[2026] A Night Where History and Cherry Blossoms Intertwine: Top 5 Nighttime Cherry Blossom Spots in Kyoto and Nearby Restaurants

Update-Date: Jan 20, 2026

Author: SAVOR JAPAN

Categories: Kaiseki

[2026] A Night Where History and Cherry Blossoms Intertwine: Top 5 Nighttime Cherry Blossom Spots in Kyoto and Nearby Restaurants

In Kyoto, after the sun sets, the cherry blossoms and historic scenery overlap, making a stroll a special experience. In this article, the SAVOR JAPAN editorial team has carefully selected famous spots and nearby restaurants that are easy to incorporate into a night cherry blossom viewing itinerary. Reservations for the featured restaurants can be made through SAVOR JAPAN. Especially during the cherry blossom season, it is crowded, so securing a seat in advance allows you to fully enjoy a peaceful night in Kyoto.

Kiyomizu Temple

At the World Heritage Site Kiyomizu-dera, visitors can enjoy the magical collaboration of cherry blossoms at night and the temple buildings during the spring nighttime special viewing. The stage area and the slopes within the temple grounds bloom with Somei Yoshino and mountain cherry trees, which show a completely different majestic appearance when illuminated at night. The temple's varied elevations create a calming flow of people from the stage to the back, allowing for a serene cherry blossom viewing experience. There are also plenty of photo spots, including views looking up from beneath the stage and capturing cherry blossoms through the corridors. The nighttime viewing has limited periods and hours, and entry restrictions may apply, so it is advisable to check the official information in advance.

Kiyomizu-dera
・Address: 1-294 Kiyomizu, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture
・Nearest station: 10 minutes walk from 'Gojozaka' bus stop, accessed by bus from JR 'Kyoto Station' or Keihan Railway 'Gion-Shijo Station'. 10 minutes walk from 'Kiyomizu-michi' bus stop, accessed by bus from Hankyu Railway 'Kawaramachi Station'
・Admission fee: Adults 500 yen, elementary and junior high school students 200 yen
・Opening hours: 8:00 to 18:00 (reception closes at 21:00 during the spring nighttime special viewing period)
・Light-up time: Approximately 18:00 to 21:00 during the spring nighttime special viewing period
・Typical blooming period: Early March to early April
・Number of cherry trees: About 1,000

Recommended Restaurants in the Vicinity | Miyagawacho Tensho

A Japanese restaurant located in Miyagawa-cho. The kaiseki cuisine, which utilizes seasonal ingredients, is renowned for its delicate flavors and beautifully arranged presentations. The signature seasonal tempura and the flavorful broth of the wanmono are particularly popular. Guests can enjoy a leisurely meal in a calm atmosphere before or after viewing the cherry blossoms at night. Conveniently accessible from the Kiyomizu Temple area, it is a perfect spot to quietly savor the afterglow of sightseeing.

Miyagawacho Tensho

Open: [Monday-Saturday, National Holidays, Day Before National Holidays] Dinner 5:30 pm - 9:00 pm
Closed: Sunday
Average price: [Dinner] 24,200 JPY
Access: 6-minute walk from Gion-Shijo Station on the Keihan Electric Railway Keihan Main Line. It is located on the corner straight ahead from the back gate of Ebisu Shrine.
Address: 4-300-5, Miyagawa-suji, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto

More Details Reservation

Maruyama Park

Maruyama Park in Kyoto is known as one of the premier cherry blossom viewing spots, boasting about 650 cherry trees that bloom spectacularly. The park features predominantly Somei Yoshino cherry trees, including the especially famous weeping cherry trees. At night, these trees are illuminated, creating a magical landscape. The central Gion weeping cherry tree exudes an overwhelming presence, and visitors can enjoy the changing expressions of the trees as they walk around and view them from different angles under the lights. The park is flat and easy to walk through, allowing for a pleasant stroll while admiring the cherry blossoms at night. Around 9 PM, the crowd usually thins, making it a good time for photography. Not only close-up views of the cherry blossoms but also compositions that capture the entire scene from a distance add depth unique to nighttime cherry blossom viewing.

Maruyama Park
・Address: Maruyama-cho, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture
・Nearest station: About a 10-minute walk from 'Gion-Shijo Station'
・Admission: Free
・Opening hours: All day
・Light-up time: From sunset to around 10:00 PM (during the cherry blossom season)
・Typical blooming period: Late March to early April
・Number of cherry trees: About 650

Recommended Restaurants in the Area | Kappo Nakayama

A kappo restaurant with a calm atmosphere typical of Gion. The cuisine, which places great importance on dashi, is well-regarded, and the seasonal hassun and grilled dishes pair exceptionally well with Japanese sake. Guests can enjoy each carefully prepared dish that brings out the natural flavors of the ingredients. Located within walking distance from Maruyama Park, it is the perfect restaurant for those who wish to enjoy a quiet meal after viewing the cherry blossoms at night.

Kappo Nakayama

Open: [Weekdays, Saturday] 5:30 pm - 10:00 pm (L.O. 9:00 pm)
Closed: Irregular
Average price: [Dinner] 9,000 JPY
Access: 4-minute walk from Gion-shijo Station, 5-minute walk from Kawaramachi Station
Address: 336, Kitagawa, Gion-machi, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto

More Details Reservation

Kodaiji Temple

The night cherry blossoms at Kōdai-ji Temple are a renowned spot where the sophistication of the light-up and the beauty of the garden layout stand out. The temple grounds feature weeping cherry trees and mountain cherry trees, arranged in a way that naturally draws the gaze deeper into the scenery, alongside the writing hall, cobblestone paths, and bamboo groves. By following the designated path, visitors can enjoy changing views of cherry blossoms, architecture, and gardens, each offering a unique landscape with every step. The silhouette of the cherry blossoms and the temple buildings reflected on the pond's surface provides a picturesque photo opportunity without the need for careful composition. The temple grounds are relatively compact, with highlights concentrated in a small area, allowing for a satisfying cherry blossom viewing experience in a short amount of time, a unique charm of Kōdai-ji Temple. The tranquility unique to spring nights is also impressive.

Kōdai-ji Temple
・Address: 526 Shimokawaracho, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture
・Nearest station: 15 minutes on foot from Keihan 'Gion Shijo Station', about 5 minutes on foot after getting off at 'Higashiyama Yasui' on the City Bus 206 route from 'JR Kyoto Station'
・Admission fee: Adults 600 yen, middle and high school students 250 yen, free for elementary school students and younger accompanied by a guardian
・Opening hours: 9:00 to 17:30 (last admission at 17:00) *Special evening viewing period from 17:00 to 22:00 (last admission at 21:30)
・Light-up time: During special evening viewing hours
・Typical blooming period: Late March to early April
・Number of cherry trees: about 50

Recommended Restaurants in the Vicinity | Gion Okumura

Gion Okumura is renowned for its French cuisine that generously incorporates Kyoto vegetables. Appetizers featuring seasonal vegetables as the main ingredient, and fish and meat dishes known for their perfect cooking, are highly recommended. The overall light composition makes it less burdensome before or after viewing the cherry blossoms at night. Located within walking distance from Kōdai-ji Temple, it also boasts a calm atmosphere suitable for a special evening meal.

Gion Okumura

Open: [Wednesday - Sunday, National Holidays] Lunch 12:00 pm - 3:00 pm (L.O. 1:00 pm) / Dinner 5:30 pm - 10:00 pm (L.O. 7:30 pm)
Closed: Monday, Tuesday
Average price: [Dinner] 20,000 JPY / [Lunch] 12,000 JPY
Access: 5-minute walk from Exit 6 of Gion-shijo Station on the Keihan Main Line
Address: 570-6, Gionmachi-Minamigawa, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto

More Details Reservation

Hirano Shrine

Hirano Shrine is also known as 'Sakura Shrine' and is one of Kyoto's premier spots with about 60 varieties and 400 cherry trees. The shrine grounds are planted with rare species such as early-blooming Sakigake-zakura, Hirano Imose, Kochou, and Kinugasa, allowing visitors to enjoy the unique and diverse floral characters different from the Somei Yoshino cherry trees. At night, the grounds are softly illuminated, and visitors can appreciate the cherry blossoms from early to late blooming periods over an extended time. Located near Kinkakuji Temple, it is conveniently situated for combining with other sightseeing activities. Walking around the grounds, one can compare the shapes, colors, and blooming patterns of the flowers, deepening their appreciation for the depth of cherry blossoms. It is an ideal spot for those who want to immerse themselves in the tranquil atmosphere and engage deeply with the cherry blossoms.

Hirano Shrine
・Address: 1 Hirano Miyamotocho, Kita Ward, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture
・Nearest station: Keifuku Electric Railroad Kitano Line 'Kitano Hakubaicho Station'
・Admission: Free usually. An additional fee of 500 yen is required only for entry to the cherry garden during the cherry blossom season
・Opening hours: 6:00〜17:00 (During the special night viewing in spring, until about 21:00)
・Lighting hours: From sunset to about 21:00
・Typical blooming period: Mid-March to mid-April
・Number of cherry trees: About 400

Recommended Restaurants in the Area | Sumiyaki Unagi Doi Katsu Unagi Kinkakuji Restaurant

Recommended Restaurants in the Area | Sumiyaki Unagi Doi Katsuo Unagi Kinkakuji Restaurant

A specialty restaurant renowned for its savory charcoal-grilled eel. The recommended dish is the eel rice bowl, packed with flavor for a satisfying taste experience. The restaurant is also accessible for international visitors, with an English page available, making it a convenient stop before or after visiting Kinkakuji or enjoying a night-time cherry blossom viewing. It's an ideal spot for a peaceful dinner.
※English page only

Charcoal-grilled Eel Doikatsuman Kinkakuji Branch

Open: 11:00 am - 8:00 pm (L.O 7:00 pm)
Closed: Irregular
Average price: [Dinner] 4,500 JPY
Access: 1-minute walk from Kinkakuji-michi bus stop
Address: 2F, 13, Kinugasagaido-cho, Kita-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto
More Details Reservation

Toji Temple

At Toji Temple, visitors can enjoy the iconic Kyoto scenery woven by the five-storied pagoda and cherry blossoms at night. The temple grounds are adorned with Somei Yoshino cherry trees, with the Fujizakura blossoms set against the backdrop of the pagoda. Early-blooming Kawazu cherry trees can also be seen in some areas, allowing visitors to enjoy the different expressions of cherry blossoms depending on the season. At night, the architecture and cherry blossoms are dramatically highlighted by illumination. The reflection of the cherry blossoms and the tower in the pond is a popular photography spot, offering a depth unique to nighttime cherry blossom viewing. The layout of the temple grounds, extending from the South Gate to the Golden Hall and Lecture Hall, allows for changing views of the tower as one walks, adding to the site's appeal. The spacious grounds allow for relatively relaxed strolling even during busy times, and the simultaneous enjoyment of historical architecture and cherry blossoms is a unique charm of Toji Temple.

Toji Temple
・Address: 1 Kujocho, Minami Ward, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture
・Nearest stations: 15 minutes on foot from JR 'Kyoto Station', 10 minutes on foot from Kintetsu 'Toji Station'
・Admission: Free. Golden Hall & Lecture Hall viewing is 800 yen. (For details, please refer to the official website)
・Opening hours: The temple grounds are usually open from 5:00 to 17:00 (During the spring nighttime special viewing period, open until 21:30. Last admission at 21:00)During the spring nighttime special viewing period, open until 21:30. Last admission at 21:00)※As the viewing content and times can vary greatly depending on the period, please check the latest information on the official website before visiting.※As the viewing content and times can vary greatly depending on the period, please check the latest information on the official website before visiting.
・Illumination time: 18:00 to 21:30 (Last admission at 21:00)
・Typical blooming period: Late March to early April
・Number of cherry trees: About 200

Recommended Restaurants Nearby | Kushi no Bou Kyoto Station Restaurant

Recommended Restaurants in the Area | Kushi no Bou Kyoto Station Restaurant

A convenient kushikatsu specialty restaurant near Kyoto Station. The course, featuring seasonal ingredients, serves each skewer freshly fried, with staples like shrimp, seasonal vegetables, and beef skewers being highly recommended. Its light composition makes it easy to enjoy before or after viewing the cherry blossoms at night, and its proximity to Toji Temple makes it an attractive spot to visit after moving from there.

Kushinobo Kyoto Station Branch

Open: 11:00 am - 10:00 pm (L.O. 9:30 pm)
Closed: None
Average price: [Dinner] 4,000 JPY / [Lunch] 1,250 JPY
Access: 3 minutes walk from JR Kyoto station. Located in the 11F of Kyoto Station Building.
Address: 11F, Kyoto Station Building The CUBE, 657 Higashi-shiokoji-cho, Shiokoji-kudaru, Karasuma-dori, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto

More Details Reservation

This article was written by AI Translation.

Disclaimer: All information is accurate at time of publication.

Thank you for reading our article.

Our goal is to take your culinary journey to the next level by helping you find the best restaurant. With SAVOR JAPAN, you can search and make reservations for