Beautiful blossoms: Kyoto’s most stunning seasonal flowers and where to admire them

There are several places where you can view ornamental camellias (tsubaki) across Japan, however for something extra special visit Taki-no-Sennen Tsubaki Park in Yosano-cho. Here you will come across an enormous camellia tree that’s estimated to be over 1,000 years old, and still flowers today. These wild blossoms are a rare dark crimson in colour and, combined with the tree’s impressive size, make for a striking sight. Nearby you’ll find the Kaya Camellia Culture Museum, where you can admire camellia-related artwork and other floral displays.

Access:
The camellia tree is located at the end of a logging road, and best accessed by car using the address of the museum (1986 Taki, Yosano-cho, Yosa-gun, Kyoto).

Nanohana (rapeseed blossoms) are spring flowers. Fields of nanohana can be seen throughout Japan. (Not just a feast for the eyes, they are often cultivated for food in the country.) One of the best places to view nanohana in Kyoto is at Omido Kannonji Temple in Kyotanabe City. In front of the temple, with over 1,300 years of history, you can admire bright yellow carpets of delicate flowers swaying in the breeze. When nanohana and cherry blossoms bloom together, the lovely combination of yellow and pink colors evokes the feeling of spring.

Access:
From Miyamaki Station (Kintetsu Kyoto Line) or JR-Miyamaki Station (JR Gakkentoshi Line), take the Nara Kotsu Bus and get off at Fugenji. Walk for about 5 minutes.

Sakura, better known in English as cherry blossom, is undoubtedly the most iconic flower in Japan. The blossoms’ fleeting beauty is symbolic of the transient nature of life, and it’s impossible not to be captivated by the exquisite pale pink flowers when they come into bloom. There are a number of gorgeous locations to view cherry blossoms all across Kyoto prefecture, however many of those in the city centre get very crowded – so taking a trip off the beaten tourist track and to some lesser-known spots is especially good at this time of year.

One great choice is Mukojinja Shrine in Muko City. Cherry trees line the long, paved path that leads up from the magnificent stone torii gate at the entrance, transforming the walkway into a magical tunnel of soft pink flowers when they bloom.

Access:
10-minute walk from Nishi-muko Station on the Hankyu Kyoto Line.

For a slightly longer stroll, head to the Sewaritei area (in Yodogawa Riverside Park) in Yawata City. The path with cherry trees on both sides stretches for approximately 1.4 kilometers, offering a delightful stroll under a tunnel of pale pink blossoms. Feel free to spread out a blanket and have a picnic on the grassy riverbank alongside the path, too. Also, be sure to take in the magnificent view from the observation tower.

Access:
About 10 min. on foot from Iwashimizu-hachimangu Station (Keihan Main Line).

Another beautiful hanami (flower viewing) spot by the river is Yawaragi-no-michi Sakura Park in Kameoka City. Around 1,500 Somei Yoshino cherry trees grow along both banks of the Nanatani-gawa river, and in the park itself you can wander among 280 cherry trees of 28 varieties or attend light-up events after dark.

Access:
Take the Kameoka City Bus from Kameoka Station (JR Sagano Line) and alight at Nanatanigawa.