If you could only choose one place to view cherry blossoms, Japanese people say: Daigo-ji Temple in Kyoto

▲ The charm of cherry blossoms within Daigo-ji Temple keeps many travelers lingering. The photo shows the cherry blossom conditions at Daigo-ji on the 26th (Photo / courtesy ofDaigo-ji Temple official website)

Travel Center / Comprehensive Report

Japan has entered cherry blossom season, with blooms gradually appearing from the south. Whether at tourist spots or along streets and riversides, everywhere is adorned with the pink-and-white splendor of cherry blossoms. But where do Japanese people most want to go for hanami (cherry blossom viewing)? The Japanese website“Walkerplus”has been conducting an ongoing online poll asking netizens about their “most desired cherry blossom destination this year.” As of the 26th, the World Heritage-listed “Daigo-ji Temple” is temporarily leading and has taken the top spot.

Located in Kyoto, Daigo-ji Temple is part of the cultural assets of the ancient capital and has therefore been designated as a World Heritage Site. Many netizens believe that “if you can only visit one place in Kyoto to view cherry blossoms, it must be Daigo-ji Temple.”

Spanning approximately 2 million tsubo (about 6.6 million square meters), Daigo-ji Temple is home to over 800 cherry blossom trees scattered throughout its grounds. These include a “cherry blossom tunnel” formed by trees on both sides, weeping cherry blossoms that cascade like pink waterfalls, and double-flowered cherry blossoms resembling hydrangeas. When in full bloom, the temple is a breathtaking sight. Even during cherry blossom season, the streets of Kyoto are enveloped in a pink haze from roadside trees—but Daigo-ji, with its classic historical ambiance and diverse, uniquely shaped cherry blossoms, draws large crowds every year. This year, the blooming period is expected to be from late March to early April.