Kyoto has fewer crowded cherry blossom spots

Despite Kyoto’s extreme congestion over the past year, most visitors will still head to historic cities this spring. Although locals have been given more than just one because of recent exaggerated journeys, it is understandable that as a concentrated capsule of magnificent cultural sites, Kyoto remains a barrel list destination for most people. For those looking to welcome this season without overwhelming traffic jams, here are some alternative cherry blossom attractions in Kyoto.

Please note that the peak period of each cherry blossom species depends on the year; it is best to keep the tags through the location’s social media pages, websites and Instagram location pages. Another tip is to stay positive even if your itinerary exceeds the peak. Only once the floor carpet can enhance the beauty of the snow petals.

Haradani

If you are a fan of the crying cherry blossom trees that usually bloom later than most cherry blossom varieties, Haradani-en is a must-see gem. The garden is only open to the public during the cherry blossom season and is owned by Muraiwa Farm. Walking into the space is an extraordinary experience – almost every inch of the wide garden is filled with color and texture. With plenty of seating to rest, lush winding trails and a calm atmosphere, the garden is a dream come true. You can only get there through their shuttle service, city bus or taxi, which is a little difficult, but worth a visit. Haradani-En rejects the use of city buses as much as possible to keep an eye on locals.

peak: Late March to late April
Admission: The conditions for blooming in the year vary. Adults are up to 1,800 yen, students are up to 500 yen (high school students must bring their ID). Cash only

Takeaka Inari Shrine

A subshrine takeaka inari shrine in Yoshida Shrine is located near the top of Yoshida Mountain and is loved for its gorgeous red and red Tori door. Those who want to cross the world-famous Torii gates in Fushimi Inari Taisha may consider this location a less crowded option. While the location has become increasingly well known lately, it still has much less traffic compared to fushimi Inari. In spring, the gates of takeaka inari shrine are shrouded in overlapping cherry blossom branches, forming a unique and stunning tunnel with bright orange and pale pink.

peak: Late March to early April
Admission: Free

South Zenji Temple

Anyway, Nanzenji Temple is not a hidden spot among the countless historical sites in Kyoto – it is known for its impressive Meiji-era aqueduct, stunning autumn leaves and a spacious view of Kyoto by the Sanmon Gate. However, we want to point out that its spacious venue provides a less exciting cherry blossom viewing experience. Around the Sanmon Gate is an important cultural property, and you will see about 100 cherry trees: pale pink Yoshino, Yaezakura (Full flowers with five more than five petals) and Shidarezakura (Crying cherry blossoms) and so on.

peak: Late March to early April
Admission: Free (for the ground of the temple)

Kyoto Prefecture Office: former main building

In the yard of the ancient Kyoto Prefectural Magistrate’s office, the main gem is a hidden gem: the breathtaking stomach-crying cherry blossom trees are framed by the arched entrance. The Renaissance building was built during the Meiji period, reminiscent of Western mansions, which were designated as an important cultural property in 2004.

This tree is a seedling of the iconic drink crying cherry blossom tree in Malu Mountain Park. It is surrounded by five other cherry blossoms, including Katamori Sakura – a pale, five-pet beauty. The Kyoto Prefecture Government will hold the “Cherry Blossom Watching Festival” from March 22 to April 6 this year, when the flowering of the garden was at its peak.

peak: Late March to early April
Admission: Free

Plum blossoms in Kitano Tenmangu Shrine

Kitano Tenmangu Shrine

Kitano Tenmangu Shrine is located in Kamigyo Ward and is famous for its plum blossom garden called Baien. From early February to late March, you can enjoy about 1500 50 varieties of pink and white plum trees. The trees are in memory of Sugawara-no-Michizane, a scholar and consultant to Emperor Uda. What many people don’t know is that the shrine is also a good place to watch cherry blossoms, with a unique variety Kitano Sakura. In relatively late blooms, they usually bloom in mid-April. The sacred Kitano cherry blossoms, characterized by medium-sized white flowers, were discovered as a unique species in 2016 and can only be seen in its shrine of the same name.

peak: Early April to mid-April (Kitano Sakura)
Admission: Free (for the ground of the temple)

Munatada Shrine

Built by iconic websites such as the Philosopher’s Path, Kyoto University and the Hai’an Qiongyu Shrine, Munatada Shrine provides unexpected tranquil, picturesque cherry blossom scenes. As you walk along the stone steps leading to the main hall of the shrine, you will be surrounded by the charming tunnel of light cherry blossom trees. They are mainly Yoshino Cherry Blossoms, a classic five-quarter variety – you might imagine when you think of Japanese cherry blossoms. From the top of the steps you can also see a view of the pagoda of Shinnyodo Temple instead of the pink canopy of the flowers.

peak: Late March to early April
Admission: Free

Provided by Shoboji

Shoboji Temple

The Buddhist temple Shoboji is known as the “Stone Temple” due to its 600 tons of strangely shaped stones and large rocks from all over the country. During a typical year, you can enjoy the unique and elegant cherry blossom landscape here. The front garden of Hossodden in particular is an extraordinary sight: blossoming crying cherry trees dotted with animal-shaped stones on the landscape garden. The tranquil garden of Hoshoen is known as the “Bird and Animal Rock Garden” and also offers stunning views of the Higashiyama Mountains. For tourists in March, Shoboji also accommodates beautiful plum blossom orchards. Remember, this place is a bit far from central Kyoto, but it is still accessible by train and bus.

peak: From early March to mid-March, plum blossoms, and cherry blossoms from early April to mid-April
Admission: ¥300

Temple Kunni

Located in Higashiyama Ward, Kenninji is famous for its historical works of art and beautiful traditional gardens. In particular, many visitors were shocked by the dramatic mural on the ceiling of the Temple Main Hall, which depicts two dragons in the sky of two storms. Most people are not known to everyone, and this temple is also a good place to watch cherry blossoms, with a variety of flowers on its ground: the classic Somei Yoshino, Shidarezakura (crying cherry blossoms), Kawazuzakura (Kawazuzakura) and so on. Since Kenninji is close to the Gion District, it is a convenient and picturesque choice.

peak: Late March to early April
Admission: Adults are 800 yen, high school students are 500 yen, free for children below primary school

Attractions to avoid

Kiyomiz Temple

It may needless to say, but any given weekend (even weekdays!) these days will be packed with the Shishan Temple – so we can tell you with certainty that during the cherry blossom season, it will see a large crowd. Especially this year, as inbound tourism continues to reach amazing heights, this iconic temple is sure to encounter unparalleled levels of congestion. Although the temple has UNESCO World Heritage Status and stunning architecture, it is a bucket list destination for most people, in the case of March and April, it remains on the list.

The philosopher’s path

Linked with popular sightseeing attractions in Ginkakuji and Nanzenji, the Philosopher’s Road is known for its poetic beauty during the cherry blossom season. Located between a calm residential street and a peaceful canal, the path is ideal for romantics and thinkers. However, narrow paths are lined with cherry blossom trees, and during the spring period, narrow paths can be overstimulating. As awesome visitors walk slowly in both directions of the path, you won’t be able to experience the true charm of this meditation venue. If you have to go, we recommend you get there around the early morning or sunset.

Arashiyama

Arashiyama is known for its bamboo forests, and it will see its lush green mountains dotted with pink in the spring, a fascinating scene. Since Arashiyama’s streets are generally wider than other popular areas in central Kyoto, you may not be overwhelmed by the crowds here. However, if you decide to check out Arashiyama’s famous dining venues and gift shops, you will face a large crowd.

It is not clear to people in the area that the temple to watch for the cherry blossoms is Seiryoji, further away from popular attractions such as Togetsukyo Bridge and Tenryuji. The entrance is free and the temple features an ornate pagoda surrounded by Kawazu Cherry Blossoms near mid-March. In late March, you can enjoy some kind of Yoshinobi flower and cry in April.

Related Articles