9. Okazaki Park
2018/3/30 ~ 4/10 (18:00 ~ 21:30)
Located in Kyoto’s northern Higashiyama District, it is home to two of the best museums in Kyoto.
The place boasts a concert hall and a major shrine known as Heian-Jingu Shrine. It also has a great park space, one of the best places to spend an afternoon while in Kyoto.
10. Heian Shrine
2018/4/5 ~ 4/8 (18:15 ~ 20:30 Admission Closed）
This is famous for its big torii gate. However, you can enjoy another fantastical face of Heian Shrine at night. Plan your visit with Okazaki Park (No.7)!
Also, it holds outdoor night concerts during the term. The ticket price is 2000-yen.
*The link above is only in Japanese.
11. Cherry blossoms tunnel by Randen
2018/3/30 ~ 4/1 (running 18:30 ~ 20:30)
*Depends on the cherry trees’ condition
This is a well-known place to see cherry trees. The trees can be seen all along the track as one travels by train between Narutaki station and Utano station.
The cherry trees are beautifully placed along the track line in such a way that they form a natural tunnel-like path of cherry blossoms.
12. Taizoin Temple
2018/3/31 ~ 4/15 (17:30 ~ or 19:00 ~)
*Only for those who applied the special dinner course (5000-yen)
This is one of the famous sub temples of Myoshinji’s main precincts. It was constructed in 1404 and still remains true to its early days. The beautiful pond garden which was made later is famous for its scenic beauty with fabulous weeping cherry trees.
Also, its rock garden was created about 500 years ago by a famous painter, and the temple itself contains the beautiful image of a Buddhist parable trying to catch a catfish with a gourd bottle.
13. Hirano Shrine
2018/3/25 ~ 4/20 (Sunset ~ around 21:00)
It was founded in 794 and is one of the largest shrine complexes with huge gates in Japan.
The Hirano Shrine has held a cherry blossom festival every year since 985. The first of its festivals was held during the reign of Emperor Kazan. Today it is among the best spots for tree-viewing, singing and drinking.
14. Kyoto Botanical Gardens
2018/3/25 ~ 4/8 (Sunset ~ 20:00 Admission Closed)
This place was founded in 1924. It is the oldest botanical garden in Japan, as well as being one of the most beautiful and well-kept public gardens in Japan.
The garden is composed of seasoned plants and various conservatories. It always has something new to see throughout the year.
15. Hosenin
2017/4/21 ~ 5/6 (18:00 ~ 20:40 Admission Closed)
Hosenin is in Ohara area in Kyoto, which takes about 1 hour by bus from Kyoto station. This is not a cherry trees spot, but it is worth visiting to see the garden, where you regard the space between the pillars as the frame. Also you’ll have the respect for nature by the 700-year old pine tree.
