The Best Time to See Weeping Cherry Blossoms is Until Mid-April – “Kodai-ji Temple with a Beautiful Zen Garden

“Kodai-ji Temple(高台寺)” is located in Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto City, which has Kiyomizu Temple, Heian Jingu and Kyoto City Zoo. It was founded by his wife, ‘Kita-no-Mandokoro Nene’ to pray for his happiness in the afterlife. The temple has been popular for its beautiful spring scenery ‘Weeping cherry blossoms’, which are planted in the traditional Japanese rock garden. Many tourists visit to see it at a glance. Spring illumination event is held at the night, and you can enjoy the scenery different from the daytime.

“Kodai-ji Temple” was established in 1606. Although the official name is Kodai-ji -jushozenji Temple (高台寿聖禅寺), it’s famous among locals as ‘Nene no Tera’ because the temple was founded by Toyotomi’s wife, Nene. There are many highlights in the precincts such as the garden with seasonal views, ‘Otamaya, which has been designated as an Important Cultural Property and the bamboo forest.

One of the highlights of the temple is Hojo Garden (方丈庭園) called Hashin-tei (波心庭). The traditional Japanese rock garden with impressive white sand that represents wave splash has a big weeping cherry tree as a symbol. The pure white sand brings out the pink color of the cherry blossoms, and it’s getting more beautiful.

The best time to see the weeping cherry tree is from late March to mid-April every year. It is lit up during the flowering period, and also allows you to go to the special nighttime entrance from March to early May every year. The illuminated cherry blossoms at night add softness and gorgeousness to the simple space where you can feel traditional Japanese beauty. The expression of cherry blossoms changes between day and night, so it might be a good idea to appreciate both.