Around April in Kyoto, plum blossoms and cherry blossoms bloom, offering beautiful, distinctly Japanese scenery. Many people are likely considering a spring trip to Kyoto, aren't they?
This time, we'll introduce 13 recommended sightseeing spots in Kyoto for April, along with their spring highlights and reviews. If any spot catches your eye, be sure to check it out and incorporate it into your sightseeing itinerary.
>>For Kimono Rental in Kyoto, Wargo
[Toji Temple Illumination]
Kiyomizu-dera Temple | Gaze up at the Three-Storied Pagoda Beyond the Cherry Blossoms
Speaking of Kyoto, Kiyomizu-dera Temple is one of those classic spots everyone wants to visit. It's a temple registered as a World Cultural Heritage site.
In spring, Kiyomizu-dera offers panoramic views of the surrounding mountains dyed in cherry blossom pink, and you can also see approximately 1,500 cherry trees up close within the temple grounds.
Annually, from late March to early April, the temple is illuminated for special night viewings, so it's recommended to gather information in advance.
Reviews, Testimonials, and Basic Information
■When you think of Kyoto, you think of Kiyomizu-dera! It's a solemn and wonderful place, no matter how many times you visit. Kiyomizu-zaka street was bustling with many souvenir shops.
■This is such a famous tourist spot that it's synonymous with Kyoto. It's probably a place everyone should visit at least once in their life, isn't it? Besides the view from the stage, there are many attractions along the way to Kiyomizu-dera, making it enjoyable!
Address: 1-294 Kiyomizu, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture
Access: Approximately 15 minutes walk from Kiyomizu-michi bus stop
Visiting Hours: 6:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Admission Fee: Adults 400 yen
Official Website: Kiyomizu-dera Temple
Yasaka Shrine | Cherry Blossoms Reflected in Vermilion Buildings
Yasaka Shrine has long been cherished as the head shrine of all Gion Shrines nationwide. It enshrines deities for warding off evil and matchmaking, and is affectionately known as 'Gion-san'.
In spring, the cherry blossoms within the shrine grounds bloom, creating a striking contrast with the vermilion-lacquered Romon gate. On a clear day, you can enjoy a wonderful view combined with the blue sky.
By the way, Maruyama Park, located near Yasaka Shrine, is a popular spot for cherry blossom viewing. If you have time, why not extend your visit there?
Ratings, Reviews, and Basic Information
■Since it's open for worship at any time, I tried visiting early in the morning. There were few people, it was quiet, and I was able to pray with a peaceful mind. Yasaka Shrine in the early morning is highly recommended.
■In spring, the cherry blossoms around the Romon gate are beautiful. Many people were taking photos. I used my smartphone, but I imagine it would be even more beautiful with a camera.
Address: 625 Gionmachi Kitagawa, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture
Access: Approximately 5 minutes walk from Keihan Gion-Shijo Station
Visiting Hours: 24 hours
Admission Fee: Free
Official Website: Yasaka Shrine
Kyoto Imperial Palace | A Must-See Spot for Cherry Blossom Lovers
Kyoto Imperial Palace is a place where you can observe the evolution of architectural styles since the Heian period. Approximately 1,100 cherry trees are planted within the garden, with various types of cherry blossoms blooming profusely in spring.
The Sakon-no-Sakura (cherry tree on the left) and Ukon-no-Tachibana (tangerine tree on the right), famous for their cherry and tangerine trees, are must-see spots that vividly adorn the Kyoto Imperial Palace in spring.
No prior application is required, and you can visit freely.
Reviews, Testimonials, and Basic Information
■It's a place where you can spend time leisurely. Please do visit it once.
■I visited the site of the Kan'in-no-miya Residence. It seems to have been built during the Meiji era, and while not flashy, it had a pleasant, calm atmosphere.
Address: 1 Kyoto Gyoen, Kamigyo Ward, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture
Access: 5 minutes walk from Imadegawa Station
Visiting Hours: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM (Varies by season)
Closed: Mondays
Admission Fee: Free
Official Website: Imperial Household Agency Visitor Information: Facility Information: Kyoto Imperial Palace
Kitano Tenmangu Shrine | The Head Shrine of Tenmangu with 1,500 Plum Trees in Full Bloom
Kitano Tenmangu Shrine is the head shrine of approximately 12,000 Tenmangu shrines nationwide, dedicated to Sugawara no Michizane. It has many attractions, including the National Treasure Honden (main hall), so it's recommended to visit with ample time.
Kitano Tenmangu Shrine has 1,500 plum trees planted, which all bloom profusely from February to April.
It is a popular tourist spot not only for worshipping the god of scholarship but also as a famous plum blossom viewing site.
Reviews, Testimonials, and Basic Information
■Kitano Tenmangu Shrine is famous for its god of scholarship, but it's best to visit during plum blossom season! At the Treasure House, you can see the National Treasure Onigirimaru.
■I went to see the plum blossoms at Kitano Tenmangu Shrine. It was late March, but they were still blooming, which was great. If you're going to Kyoto between winter and spring, I highly recommend visiting.
Address: Kitano Tenmangu, Bakurocho, Kamigyo Ward, Kyoto City
Access: Immediately from Kitano Tenmangu-mae bus stop
Visiting Hours: 5:30 AM - 5:30 PM
Admission Fee: Free
Official Website: Kitano Tenmangu Shrine
Keage Incline | An Atmospheric Disused Railway Line with Dancing Cherry Blossoms
The Keage Incline is a popular tourist spot where a disused railway line has been maintained and opened to the public. Cherry trees line the tracks, so if you visit in spring, you can walk along the tracks amidst full bloom cherry blossoms and falling petals.
The sight of approximately 90 Somei Yoshino cherry trees blooming profusely is beautiful, with many tourists holding up their cameras.
It's also a perfect spot for portrait photography, so be sure to aim for an atmospheric shot.
Reviews, Testimonials, and Basic Information
■The Keage Incline is near Nanzen-ji Temple. Many people visit it as a famous cherry blossom spot, aiming for Instagrammable photos. There were also many young people in traditional Japanese attire.
■Early morning is recommended. The Keage Incline is a popular photo spot, but during the day, it's difficult due to the large number of people there for the cherry blossoms. In the early morning, there are fewer people, and you can take good photos.
Address: Nanzenji Fukuchi-cho, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture
Access: Immediately from Subway Keage Station
Opening Hours: 24 hours
Closed: None
Heian Jingu Shrine | Even the Cherry Blossoms Reflected in the Pond are Beautiful
Heian Jingu Shrine, built to commemorate the 1100th anniversary of the relocation of the capital to Heian-kyo, is a famous tourist spot known for its massive 24-meter Otorii gate, which is a Registered Tangible Cultural Property of Japan.
The Daigokuden (main hall), an Important Cultural Property, is also a highlight, and it's recommended to take your time during your visit.
In spring, the weeping cherry blossoms and gardens are beautifully adorned, and the scenery reflected in the pond also becomes a highlight. The official website provides real-time updates on the blooming status of the Shinen Garden, so please refer to it when you go to see the cherry blossoms.
Reviews, Testimonials, and Basic Information
■The contrast of the vibrant vermilion pillars, the calm green roof, and the white walls was wonderful and impressive. I want to go again.
■I stopped by when I went to a nearby art museum. 'Wonderful' is the only word for it. The buildings, the atmosphere, everything was splendid, and I had a great time. I heard the cherry blossoms are beautiful in spring, so I'll come again.
Address: 97 Okazaki Nishitennocho, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto City
Access: 5 minutes walk from Okazaki Park, Museum/Heian Jingu-mae
Visiting Hours (Grounds): 6:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Visiting Hours (Shinen Garden): 8:30 AM - 5:30 PM
Admission Fee (Grounds): Free
Admission Fee (Shinen Garden): 600 yen (Free admission in early June)
Official Website: Heian Jingu Shrine
Kamigamo Shrine | Breathtaking Weeping Cherry Blossoms Only Seen in Spring
Kamigamo Shrine, built in 678, is now one of Kyoto's popular tourist spots registered as a World Heritage site. It offers blessings in a wide range of areas, including warding off evil, protection from misfortune, good luck, protection from all directions, lightning protection, disaster prevention, victory, and protection for the electrical industry, attracting many worshippers throughout the year.
In spring, it is also famous for its weeping cherry blossoms, which, combined with the vermilion gate, create a beautiful spectacle. Enjoy the vibrant red, large torii gate and the cherry blossoms.
Reviews, Testimonials, and Basic Information
■Morning worship is truly refreshing! It was early April, and the cherry blossoms along the approach were already starting to fall. However, the cherry blossoms within the shrine grounds were in full bloom and at their best! I thoroughly enjoyed my visit!
■The weeping cherry blossoms were breathtaking. Perhaps due to the atmosphere of the shrine itself, it felt very solemn. I found myself gazing at them involuntarily. I want to go see them again.
Address: 339 Kamigamo Motoyama, Kita Ward, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture
Access: Immediately from Kamigamo Shrine-mae bus stop
Visiting Hours: 24 hours
Closed: None
Admission Fee: Free
Official Website: Kamigamo Shrine
Nijo Castle | A Famous Castle Adorned with 300 Cherry Trees
Nijo Castle, built by Tokugawa Ieyasu in 1603, is a castle that has long watched over the history of the Tokugawa Shogunate and subsequent Japan. It is also famous as the place where the Taisei Hokan (restoration of imperial rule) took place in 1867.
In spring, a spectacular view unfolds with 300 cherry trees of 50 varieties, including Kanhizakura (Taiwan cherry), weeping cherry, and Satozakura, blooming profusely. The combination of a castle and cherry blossoms creates a magnificent scene that truly evokes the feeling of Japanese spring.
Reviews, Testimonials, and Basic Information
■I went to see the cherry blossoms. While they are beautiful during the day, the night cherry blossom viewing felt novel and was excellent. I recommend it.
■I visited the night illumination called 'Sakura no Utage' (Cherry Blossom Feast). I waited for about 30 minutes, but it was definitely worth it! I enjoyed a different kind of cherry blossom viewing than during the day.
Address: 541 Nijo-jo-cho, Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture
Access: Immediately from Subway Nijojo-mae Station
Opening Hours: 8:45 AM - 4:00 PM
Admission Fee: General 800 yen, Junior/Senior High School Students 400 yen, Elementary School Students 300 yen (If visiting Ninomaru Palace, General 1,300 yen, others same price)
Official Website: Nijo Castle
Togetsukyo Bridge | Enjoy Arashiyama Dyed in Cherry Blossom Pink
At Togetsukyo Bridge, a famous Kyoto landmark, you can stroll while admiring Arashiyama adorned with cherry blossoms in spring. The sight of cherry blossoms and Togetsukyo Bridge over the Katsura River, a view unique to this place, will surely take your breath away.
While its autumn foliage and winter snowscapes are also famous, the cherry blossoms in spring are highly recommended due to the pleasant weather. There are also restaurants nearby, so it's a good idea to take a break and enjoy the view after your stroll.
Reviews, Testimonials, and Basic Information
■I went to see the cherry blossoms. They were in full bloom in early April! Of course, there were many tourists, but since cherry blossoms were blooming everywhere, I was able to enjoy them at a leisurely pace.
■The cherry blossoms viewed from Togetsukyo Bridge are very beautiful. However, there are incredibly many people. Early morning might be better.
Address: 1-5 Saga Tenryuji Susukinobaba-cho, Ukyo Ward, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture
Access: 13 minutes walk from Saga-Arashiyama Station
Visiting Hours: 24 hours
Admission Fee: Free
Official Website: Togetsukyo Bridge
Sagano Romantic Train | Enjoy Cherry Blossoms While Riding a Sightseeing Train
The Sagano Romantic Train is a sightseeing train that runs along the Hozugawa River. In spring, cherry blossoms bloom profusely along the tracks, and the train passes through as if going through a tunnel of cherry blossoms.
It proceeds leisurely at a speed comparable to cycling along the approximately 7.3 km one-way track.
The experience of riding the Sagano Romantic Train while viewing cherry blossoms is quite unique, so please do try it. It's also a recommended spot for couples on a date.
Reviews, Testimonials, and Basic Information
■I was able to ride the Rich-go train! It was still a bit chilly in April, but the scenery was beautiful, which was great. I'd like to ride it again in a different season.
■Since it was Golden Week, I made a reservation and rode it. It was late April, so the cherry blossoms had fallen, but the fresh green maple leaves were also wonderful, which was great. I think you can enjoy it in various seasons.
Address: Saga Tenryuji Shadomachi, Ukyo Ward, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture (Torokko Saga Station)
Access: Torokko Saga Station
Operating Hours: 9:02 AM - 4:02 PM (Departs at 2 minutes past every hour)
Fare: Adults 880 yen, Children 440 yen
Official Website: Sagano Scenic Railway
Fushimi Inari Taisha | Explore the Senbon Torii while feeling the spring air
Fushimi Inari Taisha, which has been enshrined in Kyoto since ancient times, is said to be the head shrine of 30,000 Inari shrines nationwide. It is a famous shrine boasting a history of over 1,300 years.
The Senbon Torii (Thousand Torii Gates) attracts many people both from Japan and abroad, with a constant stream of tourists.
If you go around April, especially in the slightly chilly early morning, there will be fewer people, allowing you to enjoy it at your leisure. Let's walk along the historic torii path while feeling the spring air.
Reviews, Testimonials, and Basic Information
■There were more foreign tourists than Japanese. I was surprised! It seemed like they were waiting a long time for their turn to pass through the torii gates. As a Japanese person, it was quite moving.
■If you're going to the summit, athletic shoes are recommended. It's incredibly long. If you're not dressed for walking, you'll probably get tired halfway.
Address: 68 Fukakusa Yabunouchicho, Fushimi Ward, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture
Access: Immediately from JR Inari Station
Visiting Hours: 24 hours
Admission Fee: Free
Official Website: Fushimi Inari Taisha
Nagaoka Tenmangu Shrine | To see the crimson Kirishima azaleas
At Nagaoka Tenmangu Shrine, you can see Kirishima azaleas planted along a stretch of about 80 meters. The spectacular flowers, numbering around 100 bushes, are beautiful, dyeing the area around the pond crimson in spring.
The "Hachijogaike Fureai Kaiyu no Michi" (Hachijogaike Pond Promenade) is a popular tourist spot beloved by many.
Information on the blooming of Kirishima azaleas is posted on Nagaoka Tenmangu Shrine's official Instagram, so be sure to check before you go.
Reviews, Testimonials, and Basic Information
■In April, I went to see the Kirishima azaleas. I had seen them a few years ago, but this time too, I was able to witness a magnificent sight.
■I was able to go when the Kirishima azaleas were in full bloom. Around the pond, overflowing with crimson Kirishima azaleas, many tourists were captivated by their beauty.
Address: 2-15-13 Tenjin, Nagaokakyo City, Kyoto Prefecture
Access: 10-minute walk from Nagaoka Tenjin Station
Visiting Hours: 24 hours
Admission Fee: Free
Official Website: Nagaoka Tenmangu Shrine
Philosopher's Path | Take a detour while walking along the cherry blossom-lined path
The Philosopher's Path refers to a promenade that stretches for about 1.5 km along the Lake Biwa Canal. There are many popular tourist spots in Kyoto nearby, such as Ginkaku-ji Temple and Eikan-do Temple, and many tourists walk along it.
Named after the philosopher Kitaro Nishida, who once walked this path, it's a good place to lose yourself in thought.
There are also stylish cafes and general stores, so why not take a leisurely stroll and make some detours?
Reviews, Testimonials, and Basic Information
■To Kyoto with cherry blossoms in full bloom. I was unsure where to go, but I toured along the Philosopher's Path. Just walking along the path with cherry blossoms in full bloom was exciting.
■To the Philosopher's Path overflowing with cherry blossoms! It's so popular that the cherry blossom season can be said to be the best, and I was able to see a truly wonderful cherry blossom-lined path.
Address: Philosopher's Path, Shishigatani Nishiteranomae-cho, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture
Access: Immediately in front of City Bus Ginkakuji-michi or Nanzenji Eikan-do
Official Website: Philosopher's Path
Rent a Kimono for Kyoto Sightseeing
Kyoto, with its many places where you can experience Japanese culture and history, is an excellent tourist destination for enjoying cherry blossoms.
If you want to enjoy spring in such a Kyoto, wearing a kimono is highly recommended.
Why not make a special memory by spending a day packed with Kyoto, cherry blossoms, kimonos, and Japanese culture?
At "Kimono Rental Wargo," we offer a wide variety of kimonos for both men and women. Spring is an easy season to wear a kimono, and there are also kimono patterns that can only be worn in spring.
Why not try wearing a kimono and strolling through Kyoto in spring?
Summary
Kyoto in spring is beautiful with its cherry blossoms, showing a different face than in other seasons.
Let's enjoy a peaceful trip to Kyoto, feeling Japan's history and the spring air with your whole body.
If you're walking around Kyoto in spring, wearing a kimono is recommended. In spring, you can also wear kimonos with cherry blossom patterns, allowing for a coordination full of seasonal charm.
At "Kimono Rental Wargo," we also have a wide selection of spring-like kimonos. Why not adorn yourself in spring and stroll through the cherry blossom-filled streets of Kyoto?
