The cherry blossoms in Kyoto are one of the most famous sights in Japan. The season when the cherry blossoms are blooming in Kyoto is also known as the cherry blossom season or Sakura season. During the best time for Kyoto cherry blossom 2026, visitors can enjoy the Sakura Hanami of thousands of flowering cherry trees in full bloom around parks, temples, and castles. Join us for a private Kyoto Sakura Season tour, from which you will also visit Kyoto's iconic landmarks including Kiyomizu-Dera Temple, the golden Kinkaku-dera Temple, Fushimi Inari Shrine and Nijo Castle; experience the Kimono photography and the traditional Tea Ceremony in Flower Tea House; experience Arashiyama Rickshaw in the endless bamboo groves forest; watch the Geisha Performance in Gion while enjoying the Kaiseki Cuisine.
Table of Contents
1. When Is Cherry Blossom in Kyoto 2026
2. How to Celebrate the Cherry Blossom Festival in Kyoto 2026
3. Popular Places to See Kyoto Sakura 2026
4. Kyoto Cherry Blossom Spots Without Crowds
5. Beyond the Blossoms: More Things to Do in Kyoto During Sakura Season
6. Accommodation Tips on Cherry Blossom Season Kyoto 2026
7. Arashiyama Train and Sakura Tunnel Guide
1. Cherry Blossom Forecast 2026 Kyoto
When do cherry blossoms bloom in Kyoto 2026? Kyoto Sakura Season usually lasts from March 27 to April 2 and it is the best time to visit Kyoto for cherry blossoms. However, the period of peak bloom varies from year to year, and it is difficult to predict exactly when it will occur. Some years, all the trees may bloom at once and stay in full bloom for a week or more, while in other years, the cherry blossoms may peak in different parts of the city at different times. Weather conditions, such as heavy rain, can also bring the blossoms down earlier than expected. You can check Japan Cherry Blossom Season 2026 to learn more about the Sakura Season Forecast of different areas in Japan. Therefore, about what month is the cherry blossom in Kyoto 2026, the forecasted flowering date may be in March, and the forecasted full bloom date may be in April, and April 1st may be the peak blooming date.
To maximize your chances of seeing the cherry blossom 2026 Kyoto at their full blooming time, it is recommended to plan a Sakura trip of at least 3 days in Kyoto during this time period. If you are still afraid of missing the Japanese cherry blossom in Kyoto, you can extend your Kyoto Sakura tour to Hokkaido, where there is the late cherry blossom season in Japan. Check out our best Japan Sakura tours with Kyoto itinerary in the following: (Contact us to get a personalized Kyoto itinerary for free if you are interested)
8 Days Tokyo - Kyoto - Osaka Tour
8 days | From $ 4620
10 Days Tokyo - Kamakura - Hakone - Osaka - Kyoto - Nara Tour - Only available from 20th Mar to 15th Apr
10 days | From $ 5863
11 Days Tokyo - Hakone - Kyoto - Nara - Hiroshima Tour
11 days | From $ 5664
14 Days Tokyo - Hakone - Mt.Fuji - Matsumoto - Takayama - Kanazawa - Kyoto - Osaka Tour
14 days | From $ 8850
2. Ways to Celebrate the Kyoto Japan Cherry Blossom Festival 2026
Admiring Sakura is one of the best things to do in Japan. The cherry blossom season in Japan is celebrated by locals every year, which is a quintessential Japanese tradition. For the Kyoto Sakura Festival 2026, Hanami, or flower viewing, is a popular activity of the cherry blossom season celebration that involves picnicking under the Sakura trees with friends and family mainly in parks. Other popular ways to take part in the Sakura season Kyoto 2026 like locals include hiking, or tasting the Sakura food to enjoy this romantic time in spring.
3. Popular Places to Enjoy Hanami Kyoto 2026
When planning a Japan tour, especially a spring trip, most of the visitors will head to Kyoto for Sakura viewing, which is also one of the top things to do in Japan in March. Where can you see cherry blossoms in Kyoto in 2026? There are many famous spots to view Kyoto cherry blossom, including Philosopher's Path, Arashiyama, Nijo Castle, Kiyomizu-Dera, Hirano Shrine, Keage Incline, Gion Shimbashi-dori, Gion Shirakawa Canal, Kamo River, and Kyoto Gyoen National Garden. Pick your favorite one to enjoy the Kyoto Cherry Blossom Festival 2026!
●Philosopher's Path - A Pedestrian Path Following a Cherry-tree-lined Canal in Kyoto
Best Time to View Philosopher's Path Cherry Blossom 2026: March 27 - April 1
Address: Sakyo Ward, Kyoto, Japan
Nearby Station: Keage (for Nanzenji area)
Philosopher's Path is a path along the river connecting Ginkaku-ji Temple and Nanzen-ji Temple in Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, with a total length of about 2 kilometers. Philosopher's Path, with "Cherry Blossom Tunnels" in full bloom on both sides, is one of the most famous and romantic Sakura viewing spots in Kyoto.
Walking along the path, you can meet various cherry blossom viewing crowds enjoying their leisure time, and Philosopher's Path Kyoto cherry blossom can be described as fantastic during the Kyoto Japan cherry blossom season, and it is also a must-visit spot for travelers who want to take a deeper look at cherry blossoms, and you can walk through the weeping cherry tree to enjoy the best cherry blossom in Kyoto.
●Arashiyama - The Second-most Important Sightseeing District in Kyoto
Best Viewing Time for Cherry Blossom Arashiyama 2026: March 28 - April 2
Address: Ukyo Ward, Kyoto, 616-0007, Japan
Nearby Station: Arashiyama
Arashiyama has been the backyard of Kyoto's aristocracy since ancient times, and is located in the northwest of Kyoto, and is known as Kyoto's No.1 Famous Spot. It is famous for Sakura and maple viewing in Japan, and you can take the Sagano Train or a boat ride through the valley. In spring, Arashiyama is one of the best places to enjoy Kyoto cherry blossom. Arashiyama cherry blossoms bloom all over the mountain, and the Sakura petals falling down the path make a beautiful cherry blossom path. Arashiyama itself features quite a large amount of cherry blossom trees, and when they are in full bloom, half of the hill is pink, making it the best time to visit Kyoto to enjoy Arashiyama Sakura season. If you hope to go hiking and view Sakura at the same time during the spring season in Japan, the Yoshino Nara cherry blossom is the perfect choice for you.
●Nijo Castle - A Flatland Castle in Kyoto
Best Time to Enjoy Nijo Castle Cherry Blossom 2026: March 25 - April 1
Address: 541 Nijojocho, Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto, 604-8301, Japan
Nearby Station: Nijojo-mae
The official name of the World Heritage Site Nijo Castle is Moto-Rikyu Nijo Castle. Nijo Castle is known for its rich variety of cherry blossoms, and with more than 300 cherry trees of 50 different kinds planted throughout the castle, it is one of the best spots for Kyoto Hanami 2026, and you can also see Yaezakura, which is the "King of Cherry Blossoms" there. The gate is transformed into the backdrop for the light show, where beautiful cherry blossoms are projected and displayed in the sky. During the Nijo Castle Sakura Festival 2026, there will be limited nighttime cherry blossoms illumination, when you can see the beautiful pink flower tree light up. In addition, there is also a specially designed light artwork on the open space in the castle.
●Kiyomizu-Dera - A Buddhist Temple and One of the Signature World Heritage Sites in Kyoto
Best Time to Admire Kiyomizu Dera Cherry Blossom 2026: March 26 - April 1
Nearby Stop: Ikedacho
Address: 1 Chome-294 Kiyomizu, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, 605-0862, Japan
Kiyomizu-Dera is located on the hillside of Mount Kiyomizu in Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto, Japan, and was founded in 778. Every year from the end of March to the beginning of April when it is cherry blossom time in Kyoto, the cherry trees around Kiyomizu-dera bloom, making it one of the representative sights of spring in Kyoto. The amount of Kiyomizudera cherry blossom is not small, and when the Kiyomizu Dera Temple cherry blossom are in full bloom, you can enjoy the spectacular scene of Kyoto Sakura flowers surrounding the Kiyomizu Terrace from a distance. From the perspective of cherry blossom viewing in Japan, this is one of the classic spots for Sakura viewing in Japan. Moreover, Kiyomizu Dera autumn is also stunning to enjoy the Kyoto red leaves.
●Hirano Shrine - A Shinto Shrine in Kyoto
Best Time to View Hirano Shrine Cherry Blossom 2026: March 27 - April 1
Address: Japan, 〒603-8322 Kyoto, Kita Ward, Hirano Miyamotocho, １
Nearby Bus Stop: Kinugasa Komae
Hirano Shrine has been planting cherry blossoms since the Heian period, and there are many rare varieties of cherry blossoms. It is a famous place for Sakura viewing in Japan, where you can see over 400 cherry blossoms of 60 different kinds of cherry blossoms such as kaikazakura, ichiba, and ikura in full bloom. Hirano Shrine is said to have the most varieties of cherry blossoms among the temples in Kyoto. Early-blooming cherry blossom varieties begin to bloom around mid-March, while late-blooming varieties begin to blossom in mid- to late-April every year, making the cherry blossom season at Hirano Shrine longer than at other shrines. There are lanterns with cherry blossom motifs on them, and there is also an eating area where visitors can drink and chat while enjoying the Hirano Shrine cherry blossom festival. During the Hirano Shrine cherry blossom illumination at night, there is a cherry blossom concert with classical music, which is a special experience that you can't find anywhere else, as you can enjoy the weeping cherry trees at night and listen to classical music at the same time.
●Keage Incline – A Gently Sloping Pedestrian Trail Lined with Cherry Trees
Best Time to Appreciate the Keage Incline Cherry Blossom 2026: March 25 - April 1
Address: 339 Higashi Kojiza-cho, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto
Nearby Bus Stop: Keage
The Keage Incline was once used for ship transportation, but since its closure, it has been preserved as a historical monument and is the world's longest inclined railway monument with a total length of 582 meters. The cherry blossom trees along the railroad line and the old railroad are a unique sight to behold. You can walk down the Keage Incline to Keage Sosui Park, where there is a small Ferris wheel and children's playground equipment, making it a good place for a family outing to enjoy the cherry blossom festival Kyoto Japan.
●Shimbashi-dori, Gion - The most Beautiful Geisha District with Wooden Old Houses
Best Time to See Sakura Kyoto 2026 at Shimbashi: March 27 - April 2
Address: Shirakawa-minamidori, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto, Japan
Nearby Station: Gion-Shijo Station
The Gion Shimbashi area, where the Shirakawa River flows through, has a large area of townhouses and stone paths that have been preserved intact, making it the most charming area in Kyoto, and it has been included in Japan's "Important Traditional Building Group Preservation Areas", and has become a representative scene preferred by many TV dramas for location shooting in Kyoto. When the weather is fine, you can see couples taking wedding photos here, and it is the No. 1 place to take photos during the Kyoto cherry blossom season 2026. For photographers, Arakura Fuji Sengen Shrine and Kawaguchiko Tenjozan Park in Mt. Fuji also cannot be missed during Mount Fuji Sakura month, as they are excellent places to shoot Mt. Fuji and Sukura and the Chureito Pagoda together to enjoy the all-around view of Mt. Fuji.
●Shirakawa Canal in Gion - One of Kyoto's Main Rivers Flowing from Heian Shrine
Best Time to Admire Cherry Blossom Kyoto 2026 at Shirakawa Canal: March 24 - March 30
Access: About a 3-minute walk from Gion Shijo Station on the Keihan Electric Railway; Or about a 5-minute walk from Sanjo Station on the Keihan Electric Railway.
Shirakawa runs through the center of Gion, with many cherry trees on both banks of the Shirakawa Canal. The stone paths and the tea houses with wooden latticework windows lined up in a row make up the streets unique to Gion, and together with the cherry tree blossoms on the branches of the Shirakawa River, making it one of the most charming scenes of Kyoto in cherry blossom season. When night falls on the Gion Shirakawa River, the best cherry blossom in Kyoto is illuminated by night lights, the gurgling water, and the paper-covered lantern paths underfoot create the unique atmosphere of Gion and bring back the fondest memories of Kyoto.
●Kamo River - One of the Most Popular Hang-out Spots in Kyoto
Best Viewing Time for Kamo River Cherry Blossom 2026: March 26 - April 1
Address: Matsunoshimo-machi, Izumoji, Kita-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto
Nearby Station: Gojō Station
Kamo River, the most representative first-class river in Kyoto, runs through the whole of Kyoto and the lives of Kyoto people. This river, which is inseparable from Kyoto, is a favorite place for citizens and tourists to take a walk because of its flat path and shallow water. During the best time for cherry blossoms Kyoto 2026, the banks of the Kamo River are one of the best cherry blossom spots in Kyoto to admire Japanese Sakura full bloom, and the people who gather along the riverbed to enjoy the famous flowering cherry tree create the most beautiful scenery in the area. The best combination of breeze and Sakura is found here during the cherry blossom season Japan Kyoto.
●Kyoto Gyoen National Garden - A National Park in Kyoto
Best Time to Enjoy Kyoto Cherry Blossom Festival 2026 at Kyoto Gyoen National Garden: March 24 – April 1
Address: 3 Kyotogyoen, Kamigyo Ward, Kyoto, 602-0881, Japan
Nearby Bus Stop: Karasuma Shimo Chojamachi
It is known to all that Chidorigafuchi near the Imperial Palace in Tokyo is a good place to enjoy Somei Yoshino Sakura during the Tokyo Cherry Blossom Season. As the Imperial Residence before the Japanese capital moved to Tokyo, Kyoto Gyoen is also the best place for Kyoto Sakura viewing. And compared to the Imperial Palace in Tokyo, Kyoto Gyoen has a more ancient elegance. The cherry blossoms in Kyoto Gyoen National Garden are still very famous in the area. If you go to enjoy the blossoms, you should try to be early, preferably before 7:00 a.m. in the morning for a pretty good Sakura viewing in Japan. Most of the cherry blossoms in the Kyoto Gyoen are weeping cherry trees. The cherry blossom period in Kyoto Gyoen National Garden varies, and the Hanami lasts from mid-March to late April, and you can enjoy the fantastic view of the Kyoto Japan cherry blossom 2026 in the garden.
4. Best Cherry Blossom Spots Kyoto without Crowds
You may know the Kanchidoboku Research Institute is the Off-the-Beaten-Path Sakura spot to avoid crowds during the cherry blossom festival Japan Sapporo. But where is not so crowded to see Kyoto cherry blossom 2026? Here are some Kyoto cherry blossom viewing spots to avoid crowds, including Maruyama-Koen Park, Daigoji Temple, Takase River, Takenaka Inari Shrine, and Okazaki Park.
●Maruyama-Koen Park - A Public Park Next to Yasaka Shrine
Best Time to See Maruyama Park Kyoto Cherry Blossom 2026: March 23 – March 30
Address: Maruyamacho, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto 605-0071, Japan
Access: About an 8-minute walk from Gion Shijo Station on the Keihan Electric Railway
Maruyama Park covers an area of about 86,000 square meters and is one of the leading Kyoto cherry blossom spots, with about 680 cherry trees, including Someiyoshino and Yamazakura. In particular, the Gion weeping cherry tree in the center of the park is very popular and is a major attraction of the park. Since Maruyama Park is a large park without many architectural monuments, you can admire the cherry blossom flowers alone, but if you don't have enough time, you should consider spending half a day in the park to enjoy the Maruyama Park cherry blossom festival 2026. Correspondingly, there will be much fewer people, making it a Kyoto's best cherry blossom spot with fewer crowds.
●Daigoji Temple - A Shingon Buddhist Temple in Kyoto
Best Viewing Time for Daigoji Temple Cherry Blossom 2026: March 26 - April 1
Address: 22 Daigohigashiojicho, Fushimi Ward, Kyoto, 601-1325, Japan
Access: About a 15-minute walk from Daigo Station on the Tozai Line of the Kyoto Subway
Daigoji Temple has been known as one of Kyoto Sakura spots since the Heian Period, and about 1,000 cherry blossom trees bloom in succession from the early blooming "Higanzakura" to the "Weeping Cherry Blossom", "Someiyoshino", and "Yaezakura". The weeping cherry blossoms trees in front of Sanbō-in Gate, or the 180-years old weeping cherry blossoms, or the Somei-Yoshino cherry blossoms, which are over 100 years old, are all spectacular scenes of Kyoto during cherry blossom season in the temple. It is one of the great places to enjoy Sakura tree illumination and maple leaves autumn illumination Kyoto.
●Takase River - A Canal in Kyoto runs parallel to the Kamo River
Best Time to Enjoy Cherry Blossom Festival Kyoto 2026 at Takase River: March 26 - April 1
Address: Nakagyo-ku, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto
Nearby Station: Gojō Station
Takase River flows through the east side of Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto City, from a man-made canal that originates from Kiyamachi-dori Nijo and runs along the Kamogawa River, crossing Sanjo and Shijo. Because of its excellent location near the center of the city, every year during the Sakura Season Kyoto, the cherry flowers blooming on both sides of the river attract many tourists to stop by.
During the daytime, the Takase River is filled with laughter under the Sakura trees, and when night falls, there is a different kind of hustle and bustle along the banks of the Takase River.
●Takenaka Inari Shrine - A Branch of Yoshida Shrine
Best Time to Enjoy Sakura Festival Kyoto 2026 at Takenaka Inari Shrine: March 27- April 3
Address: 3-64 Yoshidakaguraokacho, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto, 606-8311, Japan
Nearby Bus Stop: Kyodai Nogakubu
Takenaka Inari Shrine on the top of Mt. Yoshida is known as a private cherry blossom spot in Kyoto. There is a row of red torii on the inner san-do, which looks like a miniature version of the Takenaka Inari Shrine, and there are many Yoshino cherry blossom trees that are planted on both sides. Every year when it is time for cherry blossom viewing in Kyoto in early April, you can see the pale pink flowers covering the torii, creating a beautiful scene of overlapping. Compared to the other best places to see cherry blossoms in Kyoto, Takenaka Inari Shrine is quiet and pleasant, and most of the visitors are local residents. The Japan Sakura viewing here is particularly comfortable and cozy.
●Okazaki Park - A Landscaped Park Full of Culture and History
Best Time to View Kyoto Cherry Blossoms 2026 at Okazaki Park: March 26 - April 2
Address: 561-1 Koseicho, Okazaki, Aichi 444-0052, Japan
Access: Get off at Cujukami Station on the Tozai Line of the Kyoto City Underground Railway and walk for about 5 minutes
Okazaki Park is located in Heian Shrine, where rows of cherry blossom trees bloom together in spring. The dense petals of the Sakura cover the branches and weigh heavily on the trunks of the canals leading to Lake Biwa. During the cherry blossom season Kyoto 2026 in Okazaki Park, two boats travel between the corridors that are formed by the intersecting cherry blossom branches, and you can enjoy the elegance of being surrounded by pink flowering trees while sitting in a slightly rocking boat, with springtime blossom branches above your head, and petals falling into the crystal-clear water of the canal beside you.
5. Beyond the Blossoms: What Else to Do in Kyoto During Sakura Season 2026
Kyoto in spring is more than just pink petals fluttering in temple gardens—it's a full cultural experience. If you're planning to be here for cherry blossoms, make time for a few extra highlights that show off Kyoto’s timeless charm in the most magical season of the year.
◆Attend a Spring Geisha Dance Performance
Each April, Kyoto’s geisha districts host seasonal dance shows—like the famous Miyako Odori in Gion. It’s a rare chance to see traditional dance and kimono artistry, all framed by seasonal beauty.
◆Visit a Zen Temple in the Early Morning
Kyoto’s Zen temples like Ryoanji or Daitokuji are especially peaceful early in the day. With fewer crowds and mist lingering in the gardens, the spring atmosphere adds to the calm, reflective mood.
◆Take a Rickshaw Ride in Arashiyama
After visiting the sakura tunnel by train, continue your Arashiyama adventure with a rickshaw ride through the bamboo groves and riverbanks. It’s a fun, classic way to soak in the scenery.
◆Try Seasonal Wagashi at a Traditional Teahouse
Kyoto is known for its delicate wagashi (Japanese sweets), many of which are only available in spring. Pair one with a bowl of matcha in a teahouse overlooking a blooming garden—pure Kyoto bliss.
◆Stroll Through the Philosopher's Path at Twilight
Already popular during the day, the Philosopher's Path takes on a dreamlike quality in the early evening, when lanterns begin to glow and cherry petals float in the canal. It’s a perfect quiet moment to end a busy day.
Springtime in Kyoto isn’t just about chasing cherry blossoms—it’s about slowing down, savoring quiet moments, and discovering beauty in the details. Whether you're sipping matcha in a centuries-old teahouse or wandering temple paths in the golden evening light, Kyoto in sakura season invites you to experience Japan’s traditions in the most poetic way. Let the blossoms guide your trip, but don’t forget to leave space for the little surprises that make Kyoto unforgettable. Contact us to craft an amazing Kyoto Sakura itinerary tailored to your wishes!
6. Accommodation Tips for Kyoto Sakura Season 2026
Where is the most convenient place to stay in Kyoto during the cherry blossom season 2026? We recommend staying in the Shijo-dori or Kyoto Station area. The business near Shijo-dori is relatively developed, and it is livelier. If you like to go out at night, then you can consider choosing there. There are a lot of transportation lines, and the location is not too remote. According to the Kyoto cherry blossom spots, staying in the Shijo-dori area is not far away from the Yasaka-jinja Shrine area, as well as the Kamogawa area. Transportation here is more convenient for the Kyoto cherry blossoms season.
For the Kyoto Station area, it has a high concentration of both subway and buses. It's also very convenient and easy to get to Kyoto cherry blossom viewing spots, so if you're going to Arashiyama for example, you can take the JR line from Kyoto Station. If you consider the people in line, in fact, Kyoto Station is basically the originating station, and if it's any other station, the buses can be very crowded during the cherry blossom dates Japan 2026.
Besides, you can choose to stay near Kiyomizu-Dera. It is 5 minutes walk to Kyoto Kiyomizu-Dera. You can go to Kiyomizu-Dera early in the morning to feel the quietness without people. And it is very convenient to go to experience the Kiyomizu Dera night illumination after dark, which will be very stunning for your Kyoto Sakura tour in Japan. And here are Japan Accommodation Options for you to get more info to make a decision.
7. Arashiyama Train and Sakura Tunnel Guide
As we all know that Arashiyama is the best place to see cherry blossoms in Kyoto, but how to take the Arashiyama Train and Sakura Tunnel to enjoy the Hanami Kyoto 2026?
Randen's Sakura Tunnel is the section between Naritaki Station and Utano Station. If you go to Sakura Tunnel from Arashiyama, take Randen at Randen-Saga Station to Katabiranotsuji, and then transfer to Randen Kitano Line. Randen is a regular bus, so just buy a Randen ticket or take the ICOCA.
So the itinerary for this day to view Arashiyama cherry blossom 2026 should be to take JR to Umahori Station, then take the mini-train to Arashiyama at Torokko Kameoka Station. Then walk around Arashiyama's attractions. Finally, go to Randen. After the Sakura tour, take the Randen to Saiin Station or Shijō-Ōmiya Station, and transfer to Hankyu Dentetsu to return to Umeda Station in Osaka to enjoy the Osaka Cherry Blossom Festival if time is available. Of course, you can do this itinerary the other way around, depending on whether you can make a reservation for the right time for the mini-train or not.
The Randen mini-train passes under the Sakura trees. The small train that travels slowly through the old folk houses, with large clusters of cherry blossoms, exudes a quaint and gentle atmosphere and makes you feel the flavor of the ancient capital under the pink Japanese cherry blossom trees during the cherry blossom festival Kyoto 2026.
What We'd Like to Say
Overall, making a trip to Kyoto during the Sakura season Japan 2026 is a very beautiful and memorable experience. Here we have shared the complete guide to the Kyoto 2026 cherry blossom, including the best time for Sakura in Kyoto, the best Sakura spots in Kyoto, the Kyoto cherry blossom festival, how to choose accommodation during the Kyoto cherry blossoms season, and how to enjoy the Arashiyama train and Sakura tunnel in Kyoto during the Sakura season 2026. If you are to plan a Kyoto cherry blossom tour 2026, just feel free to contact our travel experts to tailor your itinerary if you hope to experience the Kyoto hot springs at a Kyoto ryokan with private onsen after viewing the Kyoto Sakura during daytime.