Kyoto Cherry Blossom 2022/2023

Cherry blossoms in Kyoto often bloom from late March to early April, about two weeks, 5 to 7 days later than in Tokyo. In 2021, cherry blossom season in Kyoto was between March 27 and April 11, and full bloom fell on April 6. The first accurate forecast for 2022 will be issued by the end of January 2022. 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.

All Top 10 Cherry Blossom Viewing Attractions in Kyoto 2022/2023

Kyoto Botanical Garden

Address: Shimogamohangicho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-0823, Kyoto Prefecture Access: Walk for 5 minutes from Kitayama Station on Karasuma subway line.

Best time to view in 2022: mid March to late April

Best time to view in 2023 (estimated): March 25 to April 20

Kiyomizu-dera Temple

Address: 1-294 Kiyomizu, Higashiyama, Kyoto 605-0862, Kyoto Prefecture

Best time to view in 2022: late March to early April

Best time to view in 2023 (estimated): March 29 to April 7

Heian Shrine

Address: 97 Nishitenno-cho, Okazaki, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto

Best time to view in 2022: late March to mid April

Best time to view in 2023 (estimated): April 1 to 14

Nijo Castle

Address: 541 Nijojo-cho, Nijo-dori, Horikawa Nishi iru, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto

Best time to view in 2022: March 23 to April 15

Best time to view in 2023 (estimated): March 21 to April 14

The Sagano-Arashiyama area

Address: Togetsukyo, Saga, Ukyo-ku, Kyoto 616-8383, Kyoto Prefecture

Best time to view in 2022: early to mid April

Best time to view in 2023 (estimated): April 5 to 14 Light-up: not available

Philosopher's Path

Address: between Ginkakuji and Nyakuoji-jinja, Sakyo, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture

Best time to view in 2022: early April

Best time to view in 2023 (estimated): early April

Maruyama Park

Address: 473 Maruyamacho, Higashiyama-ku, Higashiyama, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture

Best time to view in 2022: late March to early April

Best time to view in 2023 (estimated): late March to early April

Daigoji Temple

Address: 22 Higashioji-cho, Daigo, Fushimi-ku, Kyoto 601-1325

Best time to view in 2022: late March to mid April

Best time to view in 2023 (estimated): April 5 to 13

Yodogawa Riverside Park

Address: Yawatazaioji, Yawata-shi, Kyoto, 614-8307

Best time to view in 2022: early April

Best time to view in 2023 (estimated): March 30 to April 7

Gion Shirakawa

Address: Higashiyama-ku | along Shirakawa River Minamidori, Kyoto 605-0000, Kyoto Prefecture

Best time to view in 2022: late March to early April

Best time to view in 2023 (estimated): late March to early April

Question and Answer about Kyoto Cherry Blossoms

What to wear during cherry blossom season in Kyoto?
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.
What to ride to view cherry blossoms in different spots?
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.
What do people eat at cherry blossom season?
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.
Which cherry blossom viewing spots hold festivals in Kyoto?
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.
Which cherry blossom viewing spots hold night cherry, light-up or illumination?
Around 19 cherry blossom viewing spots in Kyoto hold light-up, such as Nijo Castle, Kiyomizu-dera Temple, Kyoto Botanical Garden, Maruyama Park, etc.
Where are the best cherry blossom viewing spots in Kyoto?
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.
When is cherry blossom season in Kyoto?
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.