8 Cherry Blossom Viewing Spots for Hanami in Kyoto in 2025

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.

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:

Kasamatsu Park

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.

Ungen-ji Temple

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.

Nango Park

This peaceful park features cherry trees of different varieties that bloom at slightly different times. A highlight is the majestic weeping cherry tree in the center, which is beautifully illuminated at night, making it a mesmerizing sight.

Wachi Wildflower Forest

Wachi Wildflower Forest offers a unique hanami experience where cherry blossoms blend seamlessly with Kyoto’s untamed natural beauty. Among the 900 species of wild plants and trees, delicate sakura bloom in spring, creating a soft pink contrast against the vibrant greenery. Unlike the structured gardens of the city, this vast 12-hectare forest lets visitors admire cherry blossoms in a more natural, unspoiled setting.

Hoshakuji Temple

Hoshakuji Temple, known as the “Treasure Temple,” offers a serene cherry blossom experience. Every spring, delicate sakura bloom around the temple grounds, softening the grandeur of its three-storied pagoda and ancient halls. Visitors can admire the cherry blossoms while exploring the temple’s cultural treasures.

Shoryuji Castle Park

Walk among castle ruins beneath soft pink canopies, where history and nature intertwine. Built in 1571 by Fujitaka Hosokawa under Oda Nobunaga’s orders, this historically significant site is now a tranquil park, perfect for enjoying cherry blossoms.

Keihanna Commemorative Park

This beautifully designed park blends traditional Japanese garden aesthetics with spacious sakura-filled areas. Visitors can explore both freely accessible zones and a paid Japanese-style garden featuring waterfalls, koi ponds, and seasonal floral displays.

Uji City Botanical Park

Wander through a botanical wonderland where cherry blossoms share the spotlight with a variety of seasonal flowers. The park’s entrance features a stunning floral display, while different sections of the park highlight seasonal blooms.

Hanami is a time for celebration, but being mindful of others ensures that everyone can enjoy the experience. Many parks don’t have trash bins, so be prepared to take your trash back with you. Since popular spots can get crowded, avoid blocking pathways and be considerate of fellow visitors. Most importantly, embrace the beauty of the moment.

Kyoto’s cherry blossoms are a fleeting gift, appearing for just a short time each spring. Whether you seek the solitude of a mountain retreat or the charm of a traditional garden, there’s a hanami spot waiting for you.