Where to See Sakura in Kyoto? The 16 Best Cherry Blossom Photo Spots

Kyoto is one of Japan’s most stunning destinations during cherry blossom season. It offers a breathtaking blend of ancient temples, traditional streets, and lush nature. While famous spots like Maruyama Park and the Philosopher’s Path draw big crowds, many quaint and lesser-known locations provide equally magical views for your springtime photos.

If you are not sure about the cherry blossoms will bloom, check out the latest forecast blooming dates for sakura here!

Let’s discover now the 16 best places to capture cherry blossoms in Kyoto.

Join a Sakura Photoshoot in Kyoto

Want to make sure you get beautiful pictures of you with cherry blossom in Kyoto? Join a sakura photoshoot and embark on an unforgettable visual adventure. Our local photographer will take you to some of the best cherry blossom locations and will take stunning pictures of you that your Instagram followers are going to love!

It’s a unique way to explore Kyoto and get amazing travel pictures in the process. Interested? Check out the link below for more details.

Book Now: Sakura Elegance: Exclusive Cherry Blossom Photoshoot in Kyoto

Let’s now go back to our list of the most beautiful Sakura locations in Kyoto!

1. Maruyama Park

Maruyama Park might be Kyoto’s most famous spot for flower-viewing in spring. You’ll see a spectacular cherry blossom tree at the park’s center as soon as you enter. In the evening, the park lights up, and the giant sakura tree glows with a magical hue. Expect lively crowds, food stalls, and a festive mood.

We highly recommend visiting early in the morning if you want crowd-free photos. The park is also close to Yasaka Shrine, another wonderful place for cherry blossom photography.

Photography Tips: If you’re using your phone, try snapping wide shots that include the tree and the surrounding park. For evening shots, hold your phone or camera steady or lean against something to avoid blurry photos. The soft morning light can also make the blossoms look extra vibrant.

Location: Maruyama Park

2. The Philosopher’s Path

The Philosopher’s Path is another top choice for cherry blossom lovers. Hundreds of trees line the canal that connects Ginkaku-ji and Nanzen-ji. The entire path takes about 30 minutes to walk, and you’ll find cute cafes, traditional tea houses, and small shrines along the way.

If you want a quieter experience, visit early in the morning or just before sunset. Midday can be quite busy here.

Photography Tips: Stand at an angle so the blossoming branches arch over the canal in your frame. If it’s not too crowded, take a few steps back to capture a wider view of the blooms and water. In the morning or late afternoon, the sunlight creates a warm glow on the petals.

Location: The Philosopher’s Path

3. Heian Shrine

Heian Shrine offers a unique sakura experience with its massive torii gate and picturesque garden. Cherry blossom trees line the shrine’s grounds, and they usually bloom a bit later than other spots in Kyoto. That makes it a perfect location if you’ve missed the peak elsewhere.

You’ll see the shrine’s reflection in a clear pond, surrounded by pink blossoms. Visiting during public holidays can offer the chance to witness traditional performances in the garden.

Photography Tips: Try framing the bright torii gate with the cherry blossoms on each side. For reflection shots in the pond, stand at the water’s edge and hold your camera or phone steady. Slightly bending your knees can help you find the right angle without needing extra gear.

Location: Heian Shrine

4. Kiyomizu-dera

Kiyomizu-dera, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, provides a gorgeous panoramic view of cherry blossoms with Kyoto’s skyline as a backdrop. The temple’s wooden stage is a prime spot for photography, especially at sunset.

Kiyomizu-dera is also stunning at night when the blossoms are illuminated. Don’t forget to explore the Otowa Waterfall below the main hall, where many travelers drink the water for good health, success, and love.

Photography Tips: If you want a grand shot of the city with cherry blossoms in the foreground, stand on the temple’s wooden veranda. At sunset, warm light often makes your photos look magical. For night shots, keep your phone or camera still by resting it on a railing.

Location: Kiyomizu-dera

5. Arashiyama

Arashiyama is another unforgettable spot in spring. Cherry blossoms surround the scenic Katsura River, and you can take a boat ride to see the blooms from the water. The Tenryu-ji temple grounds also offer panoramic views.

We love taking photos around the Togetsukyo Bridge, which becomes lined with cherry blossoms in peak season. Nearby bamboo groves, monkey parks, and riverside cafes add extra charm to this area.

Photography Tips: When you’re by the Katsura River, step back so you can capture both the blossoms and the water. Early morning light is calm and beautiful here. If you go on a boat, take quick shots to avoid motion blur—keep your phone or camera close to your chest for stability.

Location: Arashiyama

6. Kyoto Botanical Gardens

Kyoto Botanical Gardens is an underrated gem. It has over 500 cherry trees of various species, providing a diverse range of cherry blossom shots.

Besides the blossoms, you’ll find themed gardens, including a camellia garden, a Japanese rock garden, and a greenhouse with tropical plants. The spacious landscape means you won’t have to worry about huge crowds. Our favorite place is near the large pond, where you can get dreamy reflections of the blossoms.

Photography Tips: Try different angles to capture the variety of cherry blossom shapes and colors. For reflections in the pond, crouch down close to the water’s surface. If you’re using a phone, tap on the blooms on your screen to help your camera focus on the flowers instead of the background.

Location: Kyoto Botanical Gardens

7. Nijō Castle

Nijō Castle has one of the longest spring seasons in Kyoto. The wide variety of cherry trees ensures blooms last for weeks. You’ll find excellent photo opportunities that combine breathtaking blossoms with historic architecture.

At night, the castle is lit up, creating an enchanting setting for evening shots. The surrounding gardens and historical exhibits also offer multiple vantage points for capturing cherry blossoms with iconic landmarks in the background.

Photography Tips: Try centering your shot on the castle walls or moat, framing the cherry blossoms in the foreground. If you visit at night, steady your phone or camera against a pillar or ledge to reduce blur. Warm streetlights can create a lovely glow on the blossoms.

Location: Nijō Castle

8. Keage Incline

Skip the typical sightseeing spots and visit Keage Incline, an abandoned railway track lined with cherry blossom trees. It’s now one of Kyoto’s most atmospheric sakura locations. The gentle slope and parallel tracks create a tunnel-like effect when the trees are in full bloom.

Keage Incline is easily accessible from Keage Station and is a short walk from Nanzen-ji Temple.

Photography Tips: For a unique perspective, stand at the bottom of the incline, looking upward at the rows of blossoms. If you want a photo walking along the tracks, ask a friend to take it from a slight distance so they can include both you and the blossoms.

Location: Keage Incline

9. Daigo-ji Temple

Daigo-ji Temple, located slightly outside Central Kyoto, is a quieter cherry blossom spot. The temple complex splits into two sections: the lower grounds and the upper temple area. The lower grounds host a five-story pagoda and the Sanboin Garden, both stunning in spring. Sanboin Garden is especially impressive with its well-kept landscape and seasonal flowers.

If you hike to the upper temple area, you’ll enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of Kyoto. Blossoms bloom a bit later here, so it’s a great choice if you’ve missed the peak season in other parts of the city.

Photography Tips: Focus on getting the pagoda and blossoms in one shot by standing at an angle that shows both clearly. Morning light is softer, so it’s easier to get bright, detailed photos. If you head uphill, pause at viewpoints to capture the city below framed by cherry blossom trees.

Location: Daigo-ji Temple

10. Hirano Shrine

Hirano Shrine is famous for its long-standing cherry blossom festival and its many sakura varieties. Some trees bloom earlier or later than average, extending the viewing season. At night, colorful lanterns illuminate the grounds, making it ideal for evening photography. You’ll also find food stalls and occasional traditional performances.

One highlight is the annual “Hirano Sakura Matsuri,” where a grand procession features people in Heian-era costumes. The shrine’s grounds light up in the evening, providing a romantic setting for a stroll.

Photography Tips: For night photos, keep your phone or camera steady by bracing yourself against a fence or using a stable surface. To capture the lanterns and blossoms together, move close enough so they fill the screen without too much background distraction.

Location: Hirano Shrine

11. To-ji Temple

To-ji Temple, home to Kyoto’s tallest pagoda, offers a stunning combination of history and nature. There’s a large pond where the cherry blossoms reflect in the water, creating a picture-perfect view.

The temple’s sprawling garden has nearly 200 cherry blossom trees of different varieties. You can capture both wide scenic shots and close-ups of the blossoms with the pagoda in the background. To-ji Temple also hosts a lively cherry blossom festival, featuring cultural performances, local food stalls, and a relaxed hanami atmosphere.

Photography Tips: For dramatic photos, try including the tall pagoda and the cherry blossoms in the same frame. If you want a reflection shot on the pond, squat down and tap on the blossoms to focus your phone’s camera on them rather than the water. Late afternoon light can give a warm tone to your images.

Location: To-ji Temple

12. Jōnan-gū Shrine

Jōnan-gū Shrine is known for its Heian-era strolling gardens and various cherry blossom tree species. A scenic stream flows through the grounds, where pink petals float on the water’s surface, creating a beautiful “flower raft” effect.

The shrine’s gardens are divided into several distinct areas: Muromachi, Momoyama, and Heian styles. Jōnan-gū Shrine is slightly outside Kyoto’s main tourist hubs, so it tends to be less crowded. This tranquil atmosphere makes it popular among photographers. It’s also noted for its tea ceremonies.

Photography Tips: Stand near the stream and take a photo of the petals floating by. If you want close-ups, gently move your phone closer to a cluster of blossoms. Remember to step back, too, to capture the broader garden setting.

Location: Jōnan-gū Shrine

13. Yoshiminedera Temple

Yoshiminedera Temple sits on a hillside, providing sweeping views of Kyoto. Since it’s farther from the city center, it remains a peaceful spot during cherry blossom season. The temple’s ancient structures and landscaped gardens blend beautifully with the soft pink sakura.

You’ll find various cherry trees here, including Somei Yoshino, set against the temple’s elegant pagoda and moss-covered stone paths. Yoshiminedera also turns vibrant in autumn, making it a year-round photo destination.

Photography Tips: When you’re at higher levels of the temple, include the hillside view behind the cherry blossoms. This shows the layers of pink blooms leading down toward the city. If you spot mossy paths covered with fallen petals, snap a close-up to highlight the details.

Location: Yoshiminedera Temple

14. Kodaiji Temple

Kodaiji Temple in the Higashiyama District boasts stunning cherry blossom trees that create a cascading “waterfall” effect of pink petals. You’ll also find bamboo groves and Zen gardens, which serve as gorgeous photo backdrops.

In addition to the sakura, Kodaiji Temple features moss gardens and raked gravel landscapes. Although the bamboo groves are smaller than those in Arashiyama, they’re still worth a peaceful stroll. One highlight of spring is the evening illumination event, which bathes the blossoms, temple buildings, and gardens in soft light.

Photography Tips: Explore the temple grounds at different times of day to catch changing light on the blossoms and bamboo. If you stay for the evening illumination, try holding your phone or camera close to chest-level and keep still to prevent blur. The glowing lights create a dreamy atmosphere you’ll love in photos.

Location: Kodaiji Temple

15. Shōseien Garden

Shōseien Garden is located near Kyoto Station. It’s a peaceful area where you can see cherry blossoms in full bloom each spring. A large pond reflects the pink flowers and surrounds the tea houses.

You’ll also discover walking paths that wind through small wooded sections, flower-lined streams, and open lawns. Seasonal blooms appear year-round, which explains why Shōseien Garden is popular in every season.

Photography Tips: Stand back a little to include the pond and the blossoming trees in one shot. If you’re focusing on detail, gently tap on your phone’s screen to bring the pink petals into focus. Visiting on a weekday morning often gives you fewer crowds to navigate.

Location: Shōseien Garden

16. Ōharano Shrine

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by 渡邉 コウ (@aogu_ram)

Ōharano Shrine lies in the western outskirts of Kyoto and is often compared to Nara’s Kasuga Shrine. Lantern-lined pathways and vermilion torii gates create a lovely contrast with the pale pink blossoms.

This shrine is especially famous for its late-blooming Yaezakura, which have double petals. If you’re visiting Kyoto after the peak season, it’s an ideal place to see vibrant sakura. You’ll also find scenic hiking trails nearby, making it a great day-trip destination for nature lovers.

Photography Tips: Try framing the shrine’s torii gates or lanterns with the cherry blossoms on the sides. If you’d like a photo of yourself with the blossoms, ask a friend to stand a few steps back so they can include both you and the beautiful surroundings. The heavier petals of Yaezakura look lovely in close-up shots, too.

Location: Ōharano Shrine

Kyoto’s cherry blossom season offers countless photo-worthy scenes. The city’s historic heritage pairs perfectly with the soft pink hues of spring. Whether you chase iconic landmarks or discover hidden gems, these 16 destinations deliver a diverse range of breathtaking cherry blossom photography opportunities. Enjoy exploring and shooting in Kyoto’s magical springtime!

Want to discover more sakura spots in Japan? Check out these articles on where to see cherry blossom in Tokyo and where to see cherry blossom in Osaka!