Spring transforms Kyoto into a breathtaking canvas of pink and white as cherry blossoms, or sakura, bloom across the city. This fleeting season, celebrated through hanami (flower viewing), draws visitors from around the world to witness nature’s spectacular display. From the iconic Philosopher’s Path to the majestic Kiyomizu-dera Temple, Kyoto’s cherry blossoms create a dreamlike atmosphere, blending history, tradition, and natural beauty. Whether strolling through ancient streets lined with weeping cherries or enjoying a picnic under a canopy of blossoms, Kyoto in spring is an unforgettable experience. We started by checking into The Chapter Kyoto A Tribute Hotel. What a beautiful day this is going to be with the sun coming out and a nice breeze blowing through the blossoms:) Crossing the Kamo River, great idea to put those blocks there, we are starting a mile away at Shoreline Temple.
We set out to explore some of Kyoto’s most iconic and peaceful sites — all within walking distance in the Southern Higashiyama District, yet each offering a unique glimpse into the city’s soul. Peaceful is a term used while inside the sites, usually quiet and calming but I will tell you as with most tourist locations the mass of people drop by busses is evident!
Up a gentle grade:) we arrived at Shōren-in Temple, nestled at the foot of the Higashiyama mountains, Shōren-in Temple feels like a serene escape from the modern world. With its huge trees (the pictures do not do justice), rock gardens, peaceful bamboo grove, and traditional tea rooms, it’s the perfect place to start the late morning. As we walked the temple grounds, soft petals fell from the cherry trees like confetti — a gentle reminder that this season is as fleeting as it is beautiful. Kellie sat us at the rock garden and we went through some of her breathing techniques to relax, calm and heal us.
Chion-in Temple: A grand legacy a short stroll away lies Chion-in, the head temple of the Jodo sect of Buddhism. Its massive wooden Sanmon gate is truly awe-inspiring — the largest in Japan — and walking through it feels like stepping into history. The temple grounds are expansive, with stone paths winding through blooming sakura trees and traditional halls echoing with the sound of chanting monks. It’s a place of quiet grandeur and spiritual reflection. We did not go into the temple but the smell of incense was throughout our walk around the grounds intensifying the spiritual sensation. We wondered about the different temples sizes and colors.
Maruyama Park is Kyoto’s Hanami heartbeat, the blogs say no cherry blossom journey through Kyoto is complete without a stop at Maruyama Park. I would say it is now overpopulated and not as great as many of the other huge orchards we have seen. It’s the heart of Kyoto’s hanami (cherry blossom viewing) scene, and the energy here is evident. Families picnic under the blossoms, food stalls offer local treats, and the famous weeping cherry tree — illuminated at night we hear is amazing, maybe we will come back — stands like a graceful dancer in full bloom. It’s festive, joyful, and totally Kyoto. We admired the sites and moved on.
Leaving the buzz of the park behind, we wandered down Nene-no-Michi, one of Kyoto’s most scenic streets. Named after Nene, the wife of famous samurai Toyotomi Hideyoshi, this stone-paved path is lined with traditional buildings, boutique shops, and quiet tea houses. With cherry blossoms hanging overhead and the scent of incense drifting from nearby temples, the walk felt like a living postcard. So many people dressed in their Japanese attire, taking photos along the way, Instagram crazy! We popped in and out of shops along the way hoping to get a few gifts. Blair, Mira and Penny were always on our mind as we looked for match kimonos:)
Tucked just off Nene-no-Michi, Kōdaiji Temple is a masterpiece of design and harmony. Founded by Nene in memory of her husband, the temple is known for its elegant gardens, reflective pond, and softly lit bamboo grove. During sakura season, the temple hosts special evening illuminations, turning the gardens into a dreamlike wonderland. It’s an intimate and stunning place that captures Kyoto’s refined spirit. We choose to walk around the outside, admiring the buddha rather than pay the fee. We got the flavor and walked down the steps to the street.
As the afternoon wore on, along with our legs, we found ourselfes on Ninenzaka, one of Kyoto’s most photogenic streets. With its preserved wooden buildings, stone steps, and gentle slope leading toward Kiyomizu-dera, it’s the perfect place for a slow stroll. We stopped at a small café for a matcha ice cream and watched as the people moved crazily. The Starbuck’s Coffee hidden inside a traditional building was fun. Each of these spots — from serene temples to bustling parks and peaceful lanes — showcases a different side of Kyoto. But together, they form a mosaic of tradition, beauty, and seasonal wonder. We are excited to be in Kyoto during cherry blossom season, we are taking the time to wander, breathe it in, and let the spirit of the city guide us.
Dinner was another amazing experience. The ambiance, food and staff at Kyo-no-Yakiniku Kokoro Hiro in Pontocho was the best. Wagyu beef cooked on your own hibachi was so fun. Great experience to end our first day in Kyoto! Tomorrow we will do the Northern sites, because in Kyoto, spring isn’t just a season — it’s a celebration!
