Destination

Kyoto living tradition

It was the capital for over one thousand years

Kyoto was designed to be a capital city. Emperor Kanmu transferred the imperial court here in 794, and it remained until 1869. Being the capital also made Kyoto a cultural center. You can feel the length of Kyoto’s enduring influence in everything from the continually refined cultural practices to the buildings and gardens that have stood the test of time.

It has 14 UNESCO World Cultural Heritage sites

Thanks to its long history, Kyoto is a treasure trove of historical sites. There are 14 World Cultural Heritage sites within Kyoto City limits and 3 more in nearby locations. They include an elaborate castle that attests to the power of the shoguns, and historic shrines and temples that are home to countless precious works of art. Many other sites are National Treasures or Important Cultural Properties.

March – May

Spring weather in Kyoto is mild, and the cherry blossom displays make it a popular time to visit. Temperatures start to rise day by day from mid-March, and visitors can appreciate warm, sunny weather while exploring the outdoors. If you like to stretch your legs a bit, it’s a great time to go out for a hike in Kyoto!

Beginning in March, the city will be colored by a variety of seasonal flowers and plants, starting with plum blossoms, and then cherry blossoms, azaleas, wisteria, and irises, all blooming in succession. The April cherry blossoms are particularly beloved by visitors and locals alike, and for the short period that they bloom, it’s common to hold picnics and parties under the trees.

Kyoto Cherry Blossom Calendar

See recommended locations and information about recent years’ blooming periods to help plan your next journey.

See Kyoto’s famous cherry blossoms, or “sakura,” at their best!

Kyoto is full of spectacular locations to see all the different varieties of cherry blossoms at their peak. (Different species of cherry blossoms may bloom at slightly different times. Elevation may also affect the start of the blooming period.)

Special admissions and evening light-ups will be held at some temples and shrines during cherry blossom season.

Haru no Odori”