[2025] Top Secret Cherry Blossom Spots in Kyoto: Part 1
Everyone knows that Kyoto has many spots with beautiful cherry blossoms, but they are usually crowded. With an abundance of information, guides, blogs and books offering advice on where to visit or avoid, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the multitude of choices. If you are feeling inundated with options or simply crave serene spots for a tranquil stroll among the cherry blossoms, then this guide of the best secret cherry blossom spots is for you. You will surely be satisfied with this list of the top underrated cherry blossom spots loved by locals in Kyoto.
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1. Yodogawa River Park Sewaritei Area
Photo by Japanexperterna.se
Yodogawa River Park Sewaritei Area is an amazing place to see cherry blossoms. It is over 2 km continuously planted with 250 lines of Yoshino cherry blossom trees. It is not only a place to take a walk, but also a perfect place for a picnic under the cherry blossoms, known as hanami. They also host a Cherry Blossom Festival from March 22 (Sat) to April 12 (Sat). Bring your favorite food and drinks, and enjoy the cherry blossoms with friends you’ve made at The Millennials Kyoto!
Access from the hotel: Take the Keihan Line from Sanjo Station(三条駅) to Iwashimizu-Hachimangu Station(石清水八幡宮駅), then walk for about 10 minutes.
2. To-ji
Photo by Vitorio Benedetti
Trust me, you should not miss the world heritage site To-ji if you want to see cherry blossoms in Kyoto. You can visit there in the daytime or in the evening since they hold breathtaking lights up events every evening during the cherry blossom season. We personally recommend visiting at night to enjoy the true beauty of the cherry blossoms.
Access form the hotel: Take bus no. 207 from the Kawaramachi-Shijo(河原町四条) bus stop to the To-ji Higashimonzen(東寺東門前) bus stop.
3. Fushimi Jikkokufune
Photo by linshibi
At Fushimi Jikkokubune you can do a small boat tour with Jikkokubune Canal Cruise seeing the cherry blossoms or simply walk along the river. This place is near the famous Fushimi-Inari Shrine and the Gekkeikan Okura Sake Museum. We recommend visiting Fushimi-Inari in the morning, taking the boat to see the cherry blossoms, then going to the Sake Museum. Feel free to bring a bottle of sake back to the hotel after sightseeing. The most important thing to note is that compared to the major cherry blossom spots in Kyoto, this hidden gem is rarely crowded.
Access form the hotel: Take the Keihan Line to Chushojima Station(中書島駅), then walk for about 10 minutes.
4. Saga Toriimoto Area in Arashiyama
Photo by Anthony G. Reyes
A number of tourists go to the Arashiyama area for beautiful cherry blossoms and the world-famous bamboo grove. But unfortunately they often miss the neighboring historical area called Saga Toriimoto, which is designated as a Cultural Preservation District by the State. Only a 15 minute walk from Arashiyama station, you can see the bamboo grove and peacefully beautiful traditional houses without being surrounded by selfie sticks. Definitely recommended for those who want to enjoy a lovely walk!
Access from the hotel: Take bus no. 11 from Kawaramachi Sanjo (河原町三条) to Saga Shogakko-mae (嵯峨小学校前).
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