Kyoto Cherry Blossom Season Two-Day Itinerary

Known for its timeless beauty, Kyoto embodies the deep harmony between Japan’s nature and culture. From gardens and temples to cherry blossom tree-lined riverfronts, the landscape makes it one of the best places in the country to experience the changing seasons.

Cherry blossom season is culturally symbolic and represents the ephemeral beauty. The bloom may last a week, sometimes only a few days, and then the petals begin to fall, reminding us of the fleeting nature of time and the blessings to be grateful for before they become a thing of the past.

Kyoto usually blooms in late March. The Japan Meteorological Agency is considered the most reliable source of flower and foliage forecasts, report It bloomed in Kyoto around March 27 last year and bloomed in the first week of April. Tourists from all over the world flock to Kyoto to see the delicate flowers, so planning your trip early is the key to success Hanami (flower viewing) season.

For travelers looking for refined relaxation and exceptional service during their cherry blossom viewing experience, Mitsui Garden Hotel Kyoto Sanjo Premier It is an ideal base for flower viewing. Not only does the hotel have a convenient location, it also has an atrium courtyard that changes with the seasons, reflecting the Teoku is a tooth ——The harmony between architecture and nature.

first day

Morning: Arrival and tour

Mitsui Garden Hotel Kyoto Sanjo Premier is located in Sanjo Shopping Street, the oldest and longest shopping street in Kyoto. It is the first Premier series hotel opened by the brand in the ancient capital. The neighborhood has a rich history, dating back to the Heian period, and is within easy reach of landmarks such as the Kyoto Imperial Palace. Check-in starts at 3pm, but it’s best to arrive early to wander the surrounding streets, filled with charming shops, restaurants and entertainment venues. (Just leave your luggage at reception first. If you prefer, you can also store your luggage at Mitsui Garden Hotel Kyoto Station and have it delivered to Mitsui Garden Hotel Kyoto Sanjo Premier to be waiting for you at check-in. )

Just a 20-minute walk away is Nijo Castle, a national historic monument with magnificent gardens and impressive art exhibitions. It also has about 300 cherry blossom trees, including 50 varieties mountain cherry and Somei Yoshino.

Lunch: Tofu and temple visit

10 minutes by train from Nijojo Station Go to Saga Arashiyama Station and go directly to Tofu Matsue Ryori Have lunch. This riverside restaurant elevates tofu into a sophisticated seasonal experience, with dishes that highlight subtle flavors and local ingredients. This historic building adds a calm, intimate atmosphere, making it the perfect place to slow down and enjoy some quality time before exploring the area.

After lunch, it’s a short walk to Tenryu-ji TempleFounded in 1339, it is listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. The temple’s Zen-style gardens are peaceful year-round, but in spring, the surrounding Arashiyama and cherry blossoms add extra color and charm. From there, stroll to Togetsuki Bridge and the nearby river, where you can take a boat trip under the shade of cherry blossom petals.

and bar

Evening: Relax and enjoy fine dining

After nightfall, return to the hotel for dinner curdspecializing in Italian cuisine using fresh, seasonal ingredients. The restaurant uses cheese handmade every morning at the in-house Good Cheese Laboratory, Kyoto’s first cheese laboratory.

After dinner, you can take a relaxing bath. In addition to a large public bath, the hotel also has luxurious, Private bathroom by appointment only — The first hotel of its kind under the Mitsui Garden Hotels brand. Guests can enjoy the courtyard backdrop and relax in the living area next to the private bathroom, with ample reservation time of two hours.

You can also enjoy drinks from Takeno Sake Brewery, a local brewery in Kyotango City, at the hotel’s Y Bar. Here, guests can sip rare specialty sakes in a sophisticated and simple environment.

※The menu changes regularly

the next day

Morning: elegant breakfast

Start your day in style breakfast in curd, Here you can enjoy your choice of main course and semi-buffet. Colorful dishes include cuisine from Italy, Spain, the Middle East and the Mediterranean coast, including freshly made ricotta omelette, white cheese pancakes, Kyoto-style udon and more.

When checking out, take advantage of the hotel’s Baggage service For carefree sightseeing. Your luggage can be delivered to the Mitsui Garden Hotel near Kyoto Station, so you can collect it before boarding the train at the end of the day’s adventures.

Afternoon: Kiyomizudera Temple, Maruyama Park, lunch

Kiyomizudera Temple is one of the must-see attractions for all visitors to Kyoto, and spring is a particularly magical opportunity to witness the rebirth of nature. Kiyomizudera Temple overlooks the city and is surrounded by cherry blossom and maple trees that change with the seasons. The wooden stage flowing out from the main hall is 13 meters above the hillside and supported by zelkova pillars that are over 400 years old. Pink clouds bloom among the cherry blossom branches, showing a magnificent panoramic view. Visitors can also spot a large number of cherry blossom trees surrounding the pond near the temple exit.

Hike through the cobblestone streets of Sansanzaka and admire the Edo period architecture and handicraft shops. Continue walking for about 15 minutes to reach Yuanshan Park.

Yuanshan Park is another top recommendation for a top cherry blossom spot. its scale is huge Shichuizakura (Weeping Cherry Tree) becomes the centerpiece of the park with its cascading branches. During the hanami season, it is decorated with paper lanterns and dedicated picnic tables.

There are also several delicious restaurants and cafes in the park, including the newly opened Twelve days of sukiyakiThis is a specialty restaurant serving carefully selected A5 grade Wagyu beef.

End your trip and head to Mitsui Garden Hotel Kyoto Station, where your luggage will be waiting for you. Guests using the service can use the hotel’s lounge for free while waiting to catch the Shinkansen to their next destination.

To make a reservation at Mitsui Garden Hotel Kyoto Sanjo Premier, please visit its website.

Mitsui Garden Hotel Kyoto Sanjo Premier

45-1 Hishitani-cho, Higashii City
Higashinoin, Sanjo-dori
Nakakyo-ku, Kyoto City, 604-8131
Phone: 075-231-3131

Mitsui Garden Hotel Kyoto Sanjo Premier It is only a 3-minute walk from Karasuma-Oike Station and a 7-minute subway ride from Kyoto Station.

Related posts