Kyoto’s Spring illumination in 2024 : 8 Best Spots and Tips to avoid crowds

The spring illuminations during cherry blossom season(early March to early April) is a highly popular. A truly magical experience that combines the delicate beauty of the cherry blossoms with the soft glow of lights, creating an ethereal and unforgettable atmosphere. 

If you want to know the exact cherry blossom blooming period, the Somei Yoshino cherry blossom (the most popular hybrid cherry blossom in Kyoto, with more than tens of thousands of trees planted in gardens and streets) blooming forecast is published on the following website.
https://n-kishou.com/corp/news-contents/sakura/?lang=en

However, even at night during the high season, popular spots are crowded with tourists, and it can take a long time just to get to your destination. To avoid the congestion, it is crucial to plan and prepare beforehand. Here are 8 Must-See Cherry Blossom Night Illumination Spots in 2024 and tips to avoid crowds.

Toji Temple

Todai-ji Temple, located in the heart of Kyoto, just a 15-minute walk from Kyoto Station, is the head temple of the Shingon sect of Buddhism and boasts a rich history dating back over 1,200 years.

 The highlight of the temple’s cherry blossom season is the stunning sight of its 179ft(54.6m)-tall wooden five-storied pagoda illuminated against a backdrop of vibrant pink blossoms. The reflection of the pagoda and the cherry trees in the temple’s pond creates a mesmerizing that is truly a sight to behold. The north side of the Hyotan Pond (a gourd-shaped pond) in garden is a great spot to take photos of the Somei Yoshino cherry trees and the Five-Storied Pagoda reflected in the water.

In addition to the reflected views , Todai-ji Temple is also known for its beautiful weeping cherry blossom of the Yae Benishidare variety, known as Fuji zakura, named after the Kukai’s teaching of Fuji that all beings are fundamentally interconnected and that there is no separation between the self and others. This is weeping cherry tree producing pink blossoms with 15 or more petals. This stunning tree, measuring 43ft(13m) tall and 32ft(10m) wide, is one of the largest weeping cherry trees in Japan.

There are also feature approximately 200 other cherry trees of various varieties, which bloom from early to late spring, offering visitors a prolonged period of enjoyment.

Tips to avoid crowds

• Visit late at night
  For a quieter visit, try going to the temple around 8:30pm, an hour before closing time. This way, you can enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of the temple and its gardens without having to deal with the crowds that usually come during peak hours.
• Visit on weekdays
  Weekends tend to be busier, so visiting on a weekday can help you avoid the crowds and have a more relaxed time exploring the temple.
• Avoid traveling by car or bus
  During the illumination period, roads are congested, so it is best to avoid buses and taxis. Instead, I recommend walking, which takes about 15-minutes from Kyoto Station to Toji Temple West gate(Reception).

Information

・Day time
Open hours

Entrance fee

・Special night viewing
Spring season( Mar 16th to Apri 14th)

※Temple is closed during after day time and before night time(5:00pm – 6:00pm)
Cannot be used as a Special night viewing ticket

Adress
1 Kujocho, Minami Ward, Kyoto, 601-8473

How to get Toji temple

• It’s 15-minutes walking from Kyoto Station to Toji Keigamon entrance gate(East)
• Nearest bas stop is Toji higashimon mae

Official cite
Toji Temple(English)

Nijo-jo Castle

Nijo-jo Castle is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most iconic landmarks in Kyoto, Japan. This castle was built in 1603 by Tokugawa Ieyasu, the first shogun of the Edo period, as his Kyoto residence and a place to protect the emperor.

Nijo-jo Castle is especially popular in cherry blossom season. This castle has approximately 300 cherry trees of 50 different varieties, ranging from early to late bloomers. This means that visitors can enjoy cherry blossoms at Nijo-jo Castle for an extended period of time, from mid-March to early April.

During the night event, Karamon Gate, which is the castle’s magnificent gilded second entrance gate is transformed into a canvas for a breathtaking projection mapping show. The gate displays vibrant cherry blossom patterns, creating a truly magical spectacle. White walls of Nijo Castle and white stucco walls of Kura (storehouse) are also illuminated with projection mapping, and the sight of the beautiful cherry blossoms in full bloom is breathtaking.
During the night light-up, there are food stalls, souvenir shops, and flower arrangement exhibitions. lantern rentals available inside Nijo Castle, and events are held to enjoy the spring night in Kyoto.

Tips to avoid crowds

Reserve the tickets
During peak times, visitors have to wait in line for more than 30 minutes to buy tickets at the reception desk. I highly recommend purchasing your tickets online in advance.

• Visit on weekdays
  It is expected to be crowded on weekends and public holidays (March 20th), so if possible, it is recommended to visit on weekdays.
• Visit late at night
  The castle is open for night viewing from 6:00pm to 10:00pm, with the last entry at 9:00pm. The crowds tend to be smaller after 8:30pm
• Avoid traveling by car or bus
  The night illumination period (March 8th to April 7th) is considered the peak season to see cherry blossoms, and the roads can be congested during this time. To avoid traffic, it is recommended to walk or take the train instead of buses or taxis.
  
  The nearest station is Nijojo-mae Station on the Tozai Subway Line. It is a 5-minute walk from the East entrance gate
  Directions from Kyoto Station: Take the Karasuma Subway Line from Kyoto Station to Karasuma-Oike Station. Transfer to the Tozai Subway Line and get off at Nijojo-mae Station.

Information

Day time

Night illumination

Open hours

Entrance fee

Regular holiday
・Nijo-jo castle 
December 29th to 31st

・Ninomaru-goten Palace
Every Tuesday in January, July, August, and December
January 1st to 3rd, and December 26th to 28th

*When any of the above-mentioned days fall on a public holiday, Ninomaru-goten Palace will be closed the next day instead.

*Entrance fee is free for children younger than elementary school age.

Adress
541 Nijojocho, Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto, 604-8301

Official website
Nijo-jo Castle(English)

Maruyama Park

Maruyama Park is renowned as the most popular cherry blossom viewing spot in Kyoto.  This park was established in 1886, the park boasts approximately 700 cherry trees of various varieties, including weeping cherry trees, Somei Yoshino cherry trees, and Yae cherry trees, visitors can enjoy for a long period of time.

The highlight is Hitoe Shiro Higan Shidare-Zakura, which a type of weeping cherry blossom with five white petals and variety of the Edo Higan cherry blossom. This weeping cherry tree is located at the center of the park. Standing tall at 39ft(12m), this magnificent tree is flanked by two other cherry trees, creating the illusion of a single, colossal cherry tree. During the night event, torches are placed around the cherry trees, creating a dreamlike atmosphere.

Additionally, there are the “Hanami Chaya” (tea house) in Maruyama park.Visitors can order food and enjoy a unique “Hanami” experience while seated on benches adorned with vermilion felt carpets, surrounded by the enchanting beauty of the cherry blossoms. This special moment of savoring delicacies under the cherry blossoms is truly unparalleled.

Tips to avoid crowds

• Visit late at night
  The center of Maruyama Park is crowded with people to see the weeping cherry tree. However, if you go at 9:00pm, one hour before the illumination ends, there will be fewer people and you can see the weeping cherry tree.
•  Visit on weekdays
  On weekends, Japanese tourists also visit, so it is better to visit on weekdays if possible.
•  Avoid traveling by car or bus
  During the cherry blossom season, the roads in Kyoto are congested with cars, so it is not recommended to travel by bus or taxi. Instead, it is better to take a bus and walk to Maruyama Park. It’s 9 minute walk away from nearest station: Hankyu-Kyoto Line “Kyoto-Kawaramachi” station to Maruyama Park

Information

Open hours
Open 24hours

Night illumination
From sunset to 10:00pm

Admission
Free

Regular holiday
None

Address
Maruyamacho, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto 605-0071

Official site
Maruyama Park(Only Japanese text)

Kiyomizu-dera temple

The world-famous Kiyomizu-dera Temple is also renowned as a spectacular cherry blossom night viewing spot, with approximately 1,500 cherry trees of various types, including Somei Yoshino and Yama Zakura, blooming with pale pink flowers that bloom with reddish leaves, adorning its grounds. While the temple’s iconic wooden stage is a popular attraction, the surrounding area also boasts a mesmerizing display of Somei Yoshino cherry trees.

The Somei Yoshino, the most popular cherry blossom variety in Japan, is known for its synchronized blooming, as all trees of this cultivar share the same genetic makeup. This results in a breathtaking sight at Kiyomizu-dera Temple, where the stage is enveloped in a vibrant sea of pink blossoms.

Moreover the enchantment, the temple’s other cultural landmarks, such as the 101ft(31m)-tall three-storied pagoda and the Niomon Gate, which enshrines the temple’s guardian deities carved by Unkei and Kaikei, are illuminated during this period, creating an gorgeous visual spectacle.

In addition to Kiyomizu-dera Temple, Higashiyama Ward has many famous night viewing spots, and tourists often visit these nearby spots together. For example, Yasaka Shrine, famous for its giant vermilion torii gate and Somei Yoshino cherry blossoms; Maruyama Park, famous for its giant weeping cherry blossoms and light-up; and Kodai-ji Temple, famous for its weeping cherry blossoms and dry landscape garden.

Gion district, where traditional teahouses offer geisha performances and where you can enjoy the traditional cityscape, is also nearby, and many tourists visit.

Special Night tour

Kyoto Night Walking Tour Gion – Stories of Geisha

Tips to avoid crowds

• Visit on weekdays
  on weekends and public holidays in Japan, the temple is thronged with Japanese tourists, so it is recommended to visit on weekdays if possible.
• Visit late at night
  it is best to arrive at 8:30pm, 30 minutes before the reception closes.
• Avoid traveling by car or bus
  During the cherry blossom season, all roads around Kiyomizu-dera Temple are congested with cars, so it is recommended to walk from the nearest stations, Kiyomizu-Gojo Station or Kawaramachi Station.
• The three streets leading to Kiyomizu-dera Temple: Ninenzaka, Sannen-zaka, and Gojo-zaka, are all crowded.

Information

Day time

Special night viewing time

Spring season (Mar.23rd – Mar.31st)



*Temple is closed during after day time and before night time(5:30pm – 6:30pm)

Address
1 Chome-294 Kiyomizu, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, 605-0862

Official site
Kiyomizu-dera Temple(English text)

Kodaiji Temple

Kodaiji Temple, a Rinzai Zen temple in Kyoto, was built by Nene to honor her husband, Toyotomi Hideyoshi in 1606. The temple features historical buildings like the Kaisando Hall and the Otamayama mausoleum, beautiful gardens and tea houses where visitors can experience a traditional tea ceremony.

In late March, Benishidare-zakura(weeping cherry trees) in the Japanese dry garden next to Hojo hall will be in full bloom, adorned with gorgeous pink petals. At night, the illumination event will light up these cherry trees, creating a magical sight. The bamboo cave leading up to the temple will also be lit up, highlighting the lush green of the bamboo.

Tips to avoid crowds

• Visit on Weekdays 
  Not only foreign tourists but also many Japanese also visit on weekends and holidays, so it is better to go on a weekday if possible.
• Late-night visit
  Enter around 8:00 pm, one hour before the temple closes.This will allow you to see the cherry blossoms  without having to worry about the crowds.
• Use trains and walk
  The roads may be congested with cars, so taking the train and walking is the best way to get there on time. The nearest station is Kawaramachi Station on the Hankyu Line, and it is an 18-minute walk from Kodaiji temple.
  Incidentally, Higashiyama Ward, where Kodaiji Temple is located, is home to many cherry blossom spots such as Kiyomizu-dera Temple, Maruyama Park, and Yasaka Shrine. If you are visiting Kodaiji Temple, I recommend visiting these places as well.

Information

Normal season

Spring season with a night illumination
(March15th to May5th)

Open hours
9:00am to 10:00pm(Reception close at 9:30pm)
The illumination start at 5:00pm

Entrance fee

Address
〒605-0825 Kyoto, Higashiyama Ward, Kodaiji５２６

Heian Jingu shrine

The Heian Jingu Shrine is a Shinto shrine located in the northeast of Kyoto and is one of the most representative shrines in the city. It was built in 1895 to commemorate the 1100th anniversary of Kyoto’s founding as the capital of Japan during the Heian period.

The main building of the shrine, painted in vermilion, is a replica of the Heian period imperial palace, built at a scale of 8/5 of the original. The shrine also has a large Japanese garden called the Heian Jingu Shinen, which covers an area of approximately 33,000 square meters. Visitors can stroll through the garden and enjoy the seasonal flowers throughout the year.

The shrine also hosts special night viewing events, called “Sakura Otoyo”, the highlight of which is the illumination of the Beni-shidarezakura (crimson weeping cherry trees) in the garden. These magnificent cherry trees, which bloom with five crimson petals, are illuminated together with the shrine buildings. Moreover,  the shrine also features projection mapping, which projects beautiful images of cherry blossoms onto the shrine buildings, creating a breathtakingly fantastic sight that makes you forget time.

During the events, musicians perform on a special stage, and visitors can purchase concert tickets to enjoy the night view of Heian Jingu Shrine along with the music.

Tips to avoid crowds

• Visit on a weekday instead of a weekend; The 2024 Illuminations will only last five days, from April 3rd to 7th. By visiting on a weekday between the 3rd and 5th, you can enjoy the event with fewer people.
• Visit later in the evening; If you go an hour before the shrine closes at 9:00 pm, at 8:00 pm, there will be fewer people.
• Take the train and walk; During the spring cherry blossom season, the shrine is crowded with tourists. To get to the shrine, it is better to take the train and walk than to take a car or bus. It is a 17-minute walk from the nearest station, Keihan Line Sanjo Station. I recommend entering through the large Torii gate on the south side.

Information

Day time
Open hours

Special night viewing

Open hours

Entrance fee

Daytime
Adult : 600yen, Child : 300yen

Special night concert
Adult : 3000yen, Elementary school student : 2500yen
*Sell ticket online for the special concert event : https://ib.eplus.jp/sakuraotoyo#

Regular holiday
None

Adress
97 Okazaki Nishitennocho, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto, 606-8341

Official website
Heian Jingu shrine(English text)

Hirano shrine

Hirano Shrine boasts a rich history dating back to its establishment in 782 within the Heijo Palace complex. In 794, the shrine was relocated to its current site, located in the northwest of Kyoto, following the capital relocation to Heian-kyo (modern Kyoto).

Emperor Kazan (968-1008) planted thousands of cherry trees in the shrine’s precincts, making it famous as a shrine of cherry blossoms. Even today, the shrine boasts over 400 cherry trees of 50 different varieties, attracting a large number of visitors during the cherry blossom season. The shrine also offers a light-up event, creating a mystical atmosphere in collaboration with the shrine buildings. The paid area is limited to the garden with a dense concentration of cherry trees, while the area from the entrance to the main hall is free of charge.

Tips to avoid crowds

• Visit on weekdays
  the shrine is more crowded on weekends and holidays, as Japanese tourists also visit.
• Visit late at night
  the shrine’s light-up event runs from sunset to 9:00pm. The number of visitors starts to decrease around 8:00pm, one hour before closing time. You can still see the cherry blossoms around the shrine after it closes at 9pm.
• Take public transportation
  the roads are crowded during the cherry blossom season, and buses and taxis may not be on time. It is best to take the train and walk to the shrine. Take the Keifuku Arashiyama Line to Kitanohakubaicho Station. It is a 5-minute walk from the station to the shrine.

Information

Day time(cherry blossom season)

Night illumination
Open hours

Entrance Fee

Regular holiday
None

Address
〒603-8322 Kyoto, Kita Ward, Hirano Miyamotocho, １

Official wbsite
Hirano jinjia Official site(English)

Daigoji temple

Daigoji Temple is located in the southeastern part of Kyoto and is the head temple of the Daigo school of Shingon Buddhism sect. With a long history of over 1100 years, the temple has a vast 6458ft²(600㎡) land area with many National Treasure buildings, such as the five-storied pagoda built in 951 and the Niomon Gate (a gate with two wooden statues of Nio, the temple’s guardian deities) built in 1605.

Daigoji Temple is famous for its cherry blossoms. Toyotomi Hideyoshi, who unified Japan for the first time, had cherry trees planted and designed the garden, wishing to “see cherry blossoms at Daigoji Temple.” As a result, there are about 700 cherry trees of various kinds, including weeping cherry trees, Somei Yoshino cherry trees, double cherry trees, and mountain cherry trees now.

The highlight is the Daigo Oshidarezakura, a weeping cherry blossom tree with a branch spread of over 65ft(20m). At night, this cherry tree is lit up, creating a breathtaking sight that leaves visitors speechless.

Tips to avoid crowds

The Daigoji Temple night will not be crowded inside the temple due to online reservation-only. illumination is reservation-only, it  However, it can be crowded on the way there during the cherry blossom season.

It is better to go to the temple by trains and walk than by buses and taxies to get to the temple on time. The nearest station is Daigo Station on the Kyoto City Subway Tozai Line, and it is a 15-minute walk from the station.

Information

Normal season

Spring season
Open hours
9:00am to 5:00pm

Special illumination (Online reservation only)
March 24th(Sun), 28th(Thu)
Click the link to get tickets(Only Japanese text):
https://souda-kyoto.jp/plan/spring_sp/index.html

Adress
22 Daigohigashiojicho, Fushimi Ward, Kyoto, 601-1325

Official website
Daigoji temple(English text)