Short On Time? Top Spots For Cherry Blossoms In Kyoto

Let me just preface by stating: To do Kyoto in a few hours is not highly recommended. At all.

But sometimes, travel life on-the-go is unfortunately about running short on time. Thank goodness, I had been to Kyoto once before and spent a good chunk of days in this gorgeous city known for respected traditions and old-school charm. Besides geishas and temples, another symbol of Kyoto is the abundance of sakuras planted throughout this delicate city. Heading to Kyoto solely for cherry blossom viewing isn’t unusual, but to do it within eight hours is.

March and April are perfect months to make a Kyoto trip just for the pretty sakuras. Most travelers stay for a week to do so, and that would include a list of ten places (approximately) to go for the best cherry trees. Unfortunately, my family and I are traveling through various cities in five days in an attempt to see as many cherry blossoms as possible. So if you’re quickly trespassing through Kyoto just as we are, or time is simply running out, here are four key areas not to be missed:

1. Philosopher’s Path

Japan, 〒606-8406 京都府京都市 左京区浄土寺石橋町 (Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture Jodojiishibashi cho)

Here will be touristy, but the canal that leads to Ginkakuji (Silver Pavilion) is lined with hundreds of cherry trees that bloom like a dream!

2. Maruyama Park

Japan, 〒605-0071 京都府京都市東山区円山町473 (Kyoto-shi, Kyoto, Higashiyama-ku Maruyama-cho)

This is where you can get a taste of Memoirs of a Geisha while seeing how young adults in Japan celebrate cherry blossom festivals. The girls wear traditional yukatas while some get together in big groups for a drink fest.

3. UNESCO World Heritage Site, Tenryū-ji

Japan, 〒616-8385 京都府京都市右京区嵯峨天龍寺芒ノ馬場町68 (Kyoto-cho, Ukyo-ku Tenryuji Susukinobaba-chō 68)

This is the most beautiful during autumn and spring when leaves change to red shades and sakuras bloom like a fantasy. Tenryū-ji was constructed in 1345, founded by shogun (military general) Ashikaga Takauji. The temple is also related to Emperor Go-Daigo. Here, cherry blossoms are further inside the temple. Once you pass the magnificent garden at the entrance, you’ll come across forests of cherry blossoms of a different breed. Expect to see dark pinks, fuchsia colors of sakuras.

4. Nijō Castle

541 Nijojocho, Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture 604-8301, Japan

At night, this is a spectacle all on its own with a huge variety of cherry trees. Light installations are spread out throughout the grounds of the ancient castle, from massive groups of them to highlighted bunches sitting on a peaceful pond. There’s nothing like glowing illuminations during night time, it’s undoubtedly a mysterious yet romantic experience.

Wendy Hung

CEO, FOUNDER, EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

As the founder of Jetset Times, Wendy is an avid traveler and fluent in five languages. When she's not traveling, Wendy calls Paris and Taipei home. Her favorite countries so far from her travels have been: Bhutan, Iran, and St. Bart's because they were all so different!