- An introduction cherry blossom/Sakura illumination
- Kiyomizudera temple
- Kodaiji temple
- Entokuin temple
- Nene’s path
- Syourenin temple
- Shogunzuka Seiryuden
- Yasaka shrine
- Maruayma park
- Gion Shirakawa
- Lake Biwa Canal
- Heian Jingu shrine
- Hirano Shrine
- Nijo castle
- Shinsenen temple
- Kamogawa river bank
- Takasegawa
- Rokkakudo (Chohoji) temple
- Toji temple
- Byodoin temple
An introduction cherry blossom/Sakura illumination
- We have many cherry blossom sites in Kyoto but not all of them hold night illumination. In this article, I’ll show you recommended 20 sites in Kyoto.
- 17 sites are: Kiyomizudera temple, Kodaiji temple, Entokuin temple, Nene’s path, Shorenin temple, Shogunzuka Seiryuden, Yasaka shrine, Marayama park, Gion Shirakawa, Lake Biwa canal, Heian Jingu shrine, Hirano shrine, Nijo castle, Kamo river bank, Takasegawa, Rokkakudo temple, Toji temple, and Byodoin temple.
- The information on the sites are of the last year because that of 2019 is not available yet.
- Most of all the sites close before night illumination starts. In this case, we exit a sites before night illumination starts and enter it again. (Exceptions are: Shogunzuka Seiryuden, Maruyama park, Gion Shirakawa, Lake Biwa canal, Hirano shrine, Kamo river bank, and Takasegawa)
- This article is subject to be revised.
Sakura in Kyoto?
Kiyomizudera temple
Overview
Kiyomizudera temple is the most famous landmark in Kyoto. It shows us one of the most amazing cherry blossom landscape though the main hall is still under construction.
In Bloom: Late March to early April
Cherry blossoms: Someiyoshino and weeping cherry blossoms
World heritage site!
Night Illumination
- Dates 3/23/2024～3 /31/2024
- Open hours ～21:30
- Entrance fee 400 JPY
After climbing up the hill, We find Nihomon gate (right) and the west gate. The blue ray stands for a dragon. It is said that Kannon enshrined Kiyomizudera temple becomes a dragon and goes to water fall to drink water every night.
After the entrance gate, we head for the main hall by way of Sanjunoto pagoda admiring Someiyoshino tree.
The main hall is under renovation and it will look like this. (These photos were taken in last spring.)
How to get to Kiyomizudera temple?
Train: Keihan Gion shijo/Gojozaka station or Hankyu Kawaramachi station.
Kyoto city bus: Sijo Kawaramachi/Gion bus stop. Gojyozaka and Kiyomizu michi bus stop is not available because they are so crowded.
About Kiyomizudera temple
Kodaiji temple
Overview
Kodaiji temple is most famous and crowded spot in Higashiyama. It has a beautiful Zen garden where we can admire extraordinary weeping cherry blosomms. It was build by Nene, the wife of Toyotomi Hideyoshi to mourn his spirit.
In Bloom: Late March to early April
Cherry blossoms: Weeping cherry blossoms
Night Illumination
Schedule
- Dates 3/15/2024～5/16/2024
- Open hours ～22;00 (Entrance closes at 21:30)
- Entrance fee 600 JPY
The Zen garden
We seldom see Zen garden illuminated. Kodaiji provides you with so rare experience. In addition to it, you also can enjoy projection mapping there. The garden has a huge weeping cherry blossom tree and these illumination and projection mapping focus on it.
The stroll garden
Kodaiji has amazing stroll garden. Of course it also illuminated.
You can stroll in a small bamboo forest.
Kogetsu Chaya tea house
Near the entrance, there is a small tea house named Kogetsu Chaya. We can have traditional Japanese sweets like Dango or Anmitsu. My favorite is Amazake. Amazake is a soft drink made from rice.
How to get to Kodaiji temple?
Train: Keihan Gion shijo station or Hankyu Kawaramachi station.
Kyoto city bus: Sijo Kawaramachi/Gion bus stop.
Kodaiji is the red alien!
About Kodaiji temple
Entokuin temple
Overview
Entokuin temple is located near Kodaji temple. It was a residence of Nene. She would depart here on her steed to a grave yard of her husband every day.
Night illumination
Not yet announced in 2024
- Dates 3/17/2023～5/7/2023
- Open hours ～22;00 (Entrance closes at 21:30)
- Entrance fee 600 JPY
We cannot enjoy cherry blossoms there.
On the other hand, you can experience Zen: Meditation, Shakyo, etc.
How to get to Entokuin temple?
Train: Keihan Gion shijo station or Hankyu Kawaramachi station.
Kyoto city bus: Sijo Kawaramachi/Gion bus stop.
Entokuin is the green alien!
About Entokuin temple
Nene’s path
Overview
Nene’s path is located between Kodaiji temple and Entokuin temple. Hundreds of years ago, this path leads her to the grave yard.
In Bloom: Late March to early April
Cherry blossoms: Weeping cherry blossoms
Night illumination
Along Nene’s path, we can have outstanding scenery with traditional houses and pagoda. In addition to it, utility poles are inserted under ground. The street always brings back us to the times in which she spent her last days.
How to get to Nene’s path?
Train: Keihan Gion shijo station or Hankyu Kawaramachi station.
Kyoto city bus: Sijo Kawaramachi/Gion bus stop.
Between the aliens!
Syourenin temple
Overview
Shorenin is one of Monzeki jiin temple. Monzeki is a temple run by a monk who belongs to the Imperial lineage. A huge fire bunt out the Imperial palace in the 18th century. Due to the incident, Shorenin worked as the Imperial palace in a short period of time.
In Bloom: Late March to early April
Cherry blossoms: Weeping cherry blossoms
Night Illumination
Not available 2024 due to renovation
Shoreniin enshrines Ao Fudoh (blue Fudoh), the Deity of Buddhism. So, Shorenin is illuminated in blue. You can enjoy Japnese tea admiring beautiful garden.
How to get to Shorenin temple?
About 10 minutes walk form Subway Higashiyama station.
About Shorenin temple
Shogunzuka Seiryuden
Overview
Seiryuden in Shogunzuka hill is a temple belongs to Syorenin temple. It is located on a mountain and we can have a good view of Kyoto city. It has a small Zen garden in a strolling garden.
In Bloom: Late March to early April
Cherry blossoms: Someiyoshino and weeping cherry blossoms
Night Illumination
Not available in 2024
The most amazing moment in Shogunzuka is twilight. You can stroll under the tunnel of Sakura in the garden.
In front of the main hall, there is a cherry blossom tree. It weeps in an outstanding way.
How to get to Shoguzuka Seiryuden?
It would be better to go there taxi. Kyoto Bus is available but inconvenient.
About Shoguzuka Seiryuden
Yasaka shrine
Overview
Yasaka shrine is one of the most popular shrines in Kyoto. It holds famous Gion matsuri.
It is open to public for 24 hours every day except Dec. 31st. We cannot have “Illumination” but it has many lamp posts in an area and we can admire tranquil cherry blossoms.
In Bloom: Late March to early April
Cherry blossoms: Someiyoshino and weeping cherry blossoms
Night Illumination
24 hours 365 days
Around the main gate and Utsukushi Gozen sha, tender cherry blossoms take your heart away.
My favorite place!
How to get to Yasaka shrine?
Train: Keihan Gion shijo station or Hankyu Kawaramachi station.
Kyoto city bus: Sijo Kawaramachi/Gion bus stop.
About Yasaka shrine
Maruayma park
Overview
Maruyama park is a popular public park in Kyoto. It is located near Yasaka shrine or Kodaiji temple. It has many cherry blossom tress. The most famous one is a huge weeping cherry blossom tree. Professional Sakura watchers admire Sakura all through the night there. There are many food stands in Sakura season.
In Bloom: Late March to early April
Cherry blossoms: Someiyoshino and weeping cherry blossoms
Sidare Zakura枝垂桜
- Dates 3/23/2024～4/7/2024
- Hours 18:00～22:00
かがり火
- Dates 3/23/2024～3/31/2024
- Hours 18:00～22:00
It is a landmark of the park. It is amazing especially at night. In the park, there are many food stands. You can have many Japanese food and Sake.
How to get to Maruyama park?
Train: Keihan Gion shijo station or Hankyu Kawaramachi station.
Kyoto city bus: Sijo Kawaramachi/Gion bus stop.
About Maruyama park
Gion Shirakawa
Overview
Gion Shirakawa is a small stream in Gion district. Along it, there are many trees. It is not illuminated but many lamp posts make them beautiful.
In Bloom: Late March
Cherry blossoms: Someiyoshino
Night illumination
- Dates 3/22/2024～3/31/2023
- Open hours 18:00～22;00
- Entrance fee FREE
Gion shirakawa runs through a part of famous Gion district. Along the river, there are many restaurants. It would be better one of them and enjoy Skura with supreme elegance.
How to get to Gion Shirakawa?
Train: Keihan Gion shijostation or Hankyu Kawaramachi station.
Kyoto city bus: Chion in mae, Sijo Kawaramachi and Gion bus stop.
Lake Biwa Canal
Overview
Lake Biwa Canal was constructed in the Meji period for supplying water to Kyoto city. It is also used for transporting passengers and freight.
In Bloom: Early April
Cherry blossoms: Someiyoshino and weeping cherry blossoms
Night illumination
Not available 2024
Of course we can enjoy Sakura in daytime, it would be better to go there in night. Trees along the canal bank are illuminated in fascinating way. Fortunately, we are able to admire them on boat.
How to get to Lake Biwa Canal?
Kyoto city bus: Okazaki koen/Bijutsukan Heian Jingu mae bus stop.
Lake Biawa Canal: the green alien
Heian Jingu shrine
Overview
Heian Jingu shrine is a 5/8 replica of Chodoin building complex in the Imperial court.
As described in The Makioka Sisters, we can admier extraordinary weeping cherry blossoms in Shinen garden. At night, “Shidare Sakura concert” takes place there.
In Bloom: Late March to early April
Cherry blossoms: Someiyoshino and weeping cherry blossoms
Sakura Otoyo concert
- Dates 4/3/2024～4/7/2023
- Open hours 18:15～21;00 (Entrance closes at 20:30)
- Need reservation check the Heianjigu website
At night in early April, Shidare Sakura concerts (or recitals) takes place for 3 nights. Shinen garden is illuminated and concert or recital is held around a pond. Each day has 2 concerts/recitals. Once you enter the garden, you can enjoy both of them.
The Shinen garden consists of four gardens and the total area is about 4000 square yard. Most of the cherry blossom trees there are weeping cherry blossom trees. They bloom in the most exquisite way. Night illumination in Heian Jingu shrine is one of the most recommended site to visit.
How to get to Heian Jingu shrine?
Kyoto city bus: Okazaki koen/Bijutsukan Heian Jingu mae bus stop.
About Heian Jingu shrine
Hirano Shrine
Overview
Not available in 2024
Hirano Shrine is one of the oldest Shitno shrine in Kyoto. Its history dates back about 1200 years ago. It has 60 kinds of Sakura. We can enjoy so-called Ohanami and Food stand.
In Bloom: Mid March to mid-April
Cherry blossoms: Someiyoshino, weeping cherry blossoms and others
Night illumination
The official website says nothing about Night illumination but Concerts and recitals are available 3/25/2023~4/16/2023.
Hirano shrine has many kinds of Sakura and is famous for them. The crest of the shrine is Sakura (see the paper lanterns). There are many food stands and you can experience traditional Hanami. Hirano shrine is one of the most devastated place due to the typhoons. I’m not sure whether we can admire cherry blossom as usual year.
How to get to Hirano shrine?
Kyoto city bus: Kinugasako mae bus stop.
Randen: Kitano Hakubaicho station
About Kitano Hirano shrine
Nijo castle
Overview
Nijo castle was constructed as a temporary residence of Shoguns of the Tokugawa Shogunate. In 1867, Tokugawa Yoshinobu, the last Tokugawa Shogun, decided to give up the plitical power the Shogunate had to emperor Meiji. At night, we can enjoy amzing illumination and projection mapping.
In Bloom: Early April
Cherry blossoms: Someiyoshino and weeping cherry blossoms
World heritage site!
Illumination and projection mapping (Nijojo Sakura Matsuri)
- Dates 3/8/2024～4/7/2024
- Open hours 18:00～22;00 (Entrance closes at 21:00)
- Entrance fee: Weekdays:2,000 JPY, Weekends 2,400 JPY, 3/23 and 3/30 2,800 JPY
Every spring, “Nijojo Sakura matsuri” is held there. At night, lots of cherry trees are
illuminated in stunning colors.
Nijo castle has large gardens but we cannot visit all of them but we can enjoy amazing projection mappings.
How to get to Nijo castle?
Kyoto city bus: Nijojo mae bus stop
Kyoto city subway: station
About Nijo castle
Shinsenen temple
Overview
So-called “Ohanami” began there. It used be a private garden for emperor in the Heian Kyo city. Now Shinsenen is a small temple where we can enjoy tiny weeping cherry blossoms.
In Bloom: Late-March to early-April
Cherry blossoms: Someiyoshino and weeping cherry blossoms
Night illumination
Not yet announced in 2024
Shinsenen temple is an overlooked place though its historical importance. At night, we have tranquil night illumination. You can spend pleasant evening there.
How to get to Kyoto Shinsen temple?
Kyoto city bus: Shinsenen mae bus stop
Kyoto city subway: Nijojomae station.
About Sinsenen Temple
Kamogawa river bank
Overview
Not yet announced but I guess it will take place.
At Kamogawa river bank, there are many cherry blossom trees. It is located near Shijo Kawara machi downtown and Gion.
This is around Bukkoji park. From Shijo ohashi bridge, go south along the Kamo river. You’ll be there in a couple of minutes. This is the most recommended place near the Koamo river.
In Bloom: Early April
Cherry blossoms: Someiyoshino and weeping cherry blossoms
How to get to Kamogawa river bank?
Kyoto city bus: Shijo Kawaramachi bus stop
Hankyu railways: Kawaramachi station
Takasegawa
Overview
Not yet announced but I guess it will take place.
Located near Kamogawa river bank, Takasegawa has also provides us with amazing Sakura view especially at night.
In Bloom: Early April
Cherry blossoms: Someiyoshino and weeping cherry blossoms
Night illumination
Takasegawa is a small stream but has extraordinary Mizukagami reflection.
And along it, there are restaurants. It is strongly recommended to be one of them.
How to get to Takasegawa?
Kyoto city bus: Shijo Kawaramachi bus stop
Hankyu railways: Kawaramachi station
Rokkakudo (Chohoji) temple
Overview
Not announced in 2024
Chohoji temple is one of the oldest temple in Kyoto. It is also known as “Rokkakudo (The hexagon hall) because the main hall has hexagonal shape. It is believed that the temple was established by prince Shotoku, or Shotoku taishi in the Heian period or earlier. It is a place where Japanese traditional flower arrangement Ikebana was originated.
In Bloom: Early April
Cherry blossoms: Someiyoshino and weeping cherry blossoms
Night Illumination
Rokkakudo is famous for extraordinary willow. In spring, we can enjoy it with weeping cherry blossoms. It is a tiny and cozy place. It is not for tourists but it would be better to be there. You can spend a pleasant evening as Kyotoites do.
How to get to Rokkakudo temple?
Kyoto city bus: Shijo Karasuma bus stop
Subway: Shijo station
About Rokkakudo temple
Toji temple
Overview
Toji temple is one of the oldest temple in Kyoto. It remains the same place when Heiankyo city was built. In Kodoh building, statues of Buddhist Deities make so-called 3-D mandala. The Illumination of Toji in spring is the best one in Kyoto.
In Bloom: Mid March to early April
Cherry blossoms: Kawazu Zakura, Someiyoshino and weeping cherry blossoms
World heritage site!
Fuji Zakura
The most famous 120 years old weeping cherry blossom in Toji. It welcomes us at the entrance of the garden.
Night illumination
- Dates 3/16/2024～4/14/2024
- Open hours 18:00～21:30 (Entrance closes at 21:00)
- Entrance fee 1000 JPY
Beyond description. Toji shows us the best night illumination Kyoto has ever seen.
Mizukagami
Mizukagami is an art to admire something. We see reflection on surface of water. Toji provides us with extraordinary Mizukagami.
THE BEST ILLUMINATION EVAAAH!
How to get to Toji temple?
Kyoto city bus: Toji Higashimon mae or Toji michi bus stop
JR West: Kyoto station
Kintesu rail ways: Toji station
About Toji temple
Byodoin temple
Overview
Byodoin temple was a villa belonged to Fujiwara no Michjinaga, the most prosperous court noble in Japanses history. It was converted to a Buddhist temple in the 11th century. The Hohohdo building enshrines Amidaba and represents “Gokuraku Jodo,” the paradise in Buddhism.
In Bloom: Early April
Cherry blossoms: Someiyoshino and weeping cherry blossoms
World heritage site!
Night Illumination
Not yet announced in 2024
The best time is twilight. Enjoy the white blossoms against dark blue sky.
When it gets dark, Hoohdoh stand out in night.
How to get to Byodoin temple?
JR/Keihan Uji station
