Don't Miss the Cherry Blossoms in Kyoto

Kyoto Must-Sees during Cherry Blossom Season

There is really no avoiding it — Kyoto will be especially crowded during cherry blossom season, locally known as the Sakura Festival. Actually, jam-packed is more like it. This can be borderline miserable if you don’t plan your time correctly. Thankfully, I've done some of the legwork for you!

• Kiyomizu-dera: A temple that cannot be missed in Kyoto but must be seen very early in the day is Kiyomizu-dera. This iconic Buddhist temple is built on Mount Otowa and thus affords spectacular views over the Kyoto valley as well as the temples themselves surrounded by scenery. It is made out of huge pillars of wood, even using only wood as nails, and is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Thankfully, this temple opens every day at 6am and I highly recommend to go as close to that time as possible. The roads leading up to the temple are built in the old Japanese style with wooden buildings and lanterns in shop windows, so they are fascinating to see. Unfortunately as soon as the crowds begin to arrive, walking becomes extremely uncomfortable packed with hundreds of tourists pausing along the way for photos in their colorful rented kimonos (a recommended experience, but better without all the people!). Just heed my warning and go early!

• Fushimi-Inari: Fushimi-Inari shrine is another fan-favorite which can become extremely packed if you wait until later in the day to visit. Wander through thousands of bright orange torii gates along the paths of Mt. Inari, deity of good harvest and success. Be sure to wear your kimono here as well for unique photo opportunities literally around every curve! The walk to the summit can be incredibly peaceful in the morning, but those gates and narrow paths become packed with people later in the day.

• Kinkaku-ji: No trip to Kyoto is complete without seeing the famous "Golden Pavilion" of Kinkaku-ji. Literally, this temple's grounds house a building that is leafed with gold and shimmers in the sun. Nestled on a tranquil pond, reflection photos taken here will be some of the gems of your trip to Kyoto. Unfortunately, this complex does not open until 9am, so there is no chance at beating any crowds. It is always packed with people, but it is a place you must see to believe.

• Off-the-beaten-path: There are plenty of off-the-beaten-path locations to see loads of cherry blossoms, which is especially nice later in the day when the main temples and shrines are insanely busy. A favorite is walking along the stream of the Philosopher’s Path, starting at the southernmost side near Nanzen-ji Temple. Even if you’re feeling templed-out, make a stop at Nanzenji to see the beautiful architecture of the aqueduct there. Then, continue up the stream for a little over a mile until you notice that it becomes more crowded with tourists heading east towards Ginkaku-ji Temple. This temple is worth checking out especially for its exquisite Japanese gardens.

• Parks with Cherry Blossoms: During Sakura, you can really find cherry blossoms everywhere in Kyoto! I highly recommend making stops at the Kyoto Imperial Palace Park and the Kyoto Botanical Gardens for a beautiful place to see cherry blossoms in a more spacious environment.

After Sunset

There are a few areas that can only be fully appreciated in Kyoto after dark. Walk towards Yasaka-Jinja Shrine and experience the peace of a courtyard lit by Japanese lanterns. Afterwards, make your way through the streets of Gion (also known as the geisha district) and meander towards Shirakawa Lane. Considered the most beautiful street in Kyoto, this pedestrian lane sits adjacent to a stream and is lit by tranquil lanterns.

Finally, don’t miss at least one of the illumination events during the cherry blossom season. After dark, you will find that Nijo Castle transforms into a courtyard of magic! Similar experiences can be found at To-ji Temple (farther from the center) and Rokkakudo Temple if you are staying in the heart of Kyoto.