Tips · Japan
Kyoto Cherry Blossom Trip: What Should You Prepare Now?
Kyoto's guide names late March to early April as cherry blossom time. Where to see them, March-May weather, what to wear, a 3-day plan and what to book early.
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The short answer
The Kyoto guide names late March to early April as the most beautiful time for cherry blossoms. The exact timing changes every year, so check the official cherry-blossom forecast before you book and again before you go.
Plan your blossom walk around the Philosopher's Path, which the guide calls loveliest in cherry blossom season, and nearby Ginkaku-ji. This period is extremely crowded with higher hotel prices, so it pays to book your accommodation and transport early.
When do the blossoms come?
The Kyoto guide lists late March to early April (cherry blossoms), together with mid-November to early December (autumn colors), as the city's most beautiful times. They are also extremely crowded, with higher hotel prices.
The exact blooming time changes every year. Check the official cherry-blossom forecast before you book your accommodation and transport, and again just before you leave.
Where to see them: the guide's picks
The place the guide singles out for cherry blossom season is the Philosopher's Path, a canal-side walk. Pair it with nearby Ginkaku-ji.
Other sights from the guide's itinerary fit well into a spring walk. Kiyomizu-dera is famous for its wooden stage over the hillside; combine it with the old Sannenzaka and Ninenzaka lanes. Arashiyama, close to the bamboo grove and river, is great in the early morning. Gion and Hanamikoji are streets of old teahouses; some private lanes ban entry and photography, so follow the signs.
Kiyomizu-dera, Kinkaku-ji and Nijo Castle charge entry; Fushimi Inari Taisha and the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove are free. Many temples and shrines close around 5 pm, with last entry earlier, so check official opening times.
March-May weather and what to wear
Below are 1991–2020 normals from the Japan Meteorological Agency, Kyoto station: average high / average low / monthly rainfall.
March is still chilly, with highs of 14°C and lows of 4°C. April warms up to 20°C by day and 9°C in the morning, and May reaches 25°C. Monthly rainfall rises from 106 mm in March to 151 mm in May.
In blossom season, from late March to early April, mornings and evenings are cool, so bring a jacket that is easy to take off and put on. A warm coat suits March, and light clothes suit May.
- March: 14°C / 4°C / 106 mm
- April: 20°C / 9°C / 117 mm
- May: 25°C / 15°C / 151 mm
A short spring itinerary
The guide suggests 3 to 4 days in Kyoto. Following its 3-day plan, the Philosopher's Path, loveliest in cherry blossom season, falls on the last day. Visit the big sights early in the morning or before noon, when there are fewer people.
The guide's daily budgets per person: about 8,000-10,000 yen (guesthouse, buses, simple meals), about 18,000-25,000 yen (hotel, entry fees, restaurant meals) and about 40,000 yen+ (ryokan, kaiseki dinner, taxis). Keep in mind that hotel prices rise in blossom season.
- Day 1: Fushimi Inari early, Kiyomizu-dera and the Sannenzaka and Ninenzaka lanes in the afternoon, then an evening walk in Gion
- Day 2: Arashiyama Bamboo Grove and riverside in the morning, Kinkaku-ji in the afternoon, then Nishiki Market and Kawaramachi
- Day 3: Nijo Castle in the morning, the Philosopher's Path and Ginkaku-ji in the afternoon, then on to Osaka or Kansai Airport
What to book early and how to get around
Blossom season is busy, so book your accommodation and transport early. The guide's areas make choosing easier: around Kyoto Station, airport trains, buses and railways all meet; around Karasuma Oike, where both subway lines meet, is calmer than the nightlife area and well connected. Shijo Kawaramachi and Gion are lively into the evening but pricier and crowded in peak season. Arashiyama is great for early mornings and about 30 minutes by train from the center.
Kyoto has no airport. From Kansai Airport to Kyoto Station, the limited express train takes about 1 hour 20 minutes with no change and costs about 2,000-3,600 yen depending on the ticket. Check official information for discount tickets for visitors. The airport limousine bus takes about 1 hour 30 minutes for about 2,500-3,000 yen, but traffic can cause delays.
City buses get very crowded and slow in peak season. Mixing the subway (the north-south Karasuma Line and the east-west Tozai Line) with JR or private railways for outer sights such as Fushimi Inari, Arashiyama and Uji is much faster. Get an IC card (ICOCA and others), and carry some yen, since some small shops and temple ticket counters are cash only. Kyoto charges a separate accommodation tax. Check official Japanese government information on entry procedures before you travel.
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FAQ
When do the cherry blossoms bloom in Kyoto?
The guide names late March to early April as the most beautiful time for cherry blossoms. The exact timing changes every year, so check the official cherry-blossom forecast before you book and before you go.
Where are the best places to see the blossoms?
The guide singles out the Philosopher's Path as loveliest in cherry blossom season. Walk it together with nearby Ginkaku-ji.
What is Kyoto's weather like in April?
Japan Meteorological Agency normals for Kyoto station (1991–2020) give April an average high of 20°C, an average low of 9°C and 117 mm of rain. Bring a jacket for mornings and evenings.
What should I book first?
Blossom season is extremely crowded with higher hotel prices, so book accommodation and transport early. The exact timing changes every year, so set your dates while checking the official cherry-blossom forecast.
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ⓘ Photo credits
- Odongdo Island · Mobius6 / CC BY-SA 4.0
- Koko-en Garden · Drivephotographer / CC0
- Yasaka-dori and the Yasaka Pagoda (Hokan-ji), Kyoto · Basile Morin / CC BY-SA 4.0