Places · 6 min read
Philosopher's path
A two kilometer stone path follows a canal lined with cherry trees between Ginkakuji and Nanzenji. Walk it at sunrise to have it almost to yourself.
Maruyama park
Kyoto's busiest hanami park centers on a giant weeping cherry that is lit up at night. Food stalls and picnic crowds make it festive in the evening.
Arashiyama
Blossoms cover the hills around the Togetsukyo bridge. A boat ride on the Hozu river or the Sagano scenic train shows the valley at its best.
Heian shrine, Daigoji and Gion
The weeping cherries in the Heian shrine garden bloom slightly later than most. Daigoji temple, a UNESCO site, has some of the city's oldest trees. Gion Shirakawa is a short, romantic stretch of canal with wooden teahouses, best after dark.
Avoiding the crowds
Kyoto is at its busiest in sakura season. Start before 7 am, visit major temples on weekdays and stay in the evening when tour groups have left.