The warmer weather is growing ever closer as we start to approach spring, and in Japan, that means the cherry blossom season is right around the corner. Today, we are joined by Instagram user Macchan-san who has provided us with some picturesque photos of places Kyoto for this Top 7 list of must-visit locations in the ancient capital to see the cherry blossoms this year.
Gion Shirakawa
Gion Shirakawa is a place that delivers on expectations when visiting Kyoto, with its rows of traditional houses, stone pavements, and maiko whom you’re sure to meet. This area is also lit up with illuminations during the cherry blossom season, which is perfect when you’re listening to the sound of the flowing Shirakawa River while gazing to your heart’s content at the cherry blossoms.
▶ Gion Shirakawa
Address: Shirakawa River, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto (Between Kawabata Shopping Arcade and Gion Tatsumi Bridge)
Closest Stations: 5-minutes on foot from Gion-Shijō Station (via Keihan Electric Railway) / 10-minutes on foot from Sanjō Station (via Keihan Electric Railway) / 10-minutes on foot from Kyoto-Kawaramachi Station (via Hankyu Railway)
Official Website: http://gion-yoisakura.com/
Former Main Building of the Kyoto Prefectural Office
The Former Main Building of the Kyoto Prefectural Office is listed under Japan’s list of Important Cultural Properties. It is the oldest building among existing government buildings in Japan. The courtyard is home to towering shidare-zakura cherry blossom trees, which captivate those who visit the building. The view of the buildingーwhose exterior is like that of a western mansionーtogether with the cherry blossoms is a sight to behold.
▶ Former Main Building of the Kyoto Prefectural Office
Address: Yabunouchicho, Kamigyo Ward, Kyoto
Open: Tuesdays-Fridays (and every 1st, 3rd, and 5th Saturday)
Closed: Public Holidays and New Year Holidays
Opening Hours: 10:00-17:00
Closest Station: 10-minutes on foot from Marutamachi Station
Official Website (Japanese): https://www.pref.kyoto.jp/qhonkan/
Shojuin
Shojuin is famous for its beautiful heart-shaped window located in the reception hall. During the cherry blossom season, the window is dyed a pink colour. It is also lit up in the evenings, but you need to book a place in advance to see it. Places are allocated randomly. You can book on the official website.
▶ Shojuin
Address: Kawakami-149 Okuyamada, Ujitawara, Tsuzuk District, Kyoto
Opening Hours: 9:00-16:30 (April-September)
Price: ¥500 (Includes tea and confection)
Official Website: http://shoujuin.boo.jp/
Access:
①Reachable by Keihan Uji Bus (Numbers 180, 182 or 184) from Uji Station and Shin-Tanabe Station. Get off at Ichumae Bus Stop (維中前)
②10 minutes by the Okayamada Community Bus or taxi
Sewaritei
Sewaritei is a very popular spot for celebrating Hanami in Japan with its rows of cherry trees that span 1.4km along the park. From the Sakura Deai Kan observation building, you can soak up the breathtaking view of 220 individual cherry blossom trees. When they are in full bloom, it’s like walking through a tunnel of them, providing a romantic atmosphere.
▶ Sewaritei
Address: Yawata Zaioji, Yawata 614-8307, Kyoto Prefecture
Closest Station: 10-minutes on foot from Iwashimizu-Hachimangu Station (via Keihan Main Line)
Official Website: https://www.city.yawata.kyoto.jp/0000000479.html
Fushimi Jikkokubune Boats
Fushimi Jikkokubune is an opportunity to board an Edo Period-style boat. It departs from Bentenbashi, and takes passengers on a relaxing journey to observe Kyoto’s nature as well as the cherry blossoms. The departing times are fixed and limited, so be sure to check the official website in advance.
▶ Fushimi Jikkokubune Boats
Address: 247 Minamihamacho, Fushimi Ward, Kyoto
Times: Check the official website
Closest Station: 5-minutes on foot from Chushojima Station (via the Keihan Main Line)
Official Website: https://kyoto-fushimi.or.jp/ship/
Fushimi Port Park
There is a walking course offered at Fushimi Port Park which lets you take in all of its sights. I recommend going for a Hanami walk when the cherry blossoms are in full bloom.
▶ Fushimi Port Park
Address: Yoshijima Kanaidocho, Fushimi Ward, Kyoto
Closest Station: 3-minutes on foot from Chushojima Station (via the Keihan Main Line)
Official Website: http://kyoto-park.or.jp/fushimi/
Fushimi Deai Bridge
This bridge appeared in the anime film I Want to Eat Your Pancreas. It’s a very beautiful spot where the cherry trees reflect off the surface of the water below the bridge. The location’s sights are the same as they were in the past too.
▶ Fushimi Deai Bridge (in Japanese: 伏見出会い橋)
Address: 911 Kitahamacho, Fushimi Ward, Kyoto
Closest Station: 9-minutes on foot from Chushojima Station (via the Keihan Main Line)
Did you enjoy this list? If you’re planning a trip to Kyoto this spring, be sure to use these picks as reference for your Hanami and cherry blossom destinations. And if you’re looking for more places to visit in Kyoto, then follow Macchan on Instagram
Photos: Macchan
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