3 Best Spots to Admire Rare and Kyoto-Originating Cherry Blossoms from Late in March to the End of April

Known as the former capital of Japan, an ancient city Kyoto is full of highlights offering authentic beauty of Japan’s spring in which charming cherry blossoms and historical buildings such as Kiyomizu-dera Temple (清水寺) and Nijo-jo Castle (二条城) make perfect harmony. In this issue, let’s look at 3 spots each of which offers many kinds of blossoms, the longer periods of full blooming, or rare blossoms. As all of them are accessible during your visit to historical highlights in the city center area, they cannot be missed if you plan to visit the ancient city in April.

”Kyoto Gyoen National Garden” where the historical architecture and cherry blossoms are a perfect match

“Kyoto Gyoen National Garden” (京都御苑) is a vast garden constructed on the land around the former Imperial Palace after the capital had been moved from Kyoto to Tokyo during the Meiji Restoration. Since it was originally a public residence, there are still many historical buildings such as ‘Kyoto Imperial Palace’ (京都御所), ‘Kyoto Sento Imperial Palace’ (京都大宮・京都仙洞御所), and ‘Kyoto State Guest House’ (京都迎賓館) on the site of around 100 hectares. The number of cherry trees in it is said to be about 1,000, and you can appreciate various kinds of cherry blossoms, such as weeping cherry trees and Cerasus Sato-zakura trees planted near the stream at the site of the former residence to Konoe family which had produced a large number of politicians. The best season for blossoms will last until the end of April from late in March as each specie comes to be in full bloom one after another. Because there are rest areas and restaurants in the park, it’s a perfect choice for those who want to take a leisurely stroll and enjoy cherry blossoms. If you don’t have time, you can rent a bike and look around the garden.

Opening Hour	24 Hours
Address	3 Kyotogyoen, Kamigyo-ku, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture
Access	Hotel Gracery Kyoto Sanjo: A 3-minute walk from Karasuma Shimochojamachi (烏丸下長者町) Bus stop which is 7 stops away on Ritsumeikan Univ. (立命館大学) bound No.51 bus from Kawaramachi Sanjo (河原町三条) Bus stop Hotel Tavinos Kyoto: A 10-minute walk from Marutamachi Station (K07) which is 3 stations away on Kokusaikaikan bound Karasuma Line from Gojo Station (K10)
URL	https://fng.or.jp/kyoto/en/

“Kyoto Botanical Gardens” to get you enjoy the beautiful contrast between cherry blossoms and tulips blooming in the background of Mt. Hiei

In the theme of ‘the most interesting and relaxing botanical garden in Japan’, “Kyoto Botanical Gardens” extending in a scenic spot with a great view of Mt. Hiei to the east is fully equipped with various exhibits and cafes. At the south part of the site, there is Japan’s largest greenhouse, while trees are planted in a state close to nature at the north part, where cherry blossoms on Yoshino cherry trees and Pendula Plena Rosea come to be in full bloom in late March, and you can enjoy the magnificent view of them with Mt. Hiei as the backdrop. Also, the contrast between the tulips and the cherry blossoms in the greenhouse is also magnificent. Even after mid-April, you can appreciate rare varieties of cherry blossoms in yellow and green. From 26th of March to 10th of April, the cherry blossoms will be lit up after sunset. As that is not widely known, you can savor the magical view while avoiding the crowds.

Opening Hours	9:00AM – 5:00PM / Closed from 28th of Dec through to 4th of Jan *Open between sunset until 9:00PM during the lighting-up event is held
Address	Shimogamohangicho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture
Access	Hotel Gracery Kyoto Sanjo: A 2-minute walk from Shokubutsuen-mae (植物園前) Bus stop which is a 19-minute ride on Nishioji Shijo (西大路四条) bound No.205 bus from Kawaramachi Sanjo (河原町三条) Bus stop Hotel Tavinos Kyoto: A 2-minute walk from Kitayama Station (K03) which is 7 stations away on Kokusaikaikan bound Karasuma Line from Gojo Station (K10)
URL	https://www.pref.kyoto.jp/en/02-02-10.html

The patron god of Taira Clan, “Hirano-Jinja Shrine”, where many rare cherry blossoms dedicated by court nobles have been handed down generation by generation

“Hirano-Jinja Shrine” (平野神社) had been regarded as one of the most important shrines in the Heian era. It has become known as the shrine of cherry blossom because the god crest is cherry blossom and court nobles have dedicated cherry trees for a long time as a symbol of prosperity and reproduction. Including the ‘Sakigake’ cherry trees that come to be in full bloom in late March, 400 cherry trees of about 60 species blooming one after another until the end of April are planted in the precincts. As you’ll see many rare varieties, it should be so interesting to find the features of a variety and compare with them of another’s. From 25th of March to 17th of April, they’ll be lit up and evening worship is dedicated. Except for a certain paid area, you can enjoy the cherry blossoms at night for free. Though it’s visited by many tourists every year, there are fewer visitors in the early morning and you can enjoy cherry blossom in peace.

Opening Hours	6:00AM – 5:00PM *Open until 9:00PM from 25th of March to 17th of April
Address	1 Hiranomiyamotocho, Kita-ku, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture
Access	Hotel Gracery Kyoto Sanjo: A 9-minute walk from Kamishichiken (上七軒) Bus stop which is a 24-minute ride on Kitano-tenmangu Shrine (北野天満宮 御室仁和寺・山越西大路四条) bound No.10 bus from Kawaramachi Sanjo (河原町三条) Bus stop Hotel Tavinos Kyoto: A 2-minute walk from Kinugasako-mae (衣笠校前) Bus stop which is a 45-minute ride on Kitaoji Bus Terminal (北大路バスターミナル) bound No.205 bus from Kawaramachi Gojo (河原町五条) Bus stop
URL	https://www.hiranojinja.com/