Kyoto’s spring season is a fleeting window that transforms the ancient city into a sea of soft pinks and whites. Here are some of the places you can visit to catch the splendour of spring in Kyoto to complement your stay at the likes of the best hotels in Kyoto, Japan.
Philosopher’s Path at Sunrise
Visit this two-kilometre stone walkway at dawn, and you’ll get the quintessential ‘sakura chaser’ experience – the sight of petals drifting into the still waters of a canal lined with hundreds of cherry trees. It’s a pure moment of bliss in nature’s tranquillity before the crowds arrive.
The Great Weeping Cherry of Maruyama
If you’re too cosy in bed at Park Hotel Kyoto to wake up at dawn, this park is your next best bet. The massive weeping cherry tree at its centre is the heart of Kyoto’s springtime season, and the park itself comes to life with festive energy and the glow of traditional lanterns.
Arashiyama’s Riverside Splendour
The mountains of Arashiyama become a dramatic backdrop in the spring. The area around the Togetsukyo Bridge at the base is filled with cherry blossoms, and the sight of them reflected in the Katsura River evokes a different kind of tranquillity altogether.
Nijo Castle
This UNESCO World Heritage site is where the Nijo Castle Sakura Festival takes place from March to mid-April. The historic gardens here transform into an ethereal wonderland with light displays and projections that extend the magic of the season well into the evening.
