🌸 Kyoto Night Cherry Blossom Guide 🌸

Discover the most breathtaking night cherry blossom spots in Kyoto and immerse yourself in the beauty of illuminated sakura. Perfect for photography, romantic dates, and unforgettable experiences!

Explore Night Sakura Spots

🌸 Best Night Cherry Blossom Viewing Spots in Kyoto

Here are the top places in Kyoto where you can enjoy illuminated cherry blossoms at night.

Spot	Best Time to Visit	Special Features	Entry Fee
🌸 Kiyomizu-dera Temple	Late March – Early April	Famous illuminated pagoda & stunning city view	¥400
🌸 Maruyama Park	Late March – Early April	Iconic weeping cherry tree, lively night atmosphere	Free
🌸 Nijo Castle	Late March – Mid April	Historical castle with sakura light-up	¥600
🌸 Arashiyama	Late March – Early April	Riverside sakura & bamboo forest nearby	Free
🌸 Heian Shrine	Late March – Mid April	Illuminated cherry blossoms with traditional architecture	¥600

Discover Kyoto’s Most Beautiful Night Sakura Spots! 🌙✨

Scroll down to see detailed information about each location.

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🌸 Kiyomizu-dera Temple

Kiyomizu-dera is one of Kyoto’s most famous spots for night cherry blossom viewing. The illuminated temple and sakura create a breathtaking view over the city.

📷 Best Photo Spot: From the main temple stage, overlooking the sakura and Kyoto city
⏰ Best Time to Visit: Late March – Early April (Illumination from 18:00 – 21:30)
🚶 How to Avoid Crowds: Visit right at opening (18:00) or late evening before closing
💰 Entry Fee: ¥400

🌸 Maruyama Park

Maruyama Park is home to Kyoto’s most famous weeping cherry tree (Shidarezakura). The beautifully lit-up tree creates a magical atmosphere at night.

📷 Best Photo Spot: In front of the giant Shidarezakura tree
⏰ Best Time to Visit: Late March – Early April (Illumination until 22:00)
🚶 How to Avoid Crowds: Visit on weekdays or late at night (after 21:00)
💰 Entry Fee: Free

🏯 Nijo Castle

Nijo Castle offers one of Kyoto’s most elegant cherry blossom illuminations, featuring over 200 trees inside the historic castle grounds.

📷 Best Photo Spot: Cherry trees surrounding the Ninomaru Garden
⏰ Best Time to Visit: Late March – Early April (Illumination until 21:00)
🚶 How to Avoid Crowds: Arrive right at the opening time (18:00) or visit on weekdays
💰 Entry Fee: 800 JPY (Night admission fee)

⛩️ Heian Shrine

Heian Shrine’s garden is one of the most beautiful spots in Kyoto for nighttime cherry blossom viewing, featuring weeping cherry trees illuminated in pink.

📷 Best Photo Spot: The reflection of cherry blossoms on the garden pond
⏰ Best Time to Visit: Early to Mid-April (Illumination until 21:00)
🚶 How to Avoid Crowds: Visit after 19:30 when the initial rush slows down
💰 Entry Fee: 600 JPY (Night garden admission)

🌸 Arashiyama

Arashiyama is a magical place for cherry blossom viewing at night, especially along the Togetsukyo Bridge and the riverside, where lanterns light up the pink blooms.

📷 Best Photo Spot: Togetsukyo Bridge with cherry blossoms reflecting on the river
⏰ Best Time to Visit: Early to Mid-April (Illumination until 22:00)
🚶 How to Avoid Crowds: Walk along the riverside paths for a quieter experience
💡 Special Event: Limited-time Sakura Night Illumination

🌸 Okazaki Area

The Okazaki area, near Heian Shrine, offers a picturesque canal lined with cherry blossoms illuminated at night. The combination of water reflections and lanterns creates a stunning view.

📷 Best Photo Spot: Okazaki Canal with cherry blossoms and boat reflections
⏰ Best Time to Visit: Early to Mid-April (Illumination until 21:30)
🚶 How to Avoid Crowds: Visit after 20:00 when most tourists have left
💡 Special Event: “Sakura Boat Cruise” – enjoy cherry blossoms from the water

🌸 Experience Kyoto’s Stunning Night Sakura!

Kyoto’s cherry blossoms become even more magical at night, with stunning illuminations and breathtaking views. Whether you prefer the lively atmosphere of Maruyama Park or the serene beauty of Okazaki Canal, there’s a perfect spot for everyone.

⛩️ **For Historic Charm:** Visit **Kiyomizu-dera** or **Nijo Castle**
🌊 **For Water Reflections:** Check out **Okazaki Canal** or **Arashiyama’s Togetsukyo Bridge**
🎉 **For Festive Atmosphere:** Head to **Maruyama Park**
📷 **For Photography:** Explore **Fushimi Inari** or **Heian Shrine Garden**

Plan your trip well and enjoy Kyoto’s best night sakura views!

Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to common questions about night sakura viewing in Kyoto.

Kyoto’s cherry blossoms typically bloom from late March to early April. Night illuminations usually last until mid-April.

Yes, especially at Maruyama Park and Kiyomizu-dera. To avoid crowds, visit on weekdays or after 20:00.

Some spots like Nijo Castle and Heian Shrine require an entrance fee, while others like Maruyama Park are free.

Bring warm clothing, as Kyoto gets chilly at night in early spring. Comfortable shoes are also recommended.

Yes! Many photographers offer night sakura photoshoots, especially around Kiyomizu-dera and Gion.

🌙 Stay Close to Kyoto’s Best Night Sakura Spots!

After an enchanting evening of cherry blossom viewing, relax in a comfortable hotel nearby. Book your stay now for the best experience.

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🎟️ Join a Guided Night Sakura Tour in Kyoto!

Discover Kyoto’s most beautiful cherry blossom illuminations with an expert guide. Enjoy a hassle-free experience with insider tips and the best photo spots!

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