About this site

Find Restaurant

Online Reservation

Show instant booking only

Language

[2026 Edition] Best Spring Cherry Blossom Spots in Kyoto and Recommended Restaurants

Update-Date: Jan 20, 2026

Author: SAVOR JAPAN

Categories: Unagi (eel)

[2026 Edition] Best Spring Cherry Blossom Spots in Kyoto and Recommended Restaurants

Spring in Kyoto is dotted with a variety of cherry blossom spots that harmonize with the historical architecture and streetscapes. In this article, the SAVOR JAPAN editorial team focuses on restaurants in the vicinity that are perfect to enjoy alongside the cherry blossoms. Reservations can be made through SAVOR JAPAN. To avoid the unique congestion of the cherry blossom season, consider making reservations in advance and enjoy a leisurely spring in Kyoto.

>> Night Cherry Blossom Spots in Kyoto and Nearby Restaurants — Where History and Cherry Blossoms Come Alive

1. Kiyomizu-dera Temple

Kiyomizu-dera, a representative cherry blossom spot in Kyoto, is enveloped in cherry blossoms throughout its precincts in spring, creating a vibrant landscape unique to the ancient capital. Centered around Somei Yoshino and Yamazakura cherry trees, the best viewing period usually spans from late March to April, with the cherry blossom scenery viewed from the stage of Kiyomizu being particularly exceptional. Visitors can enjoy the cherry blossoms up close along the approach, walking paths, and around the main hall, each offering different expressions with the changing light throughout the day. This site, where historic architecture harmoniously blends with cherry blossoms, represents a quintessential Kyoto spring experience. It has captivated many visitors through the seasons and offers a memorable moment with the arrival of spring. It is easily accessible and suitable for a peaceful stroll, making it easy for first-time visitors to experience the charm of Kyoto.

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: 8:00-18:00 (reception closes at 21:00 during special evening viewings in spring)
Light-up time: Approximately 18:00-21:00 during special evening viewings in spring
Typical blooming period: Early March to early April
Number of cherry trees: About 1,000

Recommended Restaurants Nearby | Benoit Kyoto

Benoit Kyoto, nestled in Gion, is a French bistro that is perfect for a visit after a daytime cherry blossom viewing stroll. Centered around traditional French bistro cuisine, the restaurant offers course meals that incorporate Kyoto-style ingredients. In addition to the course menu, an elegant afternoon tea course is also available during lunchtime, making it ideal for a relaxing break after a walk. From the restaurant's interior, adorned with antique furniture and red sofas, one can view the Yasaka Tower, enjoying a uniquely open and airy atmosphere during the day.

Benoit Kyoto

Open: Lunch 11:30 am - 3:30 pm (L.O. 2:30 pm) / Afternoon Tea 1:30 pm - 4:30 pm (L.O. 3:30 pm) *Afternoon Tea Course Only / Dinner 5:30 pm - 10:00 pm (L.O. 8:30 pm)
Closed: None
Average price: [Dinner] 10,000 JPY / [Lunch] 5,000 JPY
Access: 15-minute drive from Kyoto Station, 5-minute walk from Kiyomizu-michi bus stop
Address: Inside The Hotel Seiryu Kyoto Kiyomizu, 2-204-2, Kiyomizu, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto

More Details Reservation

2. Maruyama Park

Maruyama Park, known as the oldest park in the city, is the premier cherry blossom spot in Kyoto, representing the Gion area. Typically from late March to early April, the park is adorned with blooming Somei Yoshino and weeping cherry trees, creating a vibrant spring scene. Among them, the Gion weeping cherry tree, standing in the center of the park and estimated to be over 90 years old, serves as a symbolic presence of Maruyama Park and is a popular spot where many people pause. While strolling along the well-maintained paths, visitors can leisurely enjoy the spring atmosphere unique to Gion, filled with picturesque scenes and local charm. The ambiance during the daytime is delightful, and the atmosphere at dusk is equally captivating.

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 22:00 (during cherry blossom season)
Typical blooming period: Late March to early April
Number of cherry trees: About 650

Recommended Restaurants Nearby | Gion Kankanderi Rei

Recommended Restaurants Nearby | Gion Kankan Deli Rei

Located in the scenic streets of Gion, Kyoto, Gion Kankanderi Rei is a restaurant where you can enjoy teppanyaki and creative Japanese cuisine, focusing on ingredients sourced from Kyoto. Popular dishes include course meals meticulously prepared with Tanba chicken, Kyoto pork, fresh fish from the waters near Kyoto, and Kyoto vegetables. Guests can savor these dishes in a variety of settings, including at the counter, at tables, or on tatami seating. It is perfect not only for lunch but also for a meal after a cherry blossom viewing stroll in the afternoon. You can fully enjoy a quintessentially Kyoto experience, complemented by the scenery of Gion and Shirakawa.

Gion Kankanderi Rei

Open: [Monday-Sunday, National Holidays] Lunch 11:30 am - 3:00 pm (L.O. 2:00 pm) / [Monday-Saturday] Dinner 5:00 pm - 12:00 am (L.O. 11:00 pm) / [Sunday, National Holidays] Dinner 5:00 pm - 10:00 pm (L.O. 9:00 pm)
Closed: None
Average price: [Dinner] 10,000 JPY / [Lunch] 2,000 JPY
Access: 11-minute walk from Exit 1A of Kyoto-kawaramachi Station on Hankyu Kyoto Main Line / 6-minute walk form Exit 9 of Gion-shijo Station on Keihan Main Lin
Address: 1-2F, Nikoto Bldg., 2-391, Hashimoto-cho, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto

More Details Reservation

3. Philosopher's Path

The Philosopher's Path, a small trail along a canal approximately 2km long, stretches from Ginkakuji in Kyoto's Sakyo Ward to Kumano Nyakuoji Shrine to the south. In spring, a tunnel of cherry blossoms unfolds, with the Somei Yoshino variety blooming on both sides of the waterway. The contrast of the cherry blossoms reflected in the water and the blue sky during clear days creates a beautiful scene, enveloping visitors in a serene atmosphere. Depending on the season, Kawazu cherry trees can also be seen in the area, allowing visitors to feel the onset of spring even if they come a bit early. Benches and bridges nearby make it a popular spot for photography, offering picturesque scenes for visitors to enjoy while strolling.

Philosopher's Path

Address: Near Jodoji, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture

Nearest station: About 5 minutes on foot from 'Demachiyanagi Station' on the Keihan Line to 'Ginkakuji-michi' bus stop
Admission: Free
Opening hours: All day
Lighting up time: Generally not implemented
Typical blooming period: Mid-March to early April
Number of cherry trees: About 400

4. Heian Shrine

Heian Shrine, located in the Okazaki area of Kyoto, is a serene cherry blossom viewing spot that comes alive with blossoms around the Shin-en Garden in spring. Among these, depicted in classic Japanese literature, the weeping cherry trees are particularly famous, offering a view that includes the pond and Taiko Bridge, creating an elegant and refined Kyoto-like atmosphere. During the day, the contrast between the vermilion shrine buildings and the pale cherry blossoms is stunning, and one can enjoy a leisurely stroll through the garden while admiring the scenery. The area around the Taiko Bridge within the Shin-en is a popular photo spot, where the composition of the cherry blossoms and bridge reflected in the water makes for a memorable scene. It is also suitable for a more mature audience who prefers a quieter cherry blossom experience.

Heian Shrine

Address: Okazaki Nishitennocho, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture

Nearest station: About 10 minutes on foot from Subway Tozai Line 'Higashiyama Station'
Admission fee: Adults 600 yen, elementary and junior high school students 300 yen
Opening hours: 8:30 AM to 6:00 PM (During cherry blossom light-up period, until about 9:00 PM, Shin-en viewing reception closes at 5:30 PM)
Light-up time: 6:00 PM to about 9:00 PM *Please check the website for dates, times, and entry conditions as they change annually.
Typical blooming period: Late March to mid-April
Number of cherry trees: about 300

Recommended Restaurants in the Area | Nouvelle Epoque

Located in the tranquil area of Okazaki in Kyoto, Nouvelle Epoque is a restaurant where one can enjoy French cuisine made with Kyoto vegetables and local fish and meat. While adhering to the fundamentals of French cooking, the course meals incorporate ingredients typical of Kyoto, making them convenient for both lunch and dinner. The restaurant's interior is adorned with Nishijin-ori placemats and Kyoto crafts, offering a high-quality atmosphere where the beauty of Kyoto can be fully appreciated. It is recommended as a perfect spot to leisurely savor the lingering taste of wine after a cherry blossom viewing stroll.

Nouvelle Epoque

Open: Lunch 12:00 pm - 3:00 pm (L.O. 2:00 pm) / Dinner 5:30 pm - 9:30 pm (L.O. 8:00 pm)
Closed: Wednesday
Average price: [Dinner] 20,000 JPY / [Lunch] 10,000 JPY
Access: 14-minute walk from Keage Station on Kyoto Municipal Subway Tozai Line / 1-minute walk from Okazaki Jinja-mae bus stop
Address: 26-6, Okazaki Tenno-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto

More Details Reservation

5. Nijo Castle

Nijo Castle, a World Heritage site, is one of Kyoto's premier cherry blossom viewing spots where visitors can enjoy both historic fortifications and cherry blossoms simultaneously. The castle grounds are planted with a variety of cherry tree species including Somei Yoshino, weeping cherries, and double-flowered cherries. The scenery, where stone walls, moats, and the palace overlap with cherry blossoms, creates a profound atmosphere distinct from temples and shrines. The spacious grounds allow for easy dispersal of crowds, making it a relaxing spot for strolling. The area in front of Ninomaru Palace and the surrounding Seiryu-en are popular spots for taking photos with the castle in the background, allowing visitors to thoroughly enjoy a cherry blossom viewing experience unique to Nijo Castle.

Nijo Castle

Address: Nijo-dori, Horikawa Nishiiri, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture
Nearest station: Just a short walk from Nijojo-mae Station on the Subway Tozai Line
Admission fee: General 800 yen (additional fee for palace viewing)
Opening hours: 8:45 AM to 5:00 PM
Light-up time: Approximately 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM during the Cherry Blossom Festival *The light-up viewing area is limited

Typical blooming period: Late March to mid-April
Number of cherry trees: About 300

Recommended Restaurants in the Area | Unagi Sansho Gogyo

Located right near Nijo Castle in Kyoto, [Unagi Sansho Gogyo] is a casual eel specialty restaurant where one can enjoy eel dishes with ease. Their signature dishes include Unadon, which uses carefully selected domestic eel, and Hitsumabushi, which features finely chopped eel, both accentuated by the aromatic sansho pepper. They also offer a variety of local Kyoto sake, including a tasting set of sake, sparkling sake, and craft beers, making it a perfect spot for lunch or a meal during sightseeing. The restaurant provides a casual yet modern atmosphere where guests can savor satisfying dishes.

Unagi Sansho Gogyou

Open: 11:00 am - 3:00 pm (L.O. 2:30 pm)
Closed: Thursday
Average price: [Lunch] 4,000 JPY
Access: 3-minute walk from Nijojo-mae Station on the Subway Tozai Line
Address: 1F, Oike Royal Mansion, 137-3, Shikiami-cho, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto

More Details Reservation

6. Kitano Tenmangu Shrine

Known as the deity of learning, Kitano Tenmangu Shrine is a tranquil spot famous for its cherry blossoms in various parts of the precinct during spring. Although renowned as a plum blossom landmark, during the cherry blossom season, Somei Yoshino and weeping cherry trees bloom, along with the shrine's sacred tree, the 'Kitano Sakura,' gently coloring the precinct. The cherry blossoms enveloping the approach's stairs are known as the 'Cherry Blossom Tunnel,' creating a spring-like scene. Visitors can enjoy a leisurely visit and feel the changing seasons in the quiet atmosphere, slightly away from the tourist hustle. The contrast between the vermilion shrine buildings and the pale cherry blossoms is also beautiful, making the area around the Sanko Gate a popular spot for photography.

Kitano Tenmangu Shrine

Address: Kamigyoku Bakurocho, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture
Nearest station: About a 5-minute walk from Randen 'Kitano Hakubaicho Station'
Admission: Free
Opening hours: 7:00 to 17:00 (subject to change depending on the season and events)
Light-up time: None
Typical blooming period: Late March to early April
Number of cherry trees: About 300

Recommended Restaurants Nearby | Kitano Tenmangu: Niku to Niwa Matsuo

Recommended Restaurants Nearby | Kitano Tenmangu - Meat and Garden Matsuo

Located just a 3-minute walk from Kitano Tenmangu Shrine, Niku to Niwa Matsuo is a serene restaurant run by a couple from Kyoto. The restaurant is renowned for its creative cuisine featuring local Kyoto ingredients, with the steak bowl set using Wagyu beef being particularly popular. A rich beef tendon dish accompanies it, adding depth to the flavors. It is an ideal spot to visit after shrine visits, offering a quiet space where both locals and tourists can enjoy their meal.

Kitano Tenmangu Niku to Niwa MATSUO

Open: [Monday, Thursday-Sunday, National Holidays, Day Before National Holidays] Lunch 11:00 am - 3:00 pm (L.O. 2:30 pm) / [Friday-Sunday] Dinner 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm (L.O. 8:30 pm)
Closed: Tuesday, Wednesday
Average price: [Dinner] 4,000 JPY / [Lunch] 4,000 JPY
Access: 3-minute walk east from the Kitano Tenmangu Shrine / Head north on Higashi-Imakoji street, and you'll find the restaurant
Address: 744-15, Higashi Imakoji-cho, Kamigyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto

More Details Reservation

>> Night Cherry Blossom Spots in Kyoto and Nearby Restaurants — Where History and Cherry Blossoms Come Alive

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

the Unagi (eel) restaurants found in and around Kyoto and Kyoto Station that fill your needs.