Kyoto Cherry Blossoms Forecast for 2024

Cherry blossoms in Kyoto often bloom from late March to early April, about two weeks, 5 to 7 days later than in Tokyo. In 2024, cherry blossom season in Kyoto was between March 27 and April 11, and full bloom fell on April 6. The first accurate forecast for 2024 will be issued by the end of January 2024. There are about 93 cherry blossom viewing spots in Kyoto. The SaganoArashiyama area, Daigoji Temple, Kasagi Campsite, Ninnaji Temple and Kasagiyama Prefectural Natural Park in the city are chosen as top 100 cherry blossom viewing spots in Japan. Additionally, Yodogawa Riverside Park, Heian Shrine, Nijo Castle, etc. are recommended. What’s more, many viewing spots stage illuminations and festivals.

2024 cherry blossom dates for Kyoto

This year's flowering period is anticipated to be:
Estimated Flowering Date
Saturday, Mar 23, 2024
Estimated Full Bloom Date
Monday, Apr 01, 2024

The cherry blossom history dates for Kyoto

Last year’s flowering period:
Flowering Date

Friday, Mar 17, 2023

Full Bloom Date

Friday, Mar 24, 2023

The average flowering period over the last ten years:
Flowering Date

Mar 26

Full Bloom Date

Apr 04

The earliest record of flowering period in history:
Flowering Date

Tuesday, Mar 16, 2021

Full Bloom Date

Friday, Mar 24, 2023

The latest record of flowering period in history:
Flowering Date

Monday, Apr 09, 1984

Full Bloom Date

Saturday, Apr 17, 1965

Best Cherry Blossom Viewing Spots in Kyoto 2024

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2024 Kiyomizu-dera Temple Cherry Blossom
Kiyomizu-dera Temple

Best time to view in 2024:March 29 to April 7
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2024 Maruyama Park Cherry Blossom
Maruyama Park

Best time to view in 2024:late March to early April
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2024 Gion Shirakawa Cherry Blossom
Gion Shirakawa

Best time to view in 2024:late March to early April
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2024 Kyoto Botanical Garden Cherry Blossom
Kyoto Botanical Garden

Best time to view in 2024:March 25 to April 20
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2024 Philosopher's Path Cherry Blossom
Philosopher's Path

Best time to view in 2024:early April
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2024 The Sagano-Arashiyama area Cherry Blossom
The Sagano-Arashiyama area

Best time to view in 2024:April 5 to 14 Light-up: not available
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2024 Nijo Castle Cherry Blossom
Nijo Castle

Best time to view in 2024:March 21 to April 14
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2024 Daigoji Temple Cherry Blossom
Daigoji Temple

Best time to view in 2024:April 5 to 13
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2024 Heian Shrine Cherry Blossom
Heian Shrine

Best time to view in 2024:April 1 to 14
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2024 Yodogawa Riverside Park Cherry Blossom
Yodogawa Riverside Park

Best time to view in 2024:March 30 to April 7

Frequently Asked Questions

Even though the afternoon temperature in March and April can reach 14 to 20 degree celsius, you’d better wear or bring a thick coat. The temperature in the evening is just 3 to 8 degree celsius. You will definitely need to keep warm when enjoying beautiful night cherry.
Metro and bus systems are well-developed in Kyoto. So taking metro and bus is a time and cost saving way to to view cherry blossoms in different spots.
Japanese people are keen on having picnic under cherry trees. They often bring bentos, rice balls, sushi, pickled vegetables, beer, etc. food stands provide grilled meats, fried fish, sticky rice balls and sweets. Sakura-flavoured ice cream are peculiar to cherry blossom season.
28 cherry blossom viewing spots in Kyoto stage festivals. For example, Kiyomizu-dera Temple, Kodaiji Temple, Kasagiyama Prefectural Natural Park, Nijo Castle, Maruyama Park, etc. hold festivals during sakura season which usually last from a few days to two weeks. There are performances, local food and drinks on the events.
Around 19 cherry blossom viewing spots in Kyoto hold light-up, such as Nijo Castle, Kiyomizu-dera Temple, Kyoto Botanical Garden, Maruyama Park, etc.
There are about 93 cherry blossom viewing spots in Kyoto. The Sagano-Arashiyama area, Daigoji Temple, Kasagi Campsite, Ninnaji Temple and Kasagiyama Prefectural Natural Park in the city are chosen as top 100 cherry blossom viewing spots in Japan. Additionally, Yodogawa Riverside Park, Heian Shrine, Nijo Castle, etc. are recommended.
Cherry blossoms often bloom from late March to early April, about two weeks, 5 to 7 days later than in Tokyo. In 2019, cherry blossom season in Kyoto is between March 27 and April 11, and full bloom fell on April 6.