Top Kyoto cherry blossom spots revealed—romantic boat rides among blooming flowers
Last updated 2026-09-25 — The 2015 Japanese cherry blossom forecast has been released. Starting March 21, cherry blossoms will begin to bloom across Japan, with Kyoto—the most popular spot for hanami—expected to reach full bloom in the first week of April. ...
By MOOK Scenic Spots Travel Life Network Editorial Team
The 2015 Japanese cherry blossom forecast has been released. Starting March 21, cherry blossoms will begin to bloom across Japan, with Kyoto—the most popular spot for hanami—expected to reach full bloom in the first week of April, making it the best time to visit. In addition to daytime cherry blossom viewing, Kyoto also offers night hanami events that showcase the blossoms and ancient temples in another enchanting light. Don’t miss it.
The 2015 Japanese cherry blossom forecast has been released. Starting March 21, cherry blossoms will begin to bloom across Japan, with Kyoto—the most popular spot for hanami—expected to reach full bloom in the first week of April, making it the best time to visit. In addition to daytime cherry blossom viewing, Kyoto also offers night hanami events that showcase the blossoms and ancient temples in another enchanting light. Don’t miss it.
Enjoy poetic views of riverside cherry blossoms from a boat. (Photo credit: imamiya)
● Kiyomizu-dera Temple
If you’re looking for the most popular cherry blossom spot in Kyoto, it has to be Kiyomizu-dera. Located in the Eastern Hills (Higashiyama) of Kyoto, the temple gets its name from the clear spring within its grounds. The temple’s iconic stage, the Kiyomizu Stage—a wooden terrace built out over the hillside without using a single nail or bolt—is one of Japan’s most famous structures and is designated as an Important Cultural Property. The view of Kyoto’s cityscape and seasonal foliage from the stage, whether in spring with cherry blossoms or autumn with red leaves, is truly unforgettable.
The majestic architecture of Kiyomizu-dera, paired with night cherry blossoms, creates a breathtaking sight. (Photo credit: deepjp)
【Info】
Blooming period: Late March to early April
Address: 294, Kiyomizu 1-chome, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture, Japan
Opening hours: 6:00–18:00
2015 night cherry blossom viewing: March 28–April 12 (18:00–21:00)
● Arashiyama Togetsukyo Bridge
The Arashiyama area is home to around 500 cherry trees. When they bloom every spring, clusters of blossoms resemble snow flurries delicately dotting the distant mountains and valleys. Togetsukyo Bridge spans the Katsura River (also known as the Oi River), and legend says it was named by Emperor Kameyama when he saw the moon shining brightly over the water and was inspired to give it this poetic title. The bridge is almost synonymous with Arashiyama, and its current steel structure was rebuilt in 1934 but retains the original design. Capturing the bridge with cherry blossoms in the foreground has become one of the most iconic views of Arashiyama.
【Info】
Blooming period: Mid-March to mid-April● Arashiyama Togetsukyo Bridge
The Arashiyama area is home to around 500 cherry trees. When they bloom every spring, clusters of blossoms resemble snow flurries delicately dotting the distant mountains and valleys. Togetsukyo Bridge spans the Katsura River (also known as the Oi River), and legend says it was named by Emperor Kameyama when he saw the moon shining brightly over the water and was inspired to give it this poetic title. The bridge is almost synonymous with Arashiyama, and its current steel structure was rebuilt in 1934 but retains the original design. Capturing the bridge with cherry blossoms in the foreground has become one of the most iconic views of Arashiyama.
【Info】
Capturing Togetsukyo Bridge with cherry blossoms in the foreground is one of Arashiyama's most iconic sights. (Photo credit: imamiya)
● Daigo-ji Temple
Daigo-ji Temple has been selected as one of Japan’s Top 100 Cherry Blossom Spots. During cherry blossom season, the temple grounds come alive with energy and beauty—not only due to the impressive number of sakura trees (around 700 at Daigo-ji), but also because of the spectacular displays. Especially captivating is the weeping cherry tree in front of the five-story pagoda, where cascading pink blossoms frame the historic tower in a truly mesmerizing scene.
Daigo-ji Temple has been selected as one of Japan’s Top 100 Cherry Blossom Spots. During cherry blossom season, the temple grounds come alive with energy and beauty—not only due to the impressive number of sakura trees (around 700 at Daigo-ji), but also because of the spectacular displays. Especially captivating is the weeping cherry tree in front of the five-story pagoda, where cascading pink blossoms frame the historic tower in a truly mesmerizing scene.
Cherry blossom season is the liveliest time of year at Daigo-ji. (Photo credit: higemakura)
【Info】
Blooming period: Late March to early April
Address: 22, Daido Higashidori-cho, Fushimi Ward, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture, Japan
Opening hours: 9:00–17:00
● Ninna-ji Temple
Ninna-ji is famous for its “Omuro cherry blossoms,” which are unique for their low height—typically just three meters tall—and dense blooms that start just 20–30 centimeters above ground level. The blossoms seem to cover the entire tree from top to bottom, creating an especially breathtaking sight when in full bloom. When the wind blows, the fluttering pale pink and white petals are truly a sight to behold.● Ninna-ji Temple
Ninna-ji Temple, where cherry blossoms bloom like drifting snow in a poetic scene. (Photo provided by Moleskine Editorial Department)
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