.jp
Heian Shrine
Immerse yourself in the history of the dazzling ancient capital Kyoto at Heian Shrine
Heian Shrine was built in the Meiji period (1868 – 1912) based on a plan to reproduce faithfully the architectural styles and colors of the central government building Chodoin which was the symbol of the ancient capital Heiankyo (present day Kyoto). Enjoy the beauty of the four seasons in the vast, 30,000 square meter “excursion type” garden.
Business hours
- Everyday (6:00 AM ~ 5:00 PM )
Phone
075-761-0221
Price
- Free
Website
www.jnto.go.jp
Kiyomizu-dera
Kiyomizu-dera – Kyoto’s most popular tourist attraction
Kiyomizu-dera is a Kannon temple where the goddess Kannon is worshipped. Among Kyoto’s temples, Kiyomizu-dera has a particularly long history, and is a registered World Heritage site. It is one of Kyoto’s most popular tourist attractions.
Business hours
- Everyday (6:00 AM ~ 5:30 PM )
Phone
075-551-1234
Price
- Adult: 300 JPY
- Child: 200 JPY
Website
www.kiyomizudera.or.jp
Nijo Castle
A leisurely stroll through the site of the huge Nijo Castle
Nijo Castle, which was constructed in the Edo period, is a registered National Historic Site, while Ninomaru Palace is a designated National Treasure, and other buildings and wall panel paintings are designated as Important Cultural Properties. Nijo Castle is also a registered UN World Heritage site. (Ninomaru is the area that directly defended Honmaru, which was the control center in times of war.)
Business hours
- Everyday (9:00 AM ~ 4:00 PM )
Phone
075-841 -0096
Price
- Adult: 600 JPY
- Child: 200 JPY
Website
www.city.kyoto.jp
Maruyama Park
The oldest park in Kyoto. In spring, the sky is covered with cherry blossoms in full bloom
Maruyama Park is a famous place for sakura. It is a popular spot to take a stroll in the beautiful Japanese garden that has free admission. There are also teahouses and a ryotei restaurant recommended for Kyoto epicureans.
Business hours
- Everyday
Phone
075-561-1350
Price
- Free
Philosopher’s Walk
Changing through the seasons, a path where you can enjoy the beauty of nature.
Philosopher’s Walk is an approximately 1.5km walking path along the foot of Mt. Higashiyama. On the western end of a canal built in the Meiji Era lies the stone-paved path which has also been selected as one of Japan’s Top 100 Streets.
Business hours
- Everyday
The Kamo Shrines
The Kamo Shrines, Kyoto’s oldest shrines and World Heritage sites that are known for the Aoi Festival which has continued for 1500 years.
Kamigamo Shrine and Shimogamo Shrine continue on a lineage that has lasted from ancient times. They boast a popularity among the young since the shrines’ gods represent success in love and prayers for beauty. The Shikinen Sengu ritual is practiced every 21 years when the shrine buildings undergo restoration.
Business hours
- Everyday (8:30 AM ~ 5:00 PM )
Phone
075-781-0011
Price
- Free
Website
www.kamigamojinja.jp
Ninna-ji Temple
Ninna-ji is recommended for the beautiful late-blooming cherry blossom season
The temple was built in 888 by Emperor Uda. An example of Heian Era palatial architecture that served as a residence for the nobles of that time, Ninna-ji was recognized as a National Treasure and has also been registered as a World Heritage site, famous for its cherry blossoms.
Business hours
- Everyday (9:00 AM ~ 4:30 PM )
Phone
075-461-4070
Price
- Adult: 500 JPY
- Child: 300 JPY
Website
www.ninnaji.or.jp
Daigo-ji Temple
The final dream of Hideyoshi, viewings of cherry blossoms and fall foliage at Daigo-ji
Daigo-ji Temple was reconstructed so that Hideyoshi Toyotomi could hold the most gorgeous cherry blossom-viewing parties there. In spring, 1000 cherry trees blossom and the fall foliage that Hideyoshi couldn’t see is also breathtaking in its beauty.
Business hours
- Everyday (9:00 AM ~ 4:00 PM )
Phone
075-571-0002
Price
- Adult: 600 JPY
- Child: 0 JPY
Website
www.daigoji.or.jp
