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8 Cherry Blossom Viewing Spots for Hanami in Kyoto in 2025

2025.02.17

A close-up shot of cherry blossoms in bloom
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Spring in Kyoto arrives like a whispered promise, carrying the scent of fresh blossoms and the warmth of golden sunlight. When the cherry trees awaken, their delicate pink petals transform the landscape into a fleeting wonderland. If you’re planning to see cherry blossoms in Kyoto in 2025, here’s your guide to some hidden gems in Kyoto’s countryside where you can relish their beauty in peace.

Why Are Cherry Blossoms So Important in Japan?

Cherry blossoms, or sakura, hold deep cultural significance in Japan. Their short-lived beauty symbolizes the fleeting nature of life, a theme often reflected in Japanese poetry, art, and philosophy. For centuries, emperors, samurai, and commoners alike have gathered under the blooming trees for hanami—an age-old tradition of celebrating spring with food, drink, and good company. Even today, hanami remains a cherished ritual, bringing people together beneath the blossoms to savor the moment.

When Is Cherry Blossom Season in Kyoto?

The bloom schedule shifts each year depending on the weather, but Kyoto’s cherry blossoms typically begin blooming in late March, reaching their peak in early April. Since peak bloom varies, check our cherry blossom calendar for the latest updates before planning your visit. Kyoto offers a diverse range of places to admire sakura, extending beyond the city into scenic countryside retreats. Here are some must-visit locations:

Kyoto by the Sea

Kasamatsu Park

Cherry blossoms in bloom with Amanohashidate in the background

Ride the cable car or chairlift to this hilltop park for a breathtaking view of Amanohashidate, one of Japan’s most famous landscapes. In spring, delicate pink cherry blossoms frame the scenery, creating a stunning contrast with the blue sea. The park features photo spots, a gift shop, and the Ama Terrace Restaurant, offering panoramic views of the Amanohashidate sandbar.

Kasamatsu Park

Kasamatsu Park

Kasamatsu Park is one of the two overlooks perfect for viewing Amanohashidate, one of Japan’s Three Scenic Views. The park is located halfway between Motoise Kono Shrine and Nariai-ji Temple, and is a …

Ungen-ji Temple

A large weeping cherry tree is in bloom at the top of the stone steps leading to Ungen-ji Temple in Kyoto

Tucked away in the hills of Ayabe City, Ungen-ji Temple is home to a breathtaking weeping cherry blossom tree. Over 100 years old, its long, graceful branches cascade in pink, creating a mesmerizing curtain of blossoms. Visitors climbing the stone steps to the temple entrance are greeted by this stunning display, with petals drifting gently in the breeze.

Ungen-ji Temple

Ungen-ji Temple

Situated in Kyoto Prefecture’s Ayabe City, Ungen-ji Temple is thought to have been built in the Muromachi era (1336 – 1573) by the head monk of nearby Ankoku-ji Temple. At the top of the stone steps …

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