According to the official Japanese cherrry blossom forecast (yes there is such a thing!) the cherry blossom in Kyoto will start to bloom tomorrow and will be at their peak March 31st to April 8th. That means if you're living in Kyoto or are visiting there soon, now is the time to start planning where you will go to see the beautiful blossoms.
While it is true that you will see cherry blossom everywhere you go, there are some places in Kyoto which are especially beautiful. Here are some of the best places in Kyoto to see the sakura (cherry blossom.)
Okazaki Canal
This extremely pretty canal is a popular place for boat rides. It's a great way to view to blossoms planted on both sides of the canal.
The Kyoto Imperial Palace Gardens
The gardens at the far end of the Imperial Palace grounds have a lovely selection of cherry blossom trees.
Kamogawa
Kamogawa is the big river which runs through the centre of Kyoto. There are cherry blossom trees planted all along the river so in spring it is the perfect place to go for a walk or cycle ride.
Philosophers Path
Philosopher's Path, one of the most popular areas to view the cherry blossom in Kyoto, runs alongside a small river for three kilometers. Tourists from all over Japan come to see the cherry blossom here.
Kyoto Botanical Gardens
These gardens are the home of many beautiful flowers and plants so it is a great place to go any time of the year. However in spring it really comes into it's own when the small sakura forest is in full bloom and everyone flocks to have picnics under the blossoms.
Gion
Gion is famous for it's Geisha but it's also a great place to see the cherry blossom. It's a very photogenic area and therefore popular for wedding photos. One day I went and saw five couples having their photos taken in their wedding outfits.
Okazaki Canal
The Kyoto Imperial Palace Gardens
The River Kamo
Philosophers Path
Kyoto Botanical Gardens
Gion
Have you ever been to Japan in Spring or do you ever plan to?
oh man cherry blossoms are my absolute favourite trees! Gorgeous photos!
ReplyDeleteThey're definitely one of my favourites too, so beautiful! x
DeleteWow, what beautiful pictures. Cherry blossom is so pretty.
ReplyDeleteThank you Holly. It is so pretty! x
DeleteHi there,
ReplyDeleteGreat blog post! Love the pictures.
May I ask if you would know if wedding photoshoots (taken by professional photographer) would be allowed in Kyoto Botanical Gardens? As I would be in a wedding gown and I'm unsure if they would allow that as I know that temples do not allow photoshoots in any wedding gown, only kimonos. In this case, I am planning to have a wedding gown photoshoot at Kyoto Botanical Gardens and wouldn't want to get turned away when we arrive, especially after travelling such a long way!
Any help would be much appreciated :) Thank you!
Hi, glad you liked the photos! Sorry I don't know if wedding photos would be allowed in the Kyoto Botanical Gardens, you could see if you can find an email address to contact them and ask. As it is not a religious place I don't think wearing a wedding gown would be an issue but I'm not 100% sure! I have seen many people having wedding photos taken in wedding gowns around Kyoto especially in Gion so you can always go there if its not allowed in the Botanical Gardens :) x
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