🌸Full Bloom! My Ultimate List of Beautiful Cherry Blossom Spots Around Kyoto

#cherryblossom25
It's that time of year again — Sakura Season, my absolute favorite!
Here’s a list of stunning cherry blossom spots around Kyoto and Kansai that have totally stolen my heart 💗✨

🏯 Himeji Castle
A lesser-known cherry blossom spot compared to busy Osaka and Kyoto, but top-ranked by Lonely Planet!
It’s one of Japan’s three most famous castles, with elegant white walls surrounded by clouds of pink blossoms — totally dreamy and romantic 💕
🚄 Access:

~60 mins from JR Kyoto Station via Shinkansen
~45 mins from JR Shin-Osaka
15 min walk from JR Himeji Station
🏯 Hikone Castle (Shiga)
Near Kyoto, this spot features a beautiful weeping cherry tree right at the entrance shrine — photo-perfect!
As you explore further inside, you’re surrounded by full-bloom trees and can even spot Lake Biwa in the distance.
🚄 Access:

48 mins from JR Kyoto Station to Hikone Station
🌸 Sewaritei (背割堤)
A local favorite for hanami! Even from afar, you’ll see a long stretch of sakura lining the riverbanks for kilometers.
It can get crowded, but just walk a little deeper — there are plenty of peaceful spots for perfect photos 📸🌸

⛩️ Fushimi Jukkokubune River Cruise
A canal lined with cherry trees on both sides — you can stroll under the blossoms or take a traditional boat ride for the full experience.
If you catch the sakura snow, the petals cover the water like a pink blanket 💕
🕰️ Tip: Morning visits are best, and boat rides need to be booked in advance!

🦌 Nara Park
Aside from stunning sakura, you’ll find adorable deer under the cherry trees!
For the most romantic view, go to Ukimi-do Pavilion where the lake reflects the falling blossoms like a dream 🌸🦌💕

🌸 Saho River (左保川)
A lesser-known gem — this peaceful little river is lined with cherry blossoms for 7 kilometers, and you’ll hardly run into any tourists. Just calm, scenic beauty 🌸🌿

🏮 Hirano Shrine
This shrine features over 60 types of cherry trees!
Stroll through the blooms during the day, then stick around in the evening for illuminated night sakura and a charming little temple fair 💡🌸

🚃 Arashiyama
Famous for both autumn leaves and sakura, this Kyoto suburb is packed with charm!
Don’t miss the bamboo forest, Nonomiya Shrine, Tenryu-ji Temple, and Togetsukyo Bridge.
✨ Bonus: Catch the Randen cherry blossom tunnel with a purple tram gliding through — like stepping into an anime scene 💜🚃

🚂 Keage Incline (蹴上インクライン)
This abandoned railway is now a stunning sakura walkway.
Walk along the tracks under a canopy of cherry blossoms — when the wind blows, it rains petals. Pure magic 🌸🚶♀️🌸

#travel